Benadryl used to wean off of Ambien?

[Marie in Wisconsin]

I have been using benadryl to wean myself off of sleeping pills due to so many side effects (sleepwalking, headaches, migranes). I have been successfull with the stoping of the ambien,(it took 3 weeks!) but I cannot fall asleep without the benadryl. I want to be off of all medication, but I have terrable trouble falling asleep. Any ideas? Any problems with long term benadryl use?(My Dr. does not think I need anything and that Ambien could not possibally cause any of these headaches. I had headaches for 3 months, now with stopping the ambien they are gone!)

[LFB]

Marie, Benadryl does have long term side effects. I took it for years, as did my sister, and it does cause forgetfullness and restless leg syndrome. I went to Ambien and am now weaning myself off of that. The brain needs time for you to get off of any drug and you need a weaning program. Do not be afraid not to sleep. When you wake, if you are awake more than 1/2 hour, do something. I read. Eventually, the brain will get back to where it is normal again, and it is what it is. You can choose to take a drug, sleep less, or go nuts. I intend to accept sleeping less and having those tough nights-and probably read a lot of books. Good luck.