Originally Posted by
trueblu
Just to say to OP that it's highly unlikely a decent doctor will fill a prescription for this as a "walk-in"...it's not a medical emergency (although I fully acknowledge that lack of sleep is absolutely, absolutely awful, and withdrawal from zolpidem is not pleasant at all).
How long is your trip? If you are going to run out with e.g. 7 days to go, you could just ask your primary care physician for 7 days' extra prescription. The main concern is that it is quite common for these tablets to be sold-on illegally. If that still doesn't work, you could book an appointment with another physician in the same practice and explain your plight.
If that _still_ doesn't work: I would suggest that you start taking a slightly smaller dose as of now of your zolpidem. Most patients (making certain assumptions here, but really the vast majority) will be absolutely fine with a smaller dose as long as there is no abrupt withdrawal.
Good luck!
tb
Thanks much. My pharmacy was kind enough to advocate to the doc on my behalf, and after sending over a copy of my confirmation email, the doctor agreed to give me the regular fill a few days early, just before I left. While I didn't have an extensive phone conversation with the doc, my impression is that she was worried about "doctor shopping". Though I've used Ambien for ~10 years, I've had it prescribed by several physicians. First the military, then a private practice doctor in one city, then the Veterans Administration, then a private doctor in another city (due to a move). While the circumstances make sense in context, I can see why they seemed suspicious.
I don't doubt for a moment it happens, it just seems so strange that Ambien would be resold on the street. I've taken, I suppose, thousands of doses in my life so far, and never noticed anything "recreational" about it. Granted, I also don't have any of those doing-entertaining-things-on-Ambien stories, either.