[kevin9494]

Has anyone who has been taking Ambien recently been switched to the generic version (Zolpidem) I just got my refill and it was for the generics which I have never taken. For some reason I doesn't seem to work for sleep (AT ALL) Now, I have never been critcal of generic medications, in fact, I really never thought it made a difference. Please post your experiences with the generic version. Thank You.

[AdheringtoLife]

I haven't taken the generic yet, I was waiting on feedback from others. I take the 12.5 though, wonder if it is even available in the CR?

[skullfission]

I myself haven't really noticed a difference in the Mylan ones. I've had 3 fills of the generic 10 mg now (two Mylan and another from a company I can't remember) and the only time I noticed a difference was with the non-Mylan ones. It did seem like a dramatic reduction in potency.

[Catasteams]

I have been using ambien for about 6 yrs, because of sleeping problems related to fibromyalgia. It has worked well for me and I did not have any weird side effects. 2 weeks ago, the pharmacy filled it with the generic zolpidem. I finally figured out that the recent trouble sleeping was due to the generic. It took me a long time to fall asleep and then I would wake up 4hrs later, tossing and turning the rest of the night. I finally figured out that it was the generic. My pharmacist gave me some real ambien and have slept again for the past two nights. TODAY, I got a letter from my insurance, stating that the generic is now going to be on their formulary and Ambien is going to cost me more. HELP, what can I do?? It is so frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[James A. Lyons]

Originally Posted by kevin9494

Has anyone who has been taking Ambien recently been switched to the generic version (Zolpidem) I just got my refill and it was for the generics which I have never taken. For some reason I doesn't seem to work for sleep (AT ALL) Now, I have never been critcal of generic medications, in fact, I really never thought it made a difference. Please post your experiences with the generic version. Thank You.

I don't remember if I was taking the brand name or generic Ambien, but what I do rememeber was that after I took it it made me feel like I was on mushrooms everytime. Usually about an hour after I would take it, I would get this strong urge to call some of my friends or family late at night just to chat with them. I also felt very strange after taking this prescription sleep aid. This prescription sleep aid was by most the most bizzare of all medications I have taken......and really have to laugh about it's side effects.

[rwr104]

I took Zolpidem (5mg) in 2001. After 28 days I was experiencing many side effects such as sleeplessness, nightmares, depression, paranoia and strange behaviour (I would get out of lifts two floors above/below the floor I wanted so I could check who was folowing me). It also affected my vision - I developed 'blind spots' but didn't realise it, which led to my pulling out in front of a car. I discussed these symptoms with my doctor and the doseage was increased to 10mg for 28 days (to try to overcome the sleeplessness); by the end of this period I was in trouble with the police and ended up with a criminal conviction which, in hind sight, was due to my altered behaviour whilst taking the drug. I can be contacted on rwrZolpidem at googlemail dot com; this email address will be disabled if I receive too much spam.

[Asiablu]

I have taken both, Ambien and Zolipidem I dont notice a difference..... James I laughed when I read your post, I do the same thing! I want to get on the computer and chat and then I want to cook wierd foods! LOL Half the time I dont remember who I talked to or what I cooked

[theguest688]

I've also been on both, having recently switched to generic when it became available earlier this year. Not too much of a difference as far as I could tell. Funny thing was, also tried Ambien CR 12.5 early in the year and it was like the most useless thing to me...got me drowsy and warm and almost happy feeling but never put me to sleep unless I chewed it open first. Needless to say, told the doc and was put back on the cheaper (and I guess for me more effective) regular release form.

[EnoughPercs]

Originally Posted by Asiablu

I have taken both, Ambien and Zolipidem I dont notice a difference..... James I laughed when I read your post, I do the same thing! I want to get on the computer and chat and then I want to cook wierd foods! LOL Half the time I dont remember who I talked to or what I cooked

Same here; I just took one 50 minutes ago & it makes you think you're thinking clarity & straight when you're really on some tangent!
Laughing with you guys as well

Seriously, though, I tend to get sore throat pains from Adderal / smoking & Ambien always seems to take that away?!?!
weird!

[lisam6]

Originally Posted by kevin9494

Has anyone who has been taking Ambien recently been switched to the generic version (Zolpidem) I just got my refill and it was for the generics which I have never taken. For some reason I doesn't seem to work for sleep (AT ALL) Now, I have never been critcal of generic medications, in fact, I really never thought it made a difference. Please post your experiences with the generic version. Thank You.

I also have been switch to zolpidem, and do not fall asleep as fast, also
I don't stay asleep, I wake up in the early morning.
Ambien I would stay asleep the whole night.



Lisa

[nj31flw]

Hi:
I just started on the generic and have the same experience. Ambien put me out in 10 minutes, with the generic, I keep feeling like I'm going under but I just don't.

[Rational Prescriber]

Individual responses do vary, but I still believe generics are important as more costs are shifted to consumers.

[FuschiaTulip]

Hello all! First Timer Here:

I have always taken ambien (not CR) for a sleeping aid throughout the years off and on. It has been the best. Recently, when I tried the generic, I noticed such a huge difference. I do know that generics ARE allowed a plus or minus rule of 5%, but now I had to wait until my 3 month time span ran out before asking my Doctor to put the word "Brand Only" on the prescription. Yes, it is costing me $80.00 co-pay for a 3 month supply, however, many insurance companies will not (unless the doctor specifically notes on the prescription that he wants you to have 90 tabs for the full 3 months, you will be given 60 tabs for 3 month and still have to pay the same co-pay. Some drugs are now starting to be placed in categories where the prescription written for a 3 month period of time will be priced out as so, but the new "maximums" for 3 months (for sure of ambien unless special permission given by your doc) is 60 tabs.

Question: I take 40 mg of lexapro a day. Has anyone ever switched from lexapro to celexa? I never tried celexa, but my insurance compamy is trying to push this on my doctor. Anyone with experiences out there?