Last night, rock bottom
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: IL now
Posts: 218
Last night, rock bottom
I posted a very inspirational story yesterday about finding my 'family' in AA .. my 4th day of sobriety. Today, I come with bad news. I went to the doctor on Tuesday to ask for help with the insomnia and the withdrawal symptoms.. He prescribed Ambien and Wellbutrin. I felt great after a day on the Wellbutrin, and last night got my second night of Ambien..
That is when it was the beginning of the end. My wife had gone out with her cousin into the city.. so I thought a quiet night of reading and relaxing was the way to go. I switched on 30 Rock, and then slowly dozed off into a peaceful haze. I woke up once during the night, the one time I remembered. I was pulled to the side of the road with 4 police cruisers behind me. They had asked me what I was doing, I don't remember what I told them, but a friend was coming to get me... being that it was a small town and I was from there, they waited for my friend to pick me up. That was then the blackness again. Next time I woke up, I was handcuffed to a railing at the police station. I didn't know how I got there, but was released to a crying, waiting wife an hour later.
My wife told me I had made it home the first time, my neighbor picked me up because she was still too far away. God bless neighbors. The second time she said we got in a fight (we never fight), and she tried to close the garage on my car to stop me from going.. I told her i was going to work, it was 5:30AM.. I usually leave at 7:00AM.. She ran upstairs to grab her phone and threatened to call the police.. I had no idea why she would do that, so I dismissed it and continued on my way.
About 4 blocks away, I was pulled over, told by the officer someone had called and reported me.. I still didn't know why. I complied and got out, and he handcuffed me, I still wasn't sure why, so he gave me a field sobriety test.. I failed with miserable colors.. Still not knowing why.
When I finally got out of the 'pen', I asked my wife what happened, she explained the above, she had called the police (rightfully so), because she had found two empty bottles of wine in the trash, and an empty bottle of patron (it was almost empty to begin with, but still). I don't remember drinking anything but hot tea with honey last night..
When the officers at the station asked me to blow, I did without hesitation, I didn't know the knowledge my wife did above, I didn't taste alcohol on my breath... I was used to it after 3-4 years. I blew a 0.14 -- holy crap. It was 6AM by this time, how much had I drank? When did I drink it?! I don't remember any of it, but today, is the worst day of my life, after yesterday, one of the best. I may lose my wife over this.. and I can't remember anything other than what she told me...
That is when it was the beginning of the end. My wife had gone out with her cousin into the city.. so I thought a quiet night of reading and relaxing was the way to go. I switched on 30 Rock, and then slowly dozed off into a peaceful haze. I woke up once during the night, the one time I remembered. I was pulled to the side of the road with 4 police cruisers behind me. They had asked me what I was doing, I don't remember what I told them, but a friend was coming to get me... being that it was a small town and I was from there, they waited for my friend to pick me up. That was then the blackness again. Next time I woke up, I was handcuffed to a railing at the police station. I didn't know how I got there, but was released to a crying, waiting wife an hour later.
My wife told me I had made it home the first time, my neighbor picked me up because she was still too far away. God bless neighbors. The second time she said we got in a fight (we never fight), and she tried to close the garage on my car to stop me from going.. I told her i was going to work, it was 5:30AM.. I usually leave at 7:00AM.. She ran upstairs to grab her phone and threatened to call the police.. I had no idea why she would do that, so I dismissed it and continued on my way.
About 4 blocks away, I was pulled over, told by the officer someone had called and reported me.. I still didn't know why. I complied and got out, and he handcuffed me, I still wasn't sure why, so he gave me a field sobriety test.. I failed with miserable colors.. Still not knowing why.
When I finally got out of the 'pen', I asked my wife what happened, she explained the above, she had called the police (rightfully so), because she had found two empty bottles of wine in the trash, and an empty bottle of patron (it was almost empty to begin with, but still). I don't remember drinking anything but hot tea with honey last night..
When the officers at the station asked me to blow, I did without hesitation, I didn't know the knowledge my wife did above, I didn't taste alcohol on my breath... I was used to it after 3-4 years. I blew a 0.14 -- holy crap. It was 6AM by this time, how much had I drank? When did I drink it?! I don't remember any of it, but today, is the worst day of my life, after yesterday, one of the best. I may lose my wife over this.. and I can't remember anything other than what she told me...
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,698
Hi Socal dude, I am not a doctor, but it sounds like the medicine has affected you if you dont even recall anything. Have you made an appointment to see your doctor? Something kind of similar happened to my son when they prescribed an anti depressant and then he drank, he became semi violent and the next day he had NO recollection of anything after a period of time. So sorry this has happened 
Guest
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 37
I'm so sorry this happened to you. If I were you, I would stop taking the Ambien! I've heard of people doing lots of things on Ambien and not remembering (including driving). It's dangerous stuff, especially if you're "sleep-drinking". I hope this all works out for you, and I hope your wife is understanding of the effects of the medicine.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 8,326
SoCalDude,
I'm glad you are safe and didn't injure yourself or anyone else. Ambien can cause black outs. People will drive, eat, cook, drink...all kinds of things and have no memory it.
I recommend that you advise the doctor who prescribed the Ambien for you of your reaction to it. I think it's a very dangerous medication. Also it can produce anxiety attacks and hostility.
I hope you feel better soon. Do you have a sponsor yet? I hope you'll stick around SR!
Love from Lenina
I'm glad you are safe and didn't injure yourself or anyone else. Ambien can cause black outs. People will drive, eat, cook, drink...all kinds of things and have no memory it.
I recommend that you advise the doctor who prescribed the Ambien for you of your reaction to it. I think it's a very dangerous medication. Also it can produce anxiety attacks and hostility.
I hope you feel better soon. Do you have a sponsor yet? I hope you'll stick around SR!
Love from Lenina
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 3,550
I'd throw away the pills and go back to square one with your doctor. You might ask him/her whether this has happened with any other patients. It's obvious that driving around in this condition could get you in very serious trouble.The really scary part is the blackouts.
W.
W.
W.
W.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Alaska
Posts: 1,458
Oooh I would DEF stay away from Ambien!
I was given that when I was in the hospital while trying to give birth to my son.
I was given it, hubby came in with subway sandwiches. I fell asleep with a sandwich still in my mouth. My hubby says I was talking a bit as I was eating, apologizing for not being able to give birth, crying, etc.
Don't recall a moment of it!
Very sorry to hear! Hope your wife understands what actually happened!
I was given that when I was in the hospital while trying to give birth to my son.
I was given it, hubby came in with subway sandwiches. I fell asleep with a sandwich still in my mouth. My hubby says I was talking a bit as I was eating, apologizing for not being able to give birth, crying, etc.
Don't recall a moment of it!
Very sorry to hear! Hope your wife understands what actually happened!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,146
Some would say your pills were given to you for good and sound reasons by a caring medical professional who knows all about these things and you should therefore competely disregard any advice to the contrary and continue to take them as directed.
But then, you'll hear all kinds of things on occasion that are patently ridiculous.
Hope you enjoy better days than this one.
But then, you'll hear all kinds of things on occasion that are patently ridiculous.
Hope you enjoy better days than this one.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: IL now
Posts: 218
Thank you all for the kind words... It feels like such a stab straight through the heart after deciding last week that "I am NOT drinking anymore.." I went to the doctor to get a physical and see how things were going. He gave me sleep medicine and some depression medicine to help work through issues.. Things were going PERFECT for once. My wife and I were communicating again, things were going fantastic...
I just hope God has bigger plans for me, better things ahead.. when these rough times kick you in the rear.. that is when you need to trust him most..
I just hope God has bigger plans for me, better things ahead.. when these rough times kick you in the rear.. that is when you need to trust him most..
Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 521
SoCal -- All I can say is that sometimes you have to trust in the universe. I have been going through so much stuff recently that I have felt like the world was going to collpase around me. But, I am still standing... only with the help of wonderful people in my life and a great High Power... that wants what is best for me.
Good luck dude!
Good luck dude!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,193
SoCal, my sleep disorder specialist doctor prescribed me Ambien for my night terrors but she said it could make me walk around and have conversations I don't remember, etc. I thought, that sounds little different from my night terrors, I think I'll pass unless I really think I need to take it! I talked to some peopel and did some research and ambien does indeed make some people do strange things, and especially when mixed with alcohol it's super trippy and makes you do abnormal things without realizing/remembering it. So I feel for you because I really think the medication affected you negatively. On the other hand I don't know how far that will get you in your legal case and issues with your wife etc. but I would make sure to get a good criminal defense lawyer and maybe an expert on the affects of Ambien to testify for you at trial. I am not saying you don't have a drinking problem that you need to address and stop-- clearly you have realized that for yourself-- but in this case there were also extenuating circumstances that I believe should lesson things for you just out of fairness. I hope you can get things back on track with your wife. Please don't drink no matter what!
Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: In a Good Place
Posts: 484
I took an ambien one time and then drank a six pack. I had a total blackout- Called people on the phone, etc etc. The next morning I apologized to a friend for not calling them as I had promised. The friend said YOU DID CALL and we talked for 20 MINUTES!! I still do not remember it or other things I did.
Alcohol and Ambien causes serious problems. Do a google search and you will not be surprised at what happened to you (or me).
Alcohol and Ambien causes serious problems. Do a google search and you will not be surprised at what happened to you (or me).
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 163
Dude, I can't believe your wife called the cops on you and is leaving over a .14 That sucks. And it sucks that you started drinking and don't even remember starting drinking... What the hell? How do you stop drinking if you don't even know when you start drinking again. That's crazy. I hope things go better for you and your wife understands that it was probably the medications that made you act so strangely. I hope you don't get a dui. Alcoholism sucks. I can totally understand what you are going through.
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 7,583
SoCal,
Never stop taking or start taking a drug without checking with your doctor first. But talk this over with him if you indeed blacked out on that combo and drank. If anybody thinks you are hedging a relapse forget it, just prove them wrong by staying sober. In day 4, 5 or 6 or 14 you can have some pretty scary withdrawal symptoms.
Good luck!
Never stop taking or start taking a drug without checking with your doctor first. But talk this over with him if you indeed blacked out on that combo and drank. If anybody thinks you are hedging a relapse forget it, just prove them wrong by staying sober. In day 4, 5 or 6 or 14 you can have some pretty scary withdrawal symptoms.
Good luck!
Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,138
I'm not a doctor but I agree with everyone else -- you should call yours right away to discuss this. It does seem that the drugs may be responsible... .14 is bad but it's a bit below when blackouts normally occur, if I understand correctly... so it may be the combo that caused this.
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