I had posted earlier than I tried Lunesta a couple of months ago and it didn't help at all. In fact, at that time it actually kept me awake. Anyway, the doctor gave me nine 2 mg tablets. After my first attempt with them, I was really disappointed because they are sooooo expensive and really didn't work at all. I looked in my medicine cabinet the other night and saw that I had those other tablets left and I remembered that my doctor had said that if the 2 mgs. didn't work, I could take 2 tablets making it 4 mgs. I was really having rough time getting to sleep and it was 11:00 p.m. so I decided what the heck and took 2 tablets. I went straight to bed and remember starting to pull the sheets up over my shoulder. The next thing I knew, it was 7:00 a.m. and the sheets were pulled halfway up to my shoulders. I must have fallen asleep while I was pulling the sheets up. I felt great. I had absolutely no hangover. That was the first time I had slept through the night in about 6 or 7 years!!! It felt wonderful. The down side is that is does leave a really bitter taste in you mouth for about 24 hours and as I said earlier, they are very expensive so I'll not be taking them unless it is a really dire situation. I'm going to hoard those other tablets I have left like they are gold! I don't think they are supposed to be addictive either but I suppose any sleep aid could become emotionally addictive. I had insurance at the time I got the prescription and it cost me the maximum deductible I had ($30 for 9 tablets) so I have no idea what they would cost without insurance and I'm sure I couldn'f afford it but it was really nice to sleep through the night and wake up without feeling groggy!
Lunesta--Woo Hoo!!
The down side is that is does leave a really bitter taste in you mouth for about 24 hours
After a couple of weeks that taste we go away..it did for me. They make a 3 mg you might want to try. I just take the 2mg.My doctor said that he would write one for 3mg but 2 mg worked for me and I told I would stick with the 2mg.. I do want to tell you that at first Lunesta did not work for me. My doctor told me to give it about a week and he was right 2 mg is perfect and works like a charm. I take Lunesta for about 10 days and then I go off of it for 3 days and take ambein. I am glad you found something that works for you.
th
60 pills cost me $100.00(mail order)... my doctor wrote it for 90 days for 1 year and insurance will only pay for 60 days. He did the same for Ambein also
After a couple of weeks that taste we go away..it did for me. They make a 3 mg you might want to try. I just take the 2mg.My doctor said that he would write one for 3mg but 2 mg worked for me and I told I would stick with the 2mg.. I do want to tell you that at first Lunesta did not work for me. My doctor told me to give it about a week and he was right 2 mg is perfect and works like a charm. I take Lunesta for about 10 days and then I go off of it for 3 days and take ambein. I am glad you found something that works for you.
th
60 pills cost me $100.00(mail order)... my doctor wrote it for 90 days for 1 year and insurance will only pay for 60 days. He did the same for Ambein also
The bitter taste lasted about 10 days. That is for me. I hated the taste the first few days but it got easier after 4 or 5 days. See if your doctor will write it for 90 days. I think, if I just took( my prescription)it to the local drugstore my cost would have been $50 for (21) 2 mg. I use MedCo and order online since it is cheaper for me. $100 for (60) 2 mg
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
Tater pie,
Glad you're having luck this time with the Lunesta. I did find it made me tired the next day, so I stopped taking it during the week. I have taken it on the weekends, though. Have been doing an experiment this past week that I'll fill everyone in on in about another week or so, but have been sleeping really well although not feeling very energetic. Can we ever win? Now you have me wanting to try a 3 mg. at least...
Glad you're having luck this time with the Lunesta. I did find it made me tired the next day, so I stopped taking it during the week. I have taken it on the weekends, though. Have been doing an experiment this past week that I'll fill everyone in on in about another week or so, but have been sleeping really well although not feeling very energetic. Can we ever win? Now you have me wanting to try a 3 mg. at least...
L o R i
I have a script for Lunesta at 3 mgs---great stuff!! Absolutely knocked me out but was so groggy the next day. Actually I just went to the doc this afternoon and she wrote another for 2 mgs so will see how that goes. She says it's NOT addictive and has no concerns regarding me taking it (she said "you do have a sleep disorder afterall!"). Lori ---I got the "Simply Sleep" pills yesterday and tried them. With the Tylenol PM, I usually take only one and that seemed to work fine so just took one of the Simply Sleep---didn't do a thing for me. Guess I need to take 2 of those. Yes, after taking a Lunesta, I find that water especially tastes bitter---doesn't seem to affect my taste of food, just water. Strange!! I've only taken it on weekends when I could sleep in and a good thing because those things just knock my socks off!! Another aside ---the Activa seemed to leak a lot last night down at the bottom corners I'd been just taking baby shampoo and wiping it down where it hits my face, then rinsing well. Today I took it apart and washed it all so will see if I get a better seal. Like Gilda used to say "it's always something-if it's not one thing, it's another". I really loved her!!
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
I'm surprised your doc's prescribed a sleeping aid with apnea. My doc said "no way" because it makes apnea worse.
BTW, has anyone tried Valerian Root? Natural and works wonders for me, if you can get past the smell, and it didn't stay in my system all day. I can't even take Tylenol PM without being sleepy for 2 days.
BTW, has anyone tried Valerian Root? Natural and works wonders for me, if you can get past the smell, and it didn't stay in my system all day. I can't even take Tylenol PM without being sleepy for 2 days.
Not when you use your cpap. My AHI avg less than 1 never over 1
I feel like I am 20 years old again and well rested every night
I feel like I am 20 years old again and well rested every night
Snoozie wrote:I'm surprised your doc's prescribed a sleeping aid with apnea. My doc said "no way" because it makes apnea worse.
BTW, has anyone tried Valerian Root? Natural and works wonders for me, if you can get past the smell, and it didn't stay in my system all day. I can't even take Tylenol PM without being sleepy for 2 days.
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rock and roll
- Posts: 1222
- Joined: Mon Nov 01, 2004 7:30 pm
- Location: Texas
Well, my doc has me trying this pill for awhile, Ambian only works for a few hours for me and then takes 20 mg. I have only tried for three nights now, but I have not noticed it helping at 3 mg. I have not had any bitter taste thank goodness, my doc says only 20 percent get this as it's genetic. Valerian root, ha like eating tomatoes but tastes like ca-ca and I burp it all night. Melatonin is like taking baby aspirin for me.
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Sleepless on LI
- Posts: 3997
- Joined: Mon May 30, 2005 6:46 pm
- Location: Long Island, New York
I am one of the "lucky" ones who does get that taste, but it's only for the time before I go to bed, and if I go really quickly after taking it, I won't taste it. Takes about 10 or 15 mins. to taste it, so I guess that's how long it takes before it starts to work.
I, though, do feel a bit groggy from it in the AM, even though they say you shouldn't. Just goes to prove the theory that everything works differently on different people. I like it, though. It really does help me with wake-ups, I am finding, during the night. And although I'm off the machine now, took one last night and slept from 11:30 - 5:15 and then till 9. So that's a good thing for me.
I, though, do feel a bit groggy from it in the AM, even though they say you shouldn't. Just goes to prove the theory that everything works differently on different people. I like it, though. It really does help me with wake-ups, I am finding, during the night. And although I'm off the machine now, took one last night and slept from 11:30 - 5:15 and then till 9. So that's a good thing for me.
L o R i
lunesta
It is probably too early to know the eventual verdict on Lunesta.
That it is indicated for long term use may be interpreted by some as safer than its predececessors.
I remember when Valium came out and was considered the panacea for all anxiety disorders. Then the second and third generation BZD came and the problems were realized in time.
Anyone interested in facts should do a google search on - benzodiazepine withdrawal addiction.
Most people will use drugs in a responsible manner, but there will always be those who develop problems. The problem is in knowing which category YOU fit into. This is where denial and rationalization com into play. Beware of those who scream the loudest.
Lunesta and Ambien are not technically BZDs, but work on the same receptors.
Whether it is wise to seek a pill or develop different sleep habits is a question anyone should consider.
In the meantime, let us hope the perfect sleeping pill is just around the corner.
I have my doubts though.
That it is indicated for long term use may be interpreted by some as safer than its predececessors.
I remember when Valium came out and was considered the panacea for all anxiety disorders. Then the second and third generation BZD came and the problems were realized in time.
Anyone interested in facts should do a google search on - benzodiazepine withdrawal addiction.
Most people will use drugs in a responsible manner, but there will always be those who develop problems. The problem is in knowing which category YOU fit into. This is where denial and rationalization com into play. Beware of those who scream the loudest.
Lunesta and Ambien are not technically BZDs, but work on the same receptors.
Whether it is wise to seek a pill or develop different sleep habits is a question anyone should consider.
In the meantime, let us hope the perfect sleeping pill is just around the corner.
I have my doubts though.
My sleep doc has no issues with prescribing sleep meds (in my case ambien) when the patient's circumstances warrant. Completely separate from apnea, I have suffered (and I mean suffered) from anxiety, and for years I had a heck of a time falling asleep (this was long before my apnea diagnosis). It took a long time, but with good medical supervision things are pretty much under control and I am only taking the ambien once or week or less (after several years of nightly use).
I think a balance between good sleep habits and meds (if necessary) is the best way to go. Unfortunately, for me it took 20 years to find that balance!
I think a balance between good sleep habits and meds (if necessary) is the best way to go. Unfortunately, for me it took 20 years to find that balance!
"First rule of holes: when you are in one, stop digging"
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Stryker5777
- Posts: 57
- Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 11:52 pm
Just curious if anyone has noticed a change in their AHI while on ambian? It would appear that it is effective with Central sleep apnea.
I'm curious if it only is successful in reducing AHI of those with central. I'm hoping personally that I don't have to go done the med route but its starting to look like I might have to.
The medical text claim that L-tryptophan is effective in reducing OSA and helping with sleep. It was taken off the market for some time though because of one company in japan that had a tainted supply. Apperently people got sick from it. Has anyone heard of L-tryptophan? or tried it to help them sleep?
I wonder if we'll ever see a drug intervention that can also reduce OSA. Drug + CPAP might equal 0 AHI and if that were the case, continengent on some side effects of course, I'd be first in line.
Stryker5777
I'm curious if it only is successful in reducing AHI of those with central. I'm hoping personally that I don't have to go done the med route but its starting to look like I might have to.
The medical text claim that L-tryptophan is effective in reducing OSA and helping with sleep. It was taken off the market for some time though because of one company in japan that had a tainted supply. Apperently people got sick from it. Has anyone heard of L-tryptophan? or tried it to help them sleep?
I wonder if we'll ever see a drug intervention that can also reduce OSA. Drug + CPAP might equal 0 AHI and if that were the case, continengent on some side effects of course, I'd be first in line.
Stryker5777