Ambien?

[PlainJane]

Didn't know where to post this exactly. My doctor prescribed Ambien but told me he wasn't sure that it was available in Canada. Unfortunately it turns out that it's not available in Canada. Just wondering why that might be. I don't understand why some drugs are available here that you can't get in the US and vice versa. Anyone know why?

Thanks,

Erica

[Baba Yaga]

Erica, I think it's available in Canada as "Zolpidem". If you do some googling, you'll probably be able to confirm yes or no.

[hollipop]

Don't know the answer to the Canada thing, but wanted to say that Ambien rocks! I had that in the hospital and slept like a baby...and awoke fresh and alert!

[PlainJane]

Erica, I think it's available in Canada as "Zolpidem". If you do some googling, you'll probably be able to confirm yes or no.

Nope, it's not available as Zolpidem as far as I can tell.... the pharmacies I went to wouldn't fill it :(

Erica

[PlainJane]

Don't know the answer to the Canada thing, but wanted to say that Ambien rocks! I had that in the hospital and slept like a baby...and awoke fresh and alert!

Ah well thanks a lot you're make me jealous! :( But I'm glad it helped you. My sleep is horrible.

Erica

[Baba Yaga]

Erica, I googled and you appear to be right. How terrible!

It is due for patent expiration soon, maybe then?

I hope you find a way to get it or a good substitute.

Are you on a tricyclic right now like elavil?

One person here had a good experience with seroquel, and other use the hydroxyzine or plain benadryl.

[lisacar]

Plain Jane,
At first I was going to explain how in the US the FDA (food and drug administration) are very, very slow to approve drugs. I work on drug studies to get new things (or indications for them) approved. And then I read how Canada may be slower than our system. It surprised me! I know lots of meds are available in Europe (like England) before we approve them in my country. I found this website for you, and maybe it might help you to keep tabs on when drugs will be approved or available.

BTW, I take Trazadone (generic for Desyrel and an antidepressant) for insomnia, and for me, I really think it works better than drugs like Ambien.
http://www.patentregister.ca/

Good luck and zzzz,

Lisa

[PlainJane]

Hi,

Thanks for your replies. I can't take antidepressants without mood stabilizers because they make me go manic and I had horrible experiences with those types of meds so am not willing to go down that route again.

I tried Starnoc last night which is supposed to be the Canadian equivalent of Ambien. I woke up today feeling exhausted after 11 hours of sleep. I got up 4 times to go to the bathroom. I don't think I am going to find a medication to help with my sleep, nothing seems to knock me out enough to let me rest. I've been awake for 5 hours now and am so groggy and tired I'm going back to bed.

Erica