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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does anyone take a sleep aid, in particular, ambien?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
New Jersey, NJ
August 31, 2015
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Answer Summary

Members shared their varied experiences with sleep aids for fibromyalgia, with Ambien being a common but mixed choice—some found it effective... Read more

Members shared their varied experiences with sleep aids for fibromyalgia, with Ambien being a common but mixed choice—some found it effective for getting 4-6 hours of sleep, while others reported concerning side effects like sleep-walking, cooking while asleep, memory loss, and feeling hung over. Many members described finding better success with alternative medications including trazodone (often in smaller, adjustable doses), melatonin, 5-HTP, gabapentin, Klonopin, and even inexpensive over-the-counter options, though several noted that effectiveness often faded over time or required combination approaches. A recurring theme was the frustration of severe insomnia that doesn't respond to typical remedies, the need for careful monitoring when starting new sleep medications due to safety concerns, and ongoing worry about long-term cognitive effects versus the critical need for restorative sleep.

A MyFibroTeam Member

wow that just goes to show you how different we all are...amitriptyline was prescribed for me for chronic pain way back in 1989 and I ened up in psch ward...true manic episode...only one of my life

September 2, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I take 50 mg of trazadone and 300 mg of Gabapetin. They both work pretty good.

September 9, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member I haven't walked out the door yet at night but I have turned the oven on burned the pump to the swamp cooler and burnt a colander on the stove. I guess it could of been a lot worse and what really bugs me I am not aware of what I just did. Thank God my family is supportive or I don't know where I would be.

September 8, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I take Klonopin/Clonazepam to help with sleep - just 1 1/2 mg about an hour before bed. It gets me to sleep and helps me stay asleep as well. (For years I just took 1 mg nightly.)

September 2, 2015
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have taken ambien which made me loose memory and I slept cooked.(very dangerous) . Trazadone did not help. I have just tried a new medication Belsomra. It has so far helped me to stay asleep. I also got a Craftmatic adjustable bed with memory cool foam. I still have trouble sleeping on my side because of the pain but is it better than it was. The adjustable bed lets me sit higher in bed. It was a good choice.

September 1, 2015

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