Ambien CR and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Adi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 8, 2018

For Insomnia "Over a period of time, my doc prescribed me a whole list of medications to see which one worked the most. Right now, I'm on Ambien CR, and just like most others I had tried, it worked the first few nights. Now, when I take it, I'm wide awake for 5 to 6 hours, and then I'll end up sleeping all day the next day."

• Bra...
• December 20, 2015

For Insomnia "I have severe insomnia, and Ambien CR has worked very well for me. Previously, I tried the Ambien IR, and while it did knock me out for a good 3-4 hours, it didn't help me to stay asleep, and the Ambien CR does just that. My only complaint is some days I seem to be very drowsy and sluggish, but most of the time I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day."

• stl...
• March 31, 2010

For Insomnia "I just started using Ambien CR, and like most of the people, I was scared to take it because of all of these weird side effects that people experience, but thank GOD it worked on me just fine. My doctor was gentle to me, and she prescribed only 5 mg, and I must say it worked like a charm. I took it, and half an hour later (maybe even less), I was deep in sleep. I did sleep close to 5 hours, and I must say I don't remember the last time I was feeling so refreshed and so rested. Other medicines I've tried put me asleep, but when I would wake up, I would feel so groggy. I'm finally happy to say that I found a medicine that works for me."

• Liz...
• March 14, 2015

For Insomnia "I have been on regular Ambien 10 mg since 2007. I have major insomnia and have tried alternatives and even quit drinking caffeine and limit sugar to no avail. I talked to my doctor yesterday and decided to try the CR because I just couldn't stay asleep. After 3-4 hours, I was wide awake. Well, last night I had the most vivid dreams and I am still groggy this morning. It definitely helped me fall back asleep. (I pee a lot, lol.) I am glad I waited until the weekend to see how it would affect me. I took it at 8:30 p.m. and it's almost 9 a.m. and I feel slightly hungover. I'm going to try it again tonight, but sleeping through the night might not be worth it. I can't believe some reviews say it's not effective because it immediately made me sleepy!"

• Fai...
• May 5, 2009

For Insomnia "I've tried several different sleep medications for insomnia and while attempting to get used to the CPAP machine for sleep apnea. Ambien CR works great, I can get a full night's sleep, however, go to bed within 1 hour of taking the medication, or you will feel a bit drugged. I don't recommend taking it every night, it is addictive (try not to take more than 3 nights in a row). It is more difficult to wean off from than regular Ambien. Overall, if needed, this is a good medication if taken responsibly."

• Anonymous
• November 15, 2010

"I came here to post my experience over the years with Ambien and Ambien CR. They were bad for me. I had issues with memory, especially with my family having to remind me of what I said and did, even the morning after, really groggy, cloudy, fuzzy. Not good for raising kids. I was helped by sweetlemon on this website in her post here: I asked my doctor about Silenor, and she gave me 3 milligram tablets. She had no samples, but I figured I had already spent a fortune on Ambien, so why not. Got 7 hours of sleep without a problem. I haven't felt this good in a very, very long time. Thank you all on this website. I can sleep now!"

• Anonymous
• October 27, 2009

For Insomnia "I've taken 12.5 mg Ambien CR on and off for 3 months now. Within the last two weeks, it's been more like every day. I was so groggy all day. Also, I'm not sure I slept... It was more like just being turned off rather than in a state of recuperative sleep. I cut the pill in half last night and had only 4 hours of sleep, where I awakened twice. I still feel more refreshed than ever, probably because this is the first time in weeks I don't have an Ambien hangover. It's a great medicine, but I'd like to wean myself off of it. I suspect it's either causing depression or amplifying a depression I didn't know I had."

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2010

For Insomnia "I used to be on trazodone, Ambien, and Ambien CR. I enjoyed both Ambiens because I did get a lot of the sleep that I have missed out on, but I did feel groggy when I woke up and still tired. When Ambien CR started to not work as well, I would ride a bike and end up in someone else's lawn. My body got so used to all of them that, now after 1 year of not taking them, it still treats my body as if I am 'high.' Everyone's experience is different."

• Dja...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2020

For Insomnia "I take Ambien CR about an hour before bed, and I am awake in 4 hours or less and can't go back to sleep until I take 2 tizanidine, and it barely gets me 2 hours."