Monday, October 25, 2010

Ambien and me.


Insomnia has long been my nemesis. It used to be that I would only get it if I was stressed, or upset, or excited, or in a different bed, or if the air molecules weren't circulating in just the right way in the room.

But last year all of that changed. Meaning, it got worse. For two weeks straight I was averaging about four hours of sleep a night. I felt like my head was about to fall off my body. It was literally hard to think straight.

Surprisingly, it didn't affect my writing ability all that much. I actually wrote a good portion of My Unfair Godmother during that time. (What else are you going to do when you wake up at three in the morning?) It did, however, affect other important cognitive functions, like being able to discern the difference between laundry soap and fabric softener. I was constantly pouring the wrong one into the washing machine. In my defense, they were both in blue bottles. Okay, one was a light blue bottle that read: FABRIC SOFTNER and the other was in a dark blue bottle that read: CHEER, but still. Who notices those sort of details when your head is about to fall off?

So I finally went to my doctor and he prescribed Ambien.

I must admit I was a bit worried after I read about the side effects. The list starts out with dizziness, and daytime sleepiness, and then if you're still reading it mentions that people have gotten out of bed, driven vehicles, eaten food, made phone calls, oh yeah, and had sex while not fully aware.

Come again, what?

I began to wonder if taking that little pink pill would unleash some sort of Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde sort of thing. What exactly was my Ambien personality going to do? But then I thought, Hey--maybe my Ambien personality will finish my manuscript!

Alas, that has never happened. Maybe I should have noticed in the side effect section that not once did it ever say: People have gotten out of bed and done their work. Which makes me wonder if all those people who got caught doing those other things were just using Ambien as an excuse. (No really, Officer, I don't know what I'm doing here in the red light district. It must be the Ambien.)

Anyway, I'm very glad to have my little pink friend on nights when I can't sleep. I highly recommend it--even if your Ambien personality won't be doing your work for you.

31 comments:

Sara B. Larson said...

My MIL takes Ambien and has for years, and she has done some crazy stuff on it. She can't remember conversations the next day if you talk to her after she takes it, she'll get up and eat entire pans of cake/cookies/leftovers and have no recollection of it. Fun times. Hopefully you just stay asleep! :) Did you ever try melatonin? I've heard some people say it works really well, it's natural and so far I haven't heard of any sleep-driving/eating/sex from it. Either way, I hope you get more sleep! Sounds like the Ambien is helping which is great. :)

Janette Rallison said...

I wish I could blame all the chocolate I eat on the Ambien . . .but no, I'm pretty sure, I'm conscious when I do that.

I have tried melatonin and still do take it sometimes just hoping it will do something, but I'm not sure if it actually helps.

Meredith said...

Ugh, being sleepless is the lamest thing ever. I had insomnia pretty bad my senior year of college, but luckily, it has gone away in the years since (knock on wood).

Now, whenever I can't sleep, I concentrate really hard on not moving my arms. Weird, I know, and I'm not sure if it actually does something or is just mental thing, but it usually works!

Jennifer J. Stewart said...

I wake up early, too, and if I'm woken up (and it doesn't take much noise), I have trouble getting back to sleep.

I have taken Ambien when I travel with a snoring writing friend, and it is wonderful. I am happy the next day, and she is alive, because I have not smothered her with a pillow.

I don't know if you get any exercise on a regular basis, but that might help. Calcium pills have a slight sedative affect.

It is the worst, to feel like you are a zombie from lack of sleep. I hope that this is temporary.

nikkebirde said...

The first time I took ambien turned out to the the last time I took it! I took the little pink pill and went to go sit on my bed and about ten minutes after I took it I started to see snakes all of the walls, and if that wasn't scary enough my mom and brother walked into my room to tell me something and they had three heads each. Their heads were moving up and down and side to side and I found it just a tad bit to crazy for my liking. I resolved to never touch those pills again. But I guess it's great that they actually work for some people!

Janette Rallison said...

Oh, that would be scary! It's funny how medicine has different effects on people. Like, for example, Vicoden doesn't work on me at all. I found this out after I had surgery and the doctor prescribed it for me. Yeah, that was a fun discovery that my pain killer didn't work.

Janette Rallison said...

Oh, and I do take calcium pills at night. I'm not sure if they help me sleep, but I figure calcium is good for you anyway.

Lauren L. said...

I love your books. I have read all of them. Thank you for being my favorite author, and making the funniest, and cutest romantic comedies I have ever read. I loved Just One Wish, it made me cry. I'm really excited for your new book to come out. I guess I just want to say, thanks!

Botterfly Girl said...

Ok I have a question that doesn't have to do with Ambien, (though my dad does have that issue) I am supposed to read a british novel for English, and though I know they are all not boring yadayada, I was hoping you could recomend a good one (Ive already read a bunch of CS Lewis and Jane Austin) something fun like Janette's books.

Janette Rallison said...

Does it have to be historical? If you can read contemporary, I like Louise Arnold's Invisible Friend series. If it has to be historic, you might try Cranford. I haven't read it, but everyone keeps telling me it's good so it's on my to-read list. If it can be short, you could read A Christmas Carol by Dickens, because everybody has to read that book. It's a cultural thing, and hey, you don't want to look silly at parties when people are discussing Tiny Tim and you have no idea what they're talking about.

Or I could talk with a Brittish accent and you could just pretend . . .

Kayla :) said...

I haven't been able to sleep at all lately. xD But I think it's just me being stubborn. And procratinating. If they could invent a pill that cured procrastination, my life would be so much better. :D

Botterfly Girl said...

The british accent plan sounds good.... thanks for the suggestions, I'm in upper classman in highschool so I might need something a little meatier than the invisble friend series (though they sound really good) I dont know, oh and it doesn't have to be historical fiction. Thanks for the suggestions again!

Jane Isfeld Still said...

I read your title and thought you were writing about a girlwith an unusual name. lol
I LOVE melatonin.
It makes you lose weight. You don't get up in the middle of the night and eat chocolate or have sex. Hmmm not as much fun as ambian, might have to switch. :)

Janette Rallison said...

One of my favorite books by a modern English author is Jonathan Stroud's The Amulet of Samarkand in The Bartimaeus Trilogy (and I liked book 2 a lot also--not so much, book 3) Hmmm, I seem to like the Harry Potterish books quite a bit. Anyway, Bartimaeus is a great character. The book totally made me want to write a book about a geenie someday.

Botterfly Girl said...

The Bartimaeus Trilogy sounds awsome! Its between reading that and "Princess Bride" I'll probably go to Books a Million and figure it out... Oh by the way, they do not carry your books at my BAMs, I wish you could fix that...:(

Janette Rallison said...

Princess Bride is an awesome book and an even better movie! Hmmmm. I wonder why BAM doesn't carry my books. Next time you're in tell them they should.

Julie Wright said...

Insomnia has plagued me on and off for years, but Ambien always scared me to take. I've taken melatonin before and found it didn't do much for regulating my sleeping patterns. SO I started reading the begat section of the bible when I needed to sleep. It works every time. :)

Botterfly Girl said...

I love that movie! I think I'll just buy both of the books. I don't have anything better to do but read them, (what, school?) Oh and don't worry, I have already gotten onto my BAM's employees about depriving people of your wisdom

Janette Rallison said...

You are totally awesome, Botterfly Girl!

Lulu (The Bookworm is Here!) said...

Hi, I have the same trouble with sleeping. But only every other night...Anyways I am a big fan of your books (even though I haven't read them YET). I actually have a blog I started recently and I just posted something about My Fair Godmother. I am dying to read two of your books! I would LOVE for you to VISIT my blog! It would be an honour. It is at: www.lulu-bookaddict.blogspot.com Thanks for reading my post!

-lulu

Jane Isfeld Still said...

OK Janette, this has nothing to do with Ambien but I just finished your book "How to take the EX-out of Boyfriend.
YOU ARE FUNNY!!! I loved it chuckled all through and laughed out loud. I can't believe I loved teen romance. LOL
When my Blog gets up I definitely want to interview you about that book. !!!

Unknown said...

Nice! I am glad you are not having many side effects, however It might be fun to have some kind of great story to tell.. you know, provided everyone is safe and not in any danger ( :

That sex side effect is an interesting one.... Wonder how many of those were people who just didn't want to admit they had it... haha! Anyhow... sometimes side effects listed are scary. I am pretty sure most every med has death as a side effect to cover the company in the event someone dies. Kinda freaky...

ambien zolpidem said...

Started doing odd things during the night. Ground the coffee beans and actually made the coffee. Changed pj's. Ate food, and didn't remember a thing. No more Ambien for me.

Anonymous said...

Best Article Merry Xmax Excellent post. I appreciate this site. Stick with it! Because the admin of this web page is working, no doubt very quickly it will be well-known, due to its quality contents.This website was how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally, I’ve found something that helped me.

Best Article Buy Pain relief medications online Excellent post. I appreciate this site. Stick with it! This website was how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally, I’ve found something that helped me.

herbalincensekush said...

Legit Online Drug Supplier Welcome legit online drugstore buy all your pills here, cocaine for sale online, buy ecstasy, amphetamine pills, crack, cocaine.

Link: Buy Cocaine online

Link: Buy Pure Grade Heroin online

Link: Buy Fentanyl online

Link: Buy GHB Powder online

Link: Buy Amphetamine Powder online

Link: Buy Tapentadol Tablets online

amit said...

Yap here you get the best info about Ambien Oral

Mexicanpills said...

Exclusive post. Thanks

Buy Ambien Online

Steave Roger said...

Reading your post was interesting and relevant to me as I see this drug given for patient's with pain in the ED sometimes. I wonder how chirality of compounds can influence addiction.

BUY AMBIEN ONLINE WITH OVERNIGHT DELIVERY

"BuyLevitraGeneric .mobi provides genuine information about any kind of medicine even provides an online option to get the pills. Plus the overnight delivery of the product is quite applauding."

Genericambienonline said...

*** Click here to buy all medicines online in U.S.A ***

*** Insured a guaranteed delivery ***

***Do you need to get medicines online at overnight shipping FedEx delivery ***

FIND!!! >>> Buy all medicines at cheap<<-- CLICK HERE!!! <<< - Online Drugs

***All drug stores selling medicines are gathered in one web site***

***100 % Highest Quality***

***2017. Top Pharmacy List***

***Special Internet Prices***

***Best quality drugs***

***NO PRIOR PRESCRIPTION NEEDED***

***100% Anonymity & Discreet shipping***

***Friendly customer support***

***Watchful packaging***

***Swift worldwide shipping***

***10 days money-back guarantee***

***Many payment options: Visa, MasterCard ***

***Paypal, American Express, Automated***

***Clearing House (ACH) and et***

*** Quick response ***

*** Get Qulaity medicines here ***

*** Hassle-free Experience ***

*** Quality Meds ***

***100% Safe & Secure medicines Delivered At Doorstep***

***CLICK HERE TO BUY INSTANTLY AT DISCOUNTED PRICES***

***Order Now for Overnight Delivery***






What will happen if you don't have a proper sleeping routine?
As per medical guidelines, a person needs to have at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep in a whole day. But in
today's time, most people suffer from lack of adequate sleep or for less time only. However, you
should know that good quality sleep is essential for a person's good health.
When you sleep properly, it does puts the body at ease and also lowers the blood pressure.
Moreover, it reduces heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's. Hence, when
you move towards a proper sleeping cycle, it boosts your energy level and improves your mood. It is
a perfect solution to curb your anxiety and depression.
But if a person lacks proper sleeping habits, it will lead to several health problems. It will prolong the
recovery time from any illness. The most common issue that you face is insomnia. Moreover, the
lack of long-term sleep will increase the risk of chronic diseases.

Genericambienonline said...

*** Click here to buy all medicines online in U.S.A ***

*** Insured a guaranteed delivery ***

***Do you need to get medicines online at overnight shipping FedEx delivery ***

FIND!!! >>> Buy all medicines at cheap<<-- CLICK HERE!!! <<< - Online Drugs

***All drug stores selling medicines are gathered in one web site***

***100 % Highest Quality***

***2017. Top Pharmacy List***

***Special Internet Prices***

***Best quality drugs***

***NO PRIOR PRESCRIPTION NEEDED***

***100% Anonymity & Discreet shipping***

***Friendly customer support***

***Watchful packaging***

***Swift worldwide shipping***

***10 days money-back guarantee***

***Many payment options: Visa, MasterCard ***

***Paypal, American Express, Automated***

***Clearing House (ACH) and et***

*** Quick response ***

*** Get Qulaity medicines here ***

*** Hassle-free Experience ***

*** Quality Meds ***

***100% Safe & Secure medicines Delivered At Doorstep***

***CLICK HERE TO BUY INSTANTLY AT DISCOUNTED PRICES***

***Order Now for Overnight Delivery***






What will happen if you don't have a proper sleeping routine?
As per medical guidelines, a person needs to have at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep in a whole day. But in
today's time, most people suffer from lack of adequate sleep or for less time only. However, you
should know that good quality sleep is essential for a person's good health.
When you sleep properly, it does puts the body at ease and also lowers the blood pressure.
Moreover, it reduces heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer's. Hence, when
you move towards a proper sleeping cycle, it boosts your energy level and improves your mood. It is
a perfect solution to curb your anxiety and depression.
But if a person lacks proper sleeping habits, it will lead to several health problems. It will prolong the
recovery time from any illness. The most common issue that you face is insomnia. Moreover, the
lack of long-term sleep will increase the risk of chronic diseases.

Unknown said...

Hi there,

Thank you so much for the post you do and also I like your post, Are you looking for Buy Ambien Online in the whole USA? We are providing how to order medicine online, how to contact pharmacy, buy am-2201 online; buy codeine phosphate online; fertigyn 5000 injection online; buy dilaudid online with prescription; buy tylenol online; where can i buy Tylenol; buy dextroamphetamine uk; Buy from multiplex phama shop online, Online multiplex phama shop, quick tips for buy pharmaceutical products, Buy pharmaceutical products online, pharmacy process flow, pharmaceutical products online, buy medicines online with discount, medicines online with discount, Buying and selling medicine online, online medicine order, medicine home delivery near me, online medicine home delivery near me, independent pharmacy delivery service, prescription courier service, medication delivery companies near me, prescription drugs delivery, prescription delivery service, pharmacy near me,24 hour pharmacy near me now, buy mst; buy hydromorphone online; buy amphetamines online; buy oxynorm online; order concerta online; lendormin buy online; Buy Ambien online with the well price and our services are very fast.
Click here for MORE DETAILS......
Contact us at: (+1) 7324738715
WhatsApp us at: (+1) 7324738715
Email :info@multiplexpharmashop.com