FYI.. Lunesta vs Ambien..my results

A couple of weeks I asked questions about peoples preferences on Ambien vs Lunesta

When I saw my PCP she agreed to let me try Lunesta as I had a 7 day trial certificate off the net. She also gave me a script and warned I "might" have trouble getting insurance approval.

So I picked up the sample day. (**** it's expensive without insurance or a sample run)  Tried it and OH MY I LOVE IT ! 

No nightmares, no wild psychedelic colors, butterflies, animals, you name it. Just PLAIN solid sleep !  No one chasing me anymore in my sleep.

So next called prescription plan.. and there were no issues, other than it costs slightly more. I asked how much more... only $5 ! more for a a 90 day supply... Gotta tell you I had sat down as usually it's tons more than that.

So just to share is you have sleep issues it is something to consider and weigh what your insurance will pay as well. I do not take it every night, but when my brain will not shut UP, I pop one 3 mg one and in 30-45 mins I am out for the count of 6-7 straight hours of SOLID restful sleep.

Hope that helps someone out debating what to do.

FWIW,  my recent experience is just the opposite.  With Lunesta my sleep is more fitful,  strange dreams,  horrid taste in my mouth.  With Ambien,  solid peaceful sleep,  no issues at all.

It is odd how we are all different. Ambien worked for a long time, but it started causing issues as I mentioned.I am so thankful Lunesta works now. I really think it is trial and error for everyone.

I take 1/2 of a 3 mg every night.  In 20 minutes, I'm nodding, and get about 5-6 hours of sleep (that's normal for me).  I do dream, usually in the early AM - dreaming is important to me - I didn't like it when I was not dreaming - I felt like a piece of my life was missing.  But they are normal dreams, not scary or weird ones.

I wished it worked that fast for me, I plan ahead though. If no sign of sleepiness I try to take it after 9:30 pm, be in night clothes, so all I have to do is pop into bed when I start feeling it. I have dreamed some with it, but nothing scary, chasing me or psychie like, you know.. just pleasant stuff

Yay!  I'm so glad Ginger!!

~Becky (who hasn't slept a single unmedicated night in YEARS).

Me too, Becky.  I just can't shut my mind off (sometimes even the medication won't shut it off...it scares my hubby when that happens..3 days w/o sleep)

Beth, are you being treated for sleep apnea? This can happen with inadequately treated sleep apnea.

This can also be a "subtle" symptom of a hypomanic episode of bipolar disorder, along with several other possibilities. If sleep aids don't shut it down, it's psychiatrist and sleep specialist time.

Elizabeth,

That is something I will look into. Sleep apnea is a possibility, I haven't been checked for it. I will look for a sleep specialist in my area. I didn't realize they had sleep specialists.

Thanks!
Beth

You haven't been evaluated for sleep apnea and you're having surgery in three weeks?!?!?! WTF!!!