Emacs 24.3.1, Ubuntu 14.04.1 LTS, gdb within emacs window switching all broke up

This used to work really well. I loved it. I showed everyone how cool it was. Now it's broke.

M-X gdb, 
gdb -i=mi MYPROGRAMNAME, 
set args, 
run, 
screen splits to show output, 
C-X o to output screen, 
C-X b to get to gdb commandline

BOOM, error message

Cannot switch buffers in a dedicated window.

I don't need the program output at this point and rarely do. I need to control gdb and see the source code but now I cannot use the program output screen to control gdb because it's a "dedicated window?". I have to split the program output screen into two tiny windows. Very sad. I need a drink.