Don't want to seem off topic. ;-) We take Ambien on the plane to Europe, and I usually try to take it at bedtime in Europe, too, because I don't sleep that well with the time change.

Here's my question: I was beginning to pack, and noticed that we have two types of Ambien left from last year's trips: 1 pill is 10 mg. and we have 20 pills that are 5 mg.

What does your doc prescribe? Are the 5s good enough for most people? I bother my doc an awful lot, and I feel that this is a somewhat trivial request compared to the calls she gets from people that are actually sick. If 5 is good enough, I won't bother calling her.

The pharmacist, at the pharmacy which dispensed these to you (should be printed on the container the pills are in), will answer your questions, at little or no cost, and will not feel that it is an imposition.

Best wishes,

Rex

I take it for at least the first few nights in Europe, too, and I find that I need 10 mg. You could always start out with 5 mg., and if you fall asleep, so much the better.

Ambien is one of those drugs that people react to differently, and it is not necessarily related to body weight.

I took 10mg the first time I ever took Ambien. I find that 5mg is just fine for me. My husband is pretty knocked out with 5mg and I'd hate to see him on 10.

Best suggestion: Try a 5mg at home and if it's enough, take those. If it doesn't work, you can always take another.

I am not a doctor, but I don't see how you can go wrong taking the lower dose.

Rex, I could ask the pharmacist, but I prefer to have the experience of travelers who have used Ambien on the road (or plane).

I assume that most of them are like me, and don't use sleeping pills at home, but need some help while overseas.

Thanks for your experiences. I think the 5s will do. I know they will for my husband, who is an easy one to put to sleep. If I find I need more, I'll just take two on the subsequent night.

I got Ambien for my last trip to Europe and didn't know there were 5mg and 10mg. My prescription was 5mg and it didn't really work for me although it helped a little. Weight must not be a factor as I am thin but I will be getting a prescription for 10mg for my next trip. If the one 5mg doesn't work I guess you could take 2 - your pharmacist could tell you if it's ok to double up on them.

My doctor prescribes the 10 mg dose of Ambien for me but I've found that I do just as well taking only half the pill. Everyone's given you good advice about trying it first to see what works for you. A good way to see what dosage does it for you is a few nights before the trip, when you're a bundle of nerves from anticipation! (that's what I do)