I've had insomnia since age 8. Back then we didn't take anything b/c we were kids. Now, many years later with a 16 year battle with RSD still raging, I take the appropriate pain meds for the excruciating pain and it works well. I also was put on Diazepam for muscle spasms in the leg. As I get older, that also includes muscle spasms in the arm, shoulder and of course, back. And add to that, Ambien for insomnia.

So I took an ambien just now, as I'm at a hotel alone, with a long drive behind me & meeting up with DH & son tomorrow. I have a bed to MYSELF and have been not getting much sleep of late. The ambien is working, but unfortunately, the weather changes brought spasms like crazy in my leg, and I'm also experiencing odd pain-muscle strain in my shoulder. Normally I'd take a muscle relaxant. But how long do I wait? If I took a pill that works as a sleep med (Ambien) can I even TAKE the diazepam?

I've never had muscle spasms after taking ambien- i am usually asleep. But I drove hours and hours today and my left arm/shoulder is just killing me. If I could reach I would massage it, b/c it feels like another pinched nerve or muscle strain. But between the leg cramps and arm/shoulder spasms, I am confused. I've taken all my meds as usual, but I didn't take the diazepam for spasms.

I don't think I'm going to die or anything, that's not it. I just wonder why, after so many years, this is actually happening. The muscle aches and pains are BAD. Yes, a diazepam would help, But as Ambien is a sleep drug and diazepam is a sedating muscle relaxant, wouldn't they make me, I don't know, too relaxed?

That sounds silly, I know. I just want to sleep. My day tomorrow and the days after are full and crazy, and this is my last chance for a full night's sleep for a week.. I've been here at CP for a long time and always wondered when it would be my turn to ask something embarrassing. And it is embarrassing b/c I don't know the answer after 16 years!

If I wait 4 full hours after the Ambien, would taking a diazepam or half of one, even, be a BAD thing? I can't get hold of my doctor at this time and would feel stupid asking this over the phone. I WILL bring it up at the next appt. Until then, does anyone have a similar problem, or know what is acceptable?

All I know is that when I had dental surgery, the dentist gave me an IV of valium and some pain killer AFTER a sleeping pill and I didn't even fall asleep. So b/c I'm one of the few who react well to diazepam versus other muscle relaxant meds, I'm sitting here on a lovely comfy bed, wondering if I should take it or not. Should I try to sleep w/o it again? Or just wait a few hours and take it?

Decisions, decisions. If it wasn't for the added back and shoulder spasms, I think I could take it. But the pain is getting so bad I even took ibuprofen, which helped a bit. It upsets my stomach, but it helped. Now, I need ONE night's sleep before getting to my Monster-in-law's house tomorrow. Dread!!!!!!

Sorry to bother you all- I just have no one to ask and don't want to suffer if I don't HAVE to.

Any advice is appreciated, thanks!