I was on Ambien CR 12.5mg for about 7 mos. They helped wonders and I was able to get good sleep. BUT not after feeling totally loopy (it wasn't all bed, lol!) and getting a major energy spurt for about 2 hours after taking it. Then suddenly it stopped working. And for what my crappy ins. only covers (barely nothing) I pay $60 a mos for 30 of them. My doc then tried me on Rozeram and it was like taking placebo. Squat. Nothing, Nadda. I have also tried Trazadone. And it didn't affect me at all. The Ambien CR was kind of pricey, but it gave me the much needed sleep i was lacking. I do agree. It could be a very dangerous drug in the wrong hands. (I could see it used for possibly date rape) And with people who live alone who take it. There were a couple of times when my DH was working out of town for a week, and I felt a little too loopy for my own good. Thankfully he would be in his hotel room and stay on the phone with me till I fell asleep.
So I would recommend for anyone taking it. Please advise whomever you live with you are taking it for your own safety!
Sorry admin for being so OT but this info should be known
