Lunesta

tater pie · Post by **tater pie** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:32 pm

I was just wondering if anyone out there had used Lunesta (the sleep aid)? I had turbinate reduction surgery done and the ENT prescribed it to help me sleep. I noticed on the warning that comes with the prescription that people with sleep apnea should be cautious using this drug. He prescribed the 2 mg tablets and said to cut one in half first and try it. Has anybody out there used it?

chrisp · Post by **chrisp** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:37 pm

Yes I have used it. 3 mg. I slept for about 4 hours. Ambien works better for me . Scotch even better , but its not good for my apnea.

:twis ted:

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 8:53 pm

darn, I was going to ask my doctor about it in the morning

Dan01 · Post by **Dan01** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:46 pm

One of the reasons I started using a CPAP was because of some LTE (life threatening events). My throat relaxes when I sleep to the point of closure. Three times in the past four years I woke up choking unable to breathe for thirty seconds or so.

The first time it happened I was taking a Tylenol PM. I figured it would help me sleep. I don’t remember if I was taking it during the second episode. But on the third episode I took a medicine that made me drowsy.

After that third event, I was convinced that a Constant Positive Air Pressure was needed on my throat when I slept. I need to keep that airway open. I pray it never happens again.

With that said, I don’t know about the medicine you are talking about. It may be fine, but I wanted to share my experience.

Dan

jdschooler · Post by **jdschooler** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 10:32 pm

I use Ambien but am interested in trying Lunesta. My wife and I get so much memory problems with ambien and am wondering if Lunesta is a better choice. I would appreciate more info from Lunesta users please.

snamvar · Post by **snamvar** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 10:44 pm

I was taking Ambien (10 mg) for the past 3 years. I have severe insomnia and depression. The Ambien knocked me out and I slept plenty, but I would feel groggy and depressed during the day.
My doctor switched me to Lunesta 3 mg a month ago. Although I do not fall sleep as fast with Ambien, I feel much better the next day. It's also approved for longer term use. So, I would recommend it based on my personal experience.

Best wishes.

RickSt · Post by **RickSt** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 10:53 pm

I've been on Lunesta about 3 weeks now.That may change once I get a cpap machine.

It seems like it took a few days before the Lunesta started working.I started out at 2 mg which didn't work so my doctor upped it to 3 mg.I'm sleeping better most of the time but I'm still waking up tired and earlier than I'd like.Last night it didn't seem to work at all.Compared to Ambien I think Lunesta gives longer sleep most of the time.

Rick

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 8:06 pm

I did my annual physical today and asked the doctor about Lunestra and he said no way, it was not good for SA and they are having side effects like altered taste and smell. He says Ambian is still the one and only for me right now.

sleeplessntpa · Post by **sleeplessntpa** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:05 pm

I was prescribed Lunesta and it worked okay. I take the 2 mg tablets and they help relax and fall asleep but as usual, I do not stay asleep.
I would say on a scale of 1-10 they are about a 6.

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:21 pm

Where do you rate Ambian?

I do have to take 20 mg. for it to work.

tomjax · Post by **tomjax** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 4:03 am

I will not get into this discussion again and highly suggest those interested do a search(on this forum) for lunesta.
My personal opinion as a former pharmacist is that it ir not a good idea to take sleep aids. Mother nature works just fine.
The sleeping pill companies are foing an excellent job of selling these to an unsuspecting public and willing docs.

Lunesta may be the closest yet to an ideal sleep aid, but it should not be needed.
I KNOW what I am talking about.
read the package insertr on Ambien and the others.
FOR SHORT TERM USE ONLT. there is a reason for this.

guest · Post by **guest** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 8:01 am

I am an insomniac and have depression. I think my depression meds have caused my insomnia for the last 6 years. I have used ambien and it works okey for me. I only get about 2 hours sleep and the rest of the time I am relaxed.

I have been watching all the new sleep meds coming out ( about 6 years). When lunesta came I tried it right away. It did not work for me. One of the next sleep meds coming out is Ambien CR, it is time released, suppose to be out sometime soon or anyday now depending on what site you look at. There are more following within the next 2 years.

My doc has given me everything for sleep and nothing works. Cpap has helped some. So if you like ambien the ambien CR will be out soon. I will try that one for sure.

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 8:46 am

Tomjax

If mother nature worked just fine thnis websight would not exist and not a one of us would be dealing with and treating all the illnesses that befall us. That is a rediculous thing to say. Mother nature does not account for the stress of the world today, and if left to mother nature our life spans would go back to 30 years as being old. I am alive here sir as a result of medications.

I take it that when companies advertise 9 out of 10 doctors endorse something youo are always on the side of the 1.

RickSt · Post by **RickSt** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 9:32 am

Until I get fitted for a cpap machine in another week Lunesta is a must have product.It's the only thing that allows me to sleep more than a couple of hours.In my job I can't afford to wait on Mother Nature for sleep.I have over 225 trucks depending on me to be alert and know what's going on.I look forward to the day when I can throw my Lunesta away.

Rick

rock and roll · Post by **rock and roll** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 10:13 am

I take it you are with HUNT?

I agree, it would be ideal if mother nature worked but in reality it is ludicrous to say we should all depend on that process.