Ambien "holiday" substitute??

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I am an RN in a short-term rehab facility. Our patients are primarily p/s ortho, elderly but alert and for the most part oriented, and absolutely HATE the 9th day Ambien holiday. They are very savvy about their meds, very aware when their Ambien is not present, and they will literally psych themselves out so badly over this that some will stay up practically all night. Does anyone have any ideas about a candy, placebo pill, or something that would resemble the little purple pill that we could use to "fool" them? Smarties are too large, and they are the only things I have seen that even remotely resemble it. We are not trying to be unethical, but their overall rehab goal is hindered when they aren't rested. Any suggestions?

personally i would hope that you would never try to trick your patient by giving them a placebo. they aren't stupid and how would you document it anyway? "pez administered to pt because they were requesting sleep med?" i mean come on, seriously? if they absolutely have to have a day off and are adamant about getting a sleep aid, maybe you could see if the doctor would right an order for restoril on the 10th day. that way they would get the help they needed falling asleep or staying asleep whatever the case, but be off that one day from ambien? just a thought. but please don't lie to your patients, they are a lot smarter than you think.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

Hmmm...I have heard of this, but have only seen an alternative similar to give such as Lunesta.

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