tommy215 Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 So I finally had my consult with a sleep specialist. He seems to think I have apnea and ordered an overnight sleep study. I cannot wait to get it done...I truly don't believe I have apnea. He seemed to really brush off my ideas and concerns about sleep medications. I explained how inconsistent zolpidem ER was for me. In fact, I had to remind him last minute I didn't have any of my Ambien left. He told me I was on too high a dose at 12.5mg and told me to cut it in half. I then reminded him it was a controlled release pill. He said it didn't matter but I believe he is wrong. In the end, he prescribed instant release zolpidem 5mg. I'm hoping this formulation works better. Am I expecting too much for a first visit? Perhaps if I prove the legitimacy of my insomnia he will explore medications like Restoril and Dalmane. Sorry, I just had to vent. I guess I was disappointed walking out with yet another zolpidem incarnation. I'll update once I try the new formulation for a few nights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savannah Posted October 16, 2017 Share Posted October 16, 2017 (edited) That visit sounds about right. I had an appointment with a sleep doctor. We talked very briefly and I was to get setup for the study. The wait was another 4 months away. I had to wait 6 months to see the doctor for the initial visit. too crazy Edited October 28, 2017 by Savannah Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrazyRedhead Posted October 17, 2017 Share Posted October 17, 2017 (edited) 13 hours ago, tommy215 said: He told me I was on too high a dose at 12.5mg and told me to cut it in half. I then reminded him it was a controlled release pill. He said it didn't matter but I believe he is wrong. In the end, he prescribed instant release zolpidem 5mg. I'm hoping this formulation works better. I'm not a doc, but I do know you really aren't supposed to split controlled release medications ....... 12.5mg zolpidem ER, or 10mg zolpidem IR is the recommended max dosage for men. 5mg IR (or 6.25 ER) is the recommended dose for women, although my pdoc prescribed the higher men's dose for me and it still didn't do much, so I gave up on it. I certainly hope the 5mg IR works out for you, but there are a lot of other possibiities out there if it doesn't. Here's a link with zolpidem dosage info: https://www.drugs.com/dosage/zolpidem.html#Usual_Adult_Dose_for_Insomnia I also hope your sleep study goes well, and that you are able to get the right med(s) to help you........I have struggled with insomnia for almost 5 years now, so I know how you feel. Edited October 17, 2017 by CrazyRedhead Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommy215 Posted October 18, 2017 Author Share Posted October 18, 2017 Thanks for both of your replies. I guess once I have the sleep study I can then show that I'm truly struggling to achieve even a full 5hrs of restful sleep. Oddly enough, the instant release zolpidem is working betree so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikl_pls Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 He sounds like a dick... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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