Medication are being switched at a bad time, need advice

[Erin Cramer]

For years I comfortably took Zolpidem (Ambien) with Sertraline (Zoloft). In the past two weeks, the ambien has not been doing it's just at all. which leaves me restless and anxious. I went to the doctor to switch medication. Important note here, I do not have insurance and the doctor has become a close acquaintance (he uses our boarding facility frequently for his own dogs). He is sensitive to the fact that I have to repeatedly meet with him lately in order to straighten out my medication. Anotoher important note, I am leaving for Africa in just under two weeks. So, back to my story -- The other day my medicine was switched to Sonata. The price point is the same and the only thing I have left to try before I go to the pricey ones... I tried Sonata last night, I slept for 2 hours before working a 14.5 hour day. I'm worried that this won't be regulated before I go. Do i keep taking the ambien even though it's affects are diminished (i mean i can sleep, but with difficulty and constantly waking up) or power through it with the new Sonata?

[Judie]

For years I comfortably took Zolpidem (Ambien) with Sertraline (Zoloft). In the past two weeks, the ambien has not been doing it's just at all. which leaves me restless and anxious. I went to the doctor to switch medication. Important note here, I do not have insurance and the doctor has become a close acquaintance (he uses our boarding facility frequently for his own dogs). He is sensitive to the fact that I have to repeatedly meet with him lately in order to straighten out my medication. Anotoher important note, I am leaving for Africa in just under two weeks. So, back to my story -- The other day my medicine was switched to Sonata. The price point is the same and the only thing I have left to try before I go to the pricey ones... I tried Sonata last night, I slept for 2 hours before working a 14.5 hour day. I'm worried that this won't be regulated before I go. Do i keep taking the ambien even though it's affects are diminished (i mean i can sleep, but with difficulty and constantly waking up) or power through it with the new Sonata?

I have no idea, but personally I would try to power through it. Ambien is starting to have a very bad rep here in the U.S. I think you need to give any new med a bit of time to work. You have been on Zoloft for years ? Could it be that you are just developing a burn out on the Zoloft, and it no longer works as effectively, therefore increasing the restlessness at night ?

[Lin]

It is always best to give new meds a while to see if they do help you and then you know if they can work for you or not.
Changing meds is always a difficult time and all meds can have different side effects for different people.
You have to decide in end if you have given them enough time to work and then if the side effects are worth persevering with.
Once meds start working they can really help and give you a lift to help you cope with life.
Hope yours work soon and you get some relief soon.