Heads Up To Any Ambien Users Here.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

Just wanted to let ya all know, in case you hadn't known already, that the generic version of Ambien is now available in the U.S.! So MAKE SURE next time you need to get a refill or prescription of it, that you ask for the generic!

Just saved me 30 bucks. I love generics!

Figured I'd pass on the info to those here who may not have otherwise known.

[Cetacea]

1. Thanks. A quick question on generics in general.

Are any imported from China?

[MannyGoldstein]

6. Prescription Drugs Are Reasonably Well regulated For Quality

It's very, very unlikely that the generic you get will be adulterated. You're much more likely to be harmed by the drug itself (e.g., Vioxx killed 50,000 or so - although nobody really gives a crap, as far as I can tell).

(Some drugs are also very helpful.)

[Codeine]

7. I know lots of them come from India

and from Israel, with India being especially dominant. It's actually more cost-effective to use India as they've really invested in their chemical infrastructure. But even the name brand drugs often source some of the raw materials for their manufacture from China.

[Fridays Child]

19. I doubt it.

Big Pharma lobbyists are quite unintentionally protecting us from potentially tainted Chinese drug imports. It's one of those rare instances where the public good and corporate greed dovetail. Don't look for it to happen very often. And, in fact, do look for the pharmaceutical lobbyists to exploit recent problems with Chinese goods as a way to scare us away from all imported drugs. :mad:

[dogday]

2. I changed my scripts to CostCo and I am

savings hundreds of dollars a month... Thanks to the DU memeber who told me about this program.....

[drkedjr]

9. Ambien & Generic

I didn't get a say in this. My doctor & the prescription co., decided that in May, I would use the same Ambien that I've been given for about 5 years now. Today, June 1, my doctor and the Rx co, decided that I'd be fine with "ZOLPIDEM TARTRATE." I can't tell you how much this violates my sense of self preservation and safety.....

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

17. Not Sure What You Mean.

What are you trying to say?

Sounds like it worked out for you cause you got the generic one. Was a lot cheaper right?

[tavalon]

64. Why?

It's the same drug. Are you aware that Ambien is the trademark name for zolpidem tartrate and always has been?

[stevedeshazer]

3. You actually sleep?

Coulda fooled me. :)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

5. LOL

Ehhhh, I'm only up late on weekends. During the week I'm a good laddy lol

[mudesi]

15. Obviously not

Because he takes Ambien :+

[PDJane]

4. Don't know about there...........

Generics sold here are mostly made in Canada.

[TahitiNut]

36. Well, our Dear Leaders have told us those are unsafe for us.

:evilgrin:

Apparently us non-Canadians are more vulnerable. :eyes:

[PDJane]

53. But cough syrup made in China is OK........

Right.

[TahitiNut]

54. Uhhh ... we can't question Dear Leader. He know all.

... or, at least he thinks he does. :crazy: Besides, with all thoe shipping containers, sometimes we get some cheap labor - even if some die en route. :puke:

[Name removed]

8. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[AlCzervik]

10. countdown to flamewar 3,456.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

12. Only If Fools Turn It Into One. From My Perspective, I Don't See How Letting People Know They Can

save money now is worthy of a flamewar. :shrug:

[BeHereNow]

13. No shit. What is it about pharma drug use that makes the user so damned defensive?

Can't say it makes me want to try the stuff.
Proof's in the pudding and all.
BHN

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

18. Ummmm, You Were The One Being Silly. You Don't See That?

Jeez, are you getting enough sleep? :rofl:

[Codeine]

22. It's not the "pharma drug use"

that makes people react, it's the smug self-righteousness of the "valerian root and St. John's Wort" crowd that irritate some folks.

If a plant root helps you sleep, that's great -- some folks need the big guns, and now they can get them cheaper.

[rasputin1952]

59. I got a book from the library sale for half a buck about herbs

etc, and how they can aid in some things...What I found most iinteresting is that Stinging Nettles are used for a host of maladies...but they do sting if you handle them improperly. There is something, at least to me, that seems just wrong making stuff from Stinging Nettles...

If it works, fine...but the first person who dealt with these things and kept going, is a better person than I...

[Madspirit]

23. STOP!

Stop making me defend a man I do not get along with. OMC simply posted something that might help SOME people. ..a post about money saving. He didn't go into an innocent thread and attack YOU. You came into his thread and attacked him.
Lee

[TZ]

25. ah then proof in the pudding would be anaedocal evidence

versus well studied peer reviewed data on drugs. When used PROPERLY most drugs are safe. The problems come when people don't take the medicine the way they are supposed to.
Your know it all superior attitude that makes you think you know better on a thread that is supposed to be informative for those of us with sleeping disorders (I have one and my meds are literal lifesavers) is not particularly helpful here.

[havocmom]

11. Is that the one that makes you drive for take out

while you're asleep? See, I have to be careful, cuz I live so darn far from ANYTHING that I might run outta gas in my sleep if I take the wrong pill ;)

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

14. Nah. It's Really Good Actually. But I'm Thrilled It's So Much Cheaper Now!

I didn't even realize the generic was being made available until I picked up my prescription refill today!

[BeHereNow]

21. Well good for you. That is a reason to be happy.

If you'll notice, I never said it wasn't.
I personally am afraid to take anything made by
the pharma industry.
I've seen too many damaged people.
Can't say your hostility is an advertisement against
my experience with others on it.

BHN

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

28. Ummm, Was Someone Talking To You? I Know I Wasn't.

Again, your comments are just a tad irrelevant and unnecessary. Are you seeking attention or something?

Listen, we get it. You don't use pharma drugs. Yay for you! Here's a scooby snack. :hi:

[BeHereNow]

16. Yup, that's the one. Apparently, it also increases one's hostility and paranoia.

BHN

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

20. Well What's Your Excuse?

Oh, guess it's just in your nature. :rofl:

[Madspirit]

24. Pot/Kettle...n/t

[Reterr]

30. LOL

:spray: :thumbsup:

[Forkboy]

55. How dare he post a way to save money.

[pitohui]

61. yes, that's the one

a number of people have been arrested for driving in their sleep on ambien or for attacking flight attendants while walking in their sleep on airplanes (ambien is frequently taken on long air trips to aid in sleep)

some people have also gained a lot of weight myseriously, only to learn that they were eating in their sleep on ambien

the side effects can be severe in rare cases and i personally wouldn't risk it because of the life-changing consequences if you are one of the minority to have an adverse effect

"i didn't know, i was sleep driving" will not save you from a charge of assault or DUI, we are still considered legally responsible for what we do under the influence of ambien, just as under the influence of any other substance

totally NOT worth it in my humble opinion

if you must try it, best to try it first, at home, with someone there to watch you to see how you react

i was one of the millions who received the free coupons for ambien, as you can see, educating myself on the side effects convinced me that even free it wasn't worth it

read all the warning information first if you do choose to try it

[havocmom]

70. Trust me, no way in hell would I take that crap

The side effects sound most dangerous. Why the FDA lets it stay on the market is beyond me. Oh yeah, they are in the pocket of Big Pharma. x(

Lots of time I have great difficulty sleeping. Thinking some pot might be worth a try as the real problem is chronic pain getting worse all the time.... But a pill that makes you grab car keys and go for Chinese in your sleep? :rofl: Where I live, it would be a six hour drive, and not very restful what with all the wildlife ;)

[Madspirit]

26. k&ring OMC....must be a blue moon...n/t

[mudesi]

27. There was one two days ago

http://www.obliquity.com/astro/blue2007.html

:rofl:

[Cetacea]

29. Please be civil, people. eom.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

32. Funny That A Thread With Such A Simple And Positive Message Can Even Be A Catalyst For Some

trouble makers. I mean sheesh!

[Madspirit]

33. Well I was on your side in this one OMC...n/t

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

35. The Funny Part Is That A Thread Like This Even Had 'Sides' At All LOL

But in response to some of your comments upthread, I hope you realize that at the end of the day you and I probably agree on a minimum of 90% of things, as I would with the majority of members here. But since we only interact with each other based on the grey 10% or so in which we have differing viewpoints, we tend to think we are farther apart on issues then we really are.

You have to remember, when it comes to the core staples of why we're all here, we all probably agree on 90% of them.

[Madspirit]

38. I thought it was odd

I thought it was odd that she just jumped on it since it was directed at the people who DO use Ambien. It wasn't a thread about alternative medicine OR about Big Pharma. It was simply a kind thread and a helpful thread FOR those of us it applies to.
I appreciate it.
Lee

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

41. Yup. I Just Figured I'd Pass It On. I Was So Excited When I Picked It Up. Ya Know, It's The

little things in life LOL

But I'm fortunate that I had pharmacy that notified me of the choice on their own. I know a lot of DU'ers might not be so luck and end up paying full price for their next prescription if they didn't know otherwise. So I figured I'd pass on the good news!

[tavalon]

65. And it is good news

Generally, the generics we get in this country are very comparable to big pharmas name brands adn I like that they lose their patent on reaming us every time a generic comes along.

[midnight]

57. Take care operationmindcrime, I think your post is helpful to

those of us looking to save a buck....

[rockymountaindem]

31. It's also good for the pharmacist if you get the generic

Not only does the customer pay less, but the pharmacist has a larger profit margin on generics. I think it's because the insurance companies pay a proportionally higher reimbursement for generics in order to encourage pharmacists to recommend them to their customers. I wouldn't swear to that last part, but I do know that the pharmacist makes more money on generics.

That might not seem like a big deal, but for a small indie pharmacist things like this can often be make or break. So, if you like small business (although I don't blame you for shopping at a big chain if you have some kind of discount there) you should think about using generics. They're really better for everybody.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

34. Really? Never Thought Of It That Way. So It's A Win Win Then.

For a second there I thought you were about to infer that there was going to be an unforeseen negative, but I'm glad that it was another positive.

I love when the generic brands become available. I literally HATE when I have to pay for a medicine at 4 times the cost because a generic isn't allowed yet.

[TZ]

40. oh gosh me too

my Provigil I take is so damned expensive, even with insurance.
BTW, I really understand your frustration here. It seems like all you have to do is mention "drug", "pharmaceutical" or in my experience "vaccine" and even if its just an simple informative and helpful post certain people take it on themselves to make sure their voice (read agenda) is heard.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

You Take Provigil Too? Yeah, That Stuff Is Expensive.

My insurance covers it really well though, but I know if people don't have a good plan it can cost an arm and a leg.

What's your experience with it? Do you like it? I was a bit disappointed in it since it got such rave reviews and is even used by the military and stuff, but by mid afternoon I was yawning like all hell. Mind if I ask how much you take and at what points throughout the day?

[TZ]

46. I like it alot actually

It works really really well for me. In fact, I have a tendency to be bad with my CPAP sometimes (which I also need) because it works really well for me. I take one 200mg pill in the morning and I am good to go. I used to have lots of trouble staying awake while driving but not anymore! I tend to get mid afternoon headaches from it sometimes I think, but my alertness does not fall off.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

49. I Get The Headaches Too Actually.

But come like 2pm I start feeling all strung out and burnt. It's a different tired then if I hadn't taken it at all, but still a 'crash' kind of fatigue.

I've only taken them sporadically though so I wonder if that's just the initial side effects. Do you remember if you were more sensitive when you first started taking it? If so, do you remember how long it took for you to get over them?

I have really bad chronic fatigue syndrome and thought these things could really help. But I still am unconvinced I was better with them then without them. Things were different for sure, but I'm still undecided. They made me a bit jittery and even more fast talking than usual, but they would help me be literally 'super productive' and focused at work so I'd take them if I really had a tight deadline on something and needed to be a superman in order to get the programming done in time. But one of these days I may give it another shot and take them more consistently and see what happens.

[TZ]

56. I don't remember that but I was eased onto them

First doing a quarter pill daily, 1/2, 3/4, 1 pill up to 2 pills. Anything more than one pill made me jittery. Maybe cutting back on your dosage would work, but I guess thats something to talk to your doc about.

[rockymountaindem]

47. I think it's 17 years of patent protection, but there are a whole lot of factors

that influence the price of the medicine you're getting, so that's only part of the story. All I can tell you from personal experience is that whatever it is you're paying, the pharmacist probably gets next to nothing. Even if you're shelling out two hundred bucks a month for something, the pharmacist is lucky if he's being reimbursed four dollars over cost by the insurance company. So out of those little profits the pharmacy has to pay for rent, utilities, employee salaries etc. Unless, of course, it's attached to a big money retalier or grocery store.

[Codeine]

37. I prefer generics

beause I'm not paying for commercials. Advertising prescription pharmaceuticals makes no sense; if I need Celebrex, my doctor will give it to me -- if I don't, why should I "ask him about Celebrex today?" Does the thirty seconds of watching some old lady doing tai-chi on the idiot box make me more qualified to determine what drugs will work than the guy with the degree?

[rockymountaindem]

42. I'm not going to say anything about those ads

otherwise I'll start frothing at the mouth.

[Codeine]

44. Frothing at the mouth?

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about prescription Salivex!

[rockymountaindem]

48. No way

I heard the side effects include rapid toenail growth, eyebrow baldness, flu-like symptoms and massive internal bleeding. I'm not going to put up with that!

[tavalon]

66. Here's a perfect moment to talk up my pharmacy

I live 6 miles up the hill from a podunk little country town outside of Seattle. Before moving here, I always got my prescriptions from Walgreens because, well, I just did. When I moved here, I was a bit leary of the only drug store in town being this tiny ma and pa place. Now, I wouldn't go anywhere else for prescriptions. When they say it will be a few minutes, it's usually only a minute and that gives the pharmacy tech time to tell me about her kid or get an update on mine. They always wave when I come in and call out my name. I have nothing but praise for them. If I ever move away from here, it will be so hard to leave them behind.

[elfin]

39. My pharmacy subbed it automatically -- but

have not needed it yet. Usually only take half a 10 mg pill if I HAVE to get up and be in charge of something the next day. I look at the clock when I retire and figure that if I am still awake at 12:30 AM -- better take it if a big day ahead. All I need is to get to sleep.

Go through about one prescription a year.

Ambien has kept me "on track" with no side effects, but I have to many friends who take it EVERY night without thinking. Better to go with Benadryl if that is the habit.

I have not tried the other meds available, which are heavily advertised on TV, because this one works for me.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

43. I'm Probably Similar To You. I Take Maybe One A Week Tops, But More Like One Every Other Week.

But it's good to have for when ya know ya need it, ya know?

[Avalux]

45. I help make those generics possible!

My new gig - clinical trials comparing brand name to generic equivalent; we have to prove they are indeed exactly the same. :hi:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

50. Really? That's Pretty Cool! Thanks For The Help! LOL

Did you do the trials for this one?

[Avalux]

51. Hey, no problem, lol!

I didn't do the trials for Ambien; have been doing this since Feb. We've got some good ones running right now but I can't disclose what or they'll shoot me (kidding). :D Generics are equally efficacious and safe in case you wondered or anyone tries to tell you they're not. :hi:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

52. Oh I Know. The ONLY Difference I've Ever Found Is The Coating Used On The Non Generics Compared To

generics. But as far as efficacy goes, they're identical! I get a kick out of it when some people try and claim that they can't take the generic cause it just doesn't have the same effect. You know you can't break through to em but ya also know it's just psychological.

Still a pretty cool job you got though. Thanks for helping to put cheap drugs in my pocket! LOL

[mitchum]

58. Thanks!

[Truth2Tell]

60. My step-daughter takes

Ambien CM (controlled release). Any idea if there is a generic version of that?

[pitohui]

62. controlled release is to get around the generic release

ambien is not really something you want a controlled release of, you want to take it, get the sleep, and have it clear your system

i have heard that controlled release is pretty much a scam so they could reformulate and have a pill available that was NOT in generic form

never heard anything good about ambien-cr frankly! i guess you can't really tell a step daughter anything but in her shoes i would be getting another doctor

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

68. I've Actually Heard Great Reviews About The CR Version, And That It Helps People Sleep Through The

night more. Though that doesn't take away from what the company's intentions were, I've still heard from a multitude of people that the CR version works better for them.

[tavalon]

67. No, there isn't

Ambien came out with that one in response to the fact that they were losing their patent rights in May of this year. I tried it but couldn't tell the difference between it and regular ambien so I went back to ambien and will be switching to the generic this month.

[tavalon]

63. The hilarious thing

is that the generic is half the size of the regular ambien and regular ambien was already a really small pill. The hospital I work at started using the generic ambien and I had already complained because my patients often dropped their ambien on the bed and good luck finding such a small pill. Now, it's even worse. LOL.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

69. Really? Mines Bigger. The Regular Ambien Is Long And Thin But Tiny. This One's Round And Bulkier.

It'll make it harder for me to take a half at a time, but I would think it's a lot easier to hold onto.

Still definitely tiny though.

[tavalon]

71. Must be a different brand then

The one were getting is still oblong but actually obshort, really about half the size of the name brand. I hadn't thought about the fact that once there is a generic, many companies will jump on board. Ambien is the number one used sleeping aid. That's a big market that people will want to get in on.