Ambien CR and migraine headaches

I have been taking Ambien CR on and off for two years. I began to get migraine headaches two years ago which my gynecologist told me was as symptom of menopause. I then began to note everything I ate and all medications I took when I got these debilitating headache. The only thing in common was I had taken ambien cr the night before. I had massive headaches that even prescription medication would not cure. They would start near my temple and radiate up the side of my head. I would always get them on the right side. I began to notice that when I did not take any ambien for a while, no headaches. As soon as I had one dose of ambien cr, the next day I would wake up with a horrible headache. I have since discontinued taking it and I would rather be awake than live with that kind of pain again.

Ambien CR is the only prescription that will allow me to sleep in a hotel, but it is a double edged sword. After about 2 days of using I get migraine headaches. Last week we took our family vacation and I took it for 7 nights in a row. Our timing of our vacation was bad because the day after we got back my husband went out of town (another thing that causes me not to sleep). For the last 4 nights I have taken 1mg of Lunesta. The headaches presisit but I see a light at the end of the tunnel. Tonight I am back to what works best for me Melatonin

For me extended use of Ambien CR causes Migraines. It has time and time again. I know it will happen and in extreme cases (vacation, death in the family) I will choose getting sleep over having the migraine.

Occasional 1 time use of Ambien CR does not cause me to have a migraine the following day.