Zolpidem Generic (Page 8)

ALL CVS pharmacies just changed the zolpidem from MYLAN manufacturer (out of PA) to TORRENT in India. Because generics can certain behave differently, I am nervous about taking the (10 mg) oblong peach Torrent brand one after reading some things online. I also don't like the idea of CVS using from out of the country manufacturer which HAS to be due to a better price because MYLAN brand is still very readily available. Any comments?

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You are so Very lucky. I've been on Ambien then zolpidem 10mg (chronic insomnia PTSD) for close to 20 years.
I've had ALL generic forms. Only 3 worked like brand Ambien, and they've all been taken off the market. The last being Qualitest.
I'm on Teva...3 sometimes 4 hours tops of sleep. Not heavy sleep like with Qualitest.

If you can't tell the difference with any of the generics, is there anything you do to make sure they work? Take them early... Empty stomach... No caffeine... Or is it always just the same for you and you don't need to change anything?
I'm trying to do everything I can think of to make this more effective. Your feedback is welcome. :)

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I don't understand why when I'm on these sites I find so many people having trouble with generics. Zolpidem is the drug, by any other name if you're taking a generic Ambien, Zolpidem is the drug you are taking. Some people are very fixated on the non-fact that if it isn't the brand name, it isn't going to work, ergo, you're resisting it's efficacy. Call me crazy, wouldn't be the first time, but Zolpidem 10 mg work the same as name brand Ambien 10 mg for me. And I don't have to pay for them.

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I also, have been on Ambien for a long time '- at least 15 years. This is a similar situation for me, being highly frustrated that Qualtest is no longer available. After trying all of the recent generics, only Torrent 10 MG works, but still does not give me the restful sleep that Qualtest and previous generics (also no longer available) have provided. If anyone reading this board encounters a newer generic, other than Teva, Mylan or Torrent PLEASE post the name and I will try it with the next script refill.

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Yes, please list whatever "new" generic works. I haven't tried Northstar which a couple people have posted that it is similar to Ambien in its efficacy. I know it's been around awhile.
Also...doctor wants me to try Lunesta.
After being on Zolpidem for 19 years I'm thinking it would not be a good switch.
I've heard it takes awhile to lull you to sleep then it may not keep you asleep.
Thanks for feedback. Unfortunately for ME, all generics do not work the same... it's about the fillers used in each one and how much active ingredient it has. I'm happy for those who don't have this issue.
I'm not fooled by "brand"...I just want something that works.

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I am not sure if Northstar still manufactures the generic as my pharmacy did not offer it to me when I tried the other generics.
BTW, you may have some success with a generic that is the ER version of Ambien. I am not sure what the maximum strength in the ER version is but I had tried the lower strength ER and it was not successful for me, that us why the 10 MG regular version worked best.

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The only strength of the CR is 12.5. I found that the regular helped me fall asleep much quicker than the CR. It could just be me. My problem with how the medication will work is that longer I'm awake after taking it, the harder it is to get to sleep. I take a regular 10mg, I'm asleep within the hour, usually within 30 minutes. With the CR, and this was regularly, I would still be awake 3 hours later. I have absolutely no explanation except when I changed my Part D in January, they wouldn't pay for the CR. In hindsight, it was a blessing. First I tried Rozeram and that was a waste of time. I know you're not suppose to, especially with a hypnotic, take more than 10. I found I was nightly taking 2 of the Rozeram. Come to find out, Rozeram isn't even a hypnotic like Ambien. Why can't they just prescribe the good, old fashioned Seconal or, better yet, Tuinal.

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Torrent is the best one for me. I avoid all the others. Finding it is the big concern.

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Not all generic drugs are equal. I for one know that I have tried the Northstar and the Teva and some of the other ones and I like the Qualitest for it works for me when the others do not. I am a nurse and I work days & nights and need it to help me sleep. I currently have the Teva, don't waste your money! It is also from out of the country. As to where the Qualitest is from right here in the US I am calling them tomorrow to see where I can find it locally. I know super 1 foods can order it but here is the company information:

Qualitest Pharmaceuticals,
130 Vintage Drive
Huntsville, AL 35811

Phone: (800) 444-4011

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I heard that Qualitest does not make generic Ambien anymore. I used to take it. It was the best, but have not been able to get it anymore. If you find it, let me know.

{edited for privacy}

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Torrent is absolutely garbage. I have tried every company out there and mylan and northstar are really all the good ones left. I actually don't feel the torrent like I do others. I have told my doctor to put on the comment of my prescription "no torrent manufacturerer" Stay away from it. Pharmacies try to make a couple songs extra bucks by going to india for there drugs but quality control is poor and the drug is made very cheaply.

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Hey guys. Just an update for all of you like me who had our Qualitest taken away because it stopped being manufactured. Mylan isnt too horrible! Im on my 3rd night and I am reasonably confident this might work for me. BTW Mylan 10 is a round pill, kinda purplish I want to say. It feels larger than the Qualitest pill. I figured out both Rite Aid and Walgreens can order it for you even though it isnt their typical zolpidem brand they stock on the shelf, just ask for it. I would recommend a fill of like 5 pills to try it out. We all react differently and because Mylan works for me doesn't mean it's great for you. Torrent was an absolute NIGHTMARE for me! I'm still a bit depressed over Qualitest being gone, but hopefully they restart production some time in the future.

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Just a follow up on Mylan 10. The first batch I got from Walgreens was pretty decent, but the second batch I got from Rite Aid is just crap-on-a-stick. I wish I had filled my entire prescription at the Walgreens, but I trialed it there and then switched to my regular pharmacy. This one doesnt do anything for an hour after you eat it. I mean you are wide awake. I do think it works eventually because I do fall asleep but its weak or not a good batch. And yeah I ALWAYS take Zolpidem on a fully empty stomach, so its not that. I am really bummed out by this because Im disillusioned enough that Qualitest is gone, and now I have to deal with inconsistant batches of Mylan. I think Im going to try Northstar next. Any opinions on that? And bring back Qualitest!!! Please, I beg of you.

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The best generic for Ambien is Zolpidem made by NORTHSTAR. I've been using this brand for many years and it woks!!!

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Are you sure that Northstar still manufactures it and what pharmacy do you use? I've tried CVS and Rite Aid - they said "no." I am currently using Torrent, but find that I have to take 1 and 1/2 pills (15mg) rather than 10mg/
What does the Northstar version look like?

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I'm on sleeping pills since over 16 years and I'm having the same problem with the generic Zolpidem 10 mg like you do. Because the lack of sleeping is affecting my multiple sclerosis this is what I found and it works very week for me.
I take my pill and also a little bit of ZZZ Quil (alcohol free) and water. On the bottle it says 30 ml but I'm petite 125 lbs and 1/3 (10 ml) it's enough.
If I wake up during the night I take an other swip of the ZZZ Quil.
Let me know if it's work for you.

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Zolplidem is the name for all generic Ambien, whether it's manufactured by North Star, Mylan, Teva. Some brands of the generic just work better than others. Avorvastatin is the generic name for Lipitor, whether it's manufactured by Dr. Teddy or Phizer which when I last checked Phizer Seles under both the Brand Lipitor and the generic Avorvastatin.

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Northstar 5 mg just didn't work for me last night.
Northstar 10 mg cut in half does. Teva 10 mg doesn't work for me. But it feels like a 5 mg. my doctors won't give me the 10 anymore and the 5 is too weak. My quality of life is practically at 0 now. I have chronic pain, stenosis, Fibro, arthritis, depression, and insomnia. I need the 10 mg to get more than 4 hours of sleep a night. 3 doctors refused me the 10s now due to the FDA. What can I do to try to get 6 hours of sleep a day? Help me please, I have tried all natural sleep remedies. It is pulling me down. Thanksc

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Northstar does in fact still make ambien. I found it at Walmart pharmacy but I do live in Utah. Anyway try calling your local Walmart to see if they carry it. I'm sure they do. If not they can order from another store for you. This will be my first time taking Northstar generic ambien and I hope it works well. The TEVA brand SUCKS.

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I also just found a pharmacy in PA that carries Northstar. Have not tried that generic one yet. The only generic that I found very effective was Qualtest which no longer exists. Has anyone else had good experience with Northsar?
the pharmaceutical showed me the pills and indeed same cold and shape as Qualtest and brand Sanofi in 10mg.if so, I will switch from current Torrent which is only moderately effective

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I have only taken the Northstar 2 nights in a row. Last night I took 1 & 1/2 so 15 mg total, because 1 just doesn't work. I'm so upset even 1 1/2 DOESN'T compare to name brand! I tried to get the name brand & walgreens said that even WITH my insurance it's $499.00. That's INSANE! Who could afford that?!?!! S*** I'd go as far as to pay $50- $100 for name brand just so I could sleep! Does ANYONE have any experience with the MYLAN brand? I think this next time I'll request my pharmacy order it for me & pray it works but, seriously I NEED HELP! DOES ANYONE know of a COMPARABLE generic to the fast acting 10 mg. AMBIEN???

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