Doctor says sleep pill will mess up the test

[raftergirl]

I'm confused.....why won't the sleep center doctor order the Ambien for him? Why does he have to rely on his PCP to order it?

My PCP had nothing to do with my sleep study. I went to her with symptoms. She ordered lab tests to rule out other medical issues that could cause my symptoms. She also ordered an overnight oximeter test. Once that came back abnormal, she referred me to a sleep doctor/sleep center. They took it from there. The sleep doctor prescribed the Ambien and highly encouraged me to take it prior to the test so that I would sleep sufficiently to get a good study. My PCP follows my progress with my OSA, but has noting to do with the management of it.

[novatom]

I'm confused.....why won't the sleep center doctor order the Ambien for him? Why does he have to rely on his PCP to order it?

My PCP had nothing to do with my sleep study. I went to her with symptoms. She ordered lab tests to rule out other medical issues that could cause my symptoms. She also ordered an overnight oximeter test. Once that came back abnormal, she referred me to a sleep doctor/sleep center. They took it from there. The sleep doctor prescribed the Ambien and highly encouraged me to take it prior to the test so that I would sleep sufficiently to get a good study. My PCP follows my progress with my OSA, but has noting to do with the management of it.

My PCP recommended my sleep test last fall, he gave me a phone number to call and that was it. I haven't spoken to my PCP since then. I assume he may know, but maybe he doesn't. Fortunately I only see him once a year for my physical. I do have a prescription for sleeping pills through him which he approves refills, but yeah, my PCP doesn't take an active role in this either. I don't expect him to. Should he? Depends on the patient, I guess.

[Pesser]

I'm confused.....why won't the sleep center doctor order the Ambien for him? Why does he have to rely on his PCP to order it?

My PCP had nothing to do with my sleep study. I went to her with symptoms. She ordered lab tests to rule out other medical issues that could cause my symptoms. She also ordered an overnight oximeter test. Once that came back abnormal, she referred me to a sleep doctor/sleep center. They took it from there. The sleep doctor prescribed the Ambien and highly encouraged me to take it prior to the test so that I would sleep sufficiently to get a good study. My PCP follows my progress with my OSA, but has noting to do with the management of it.

This is the perfect avatar. I want that boat!!!

[Lukie]

This happened to me twenty years ago and because I did not sleep I was not prescribed a CPAP. I suffered heart issues as a result . Here in VT I had a recent sleep study and was prescribed Ambien for both nights and was given a cpap. I am better but still have the heart issues.

[Enchanter]

So I was going to take an Ambien because I was gonna be able to get one. But I called the tech and told them to call me back. They called the doctor and then called me back saying that they have to follow the doctors order and unfortunately I won't be able to take the pill. So I'll have to do my best without it.

[Julie]

And who will know if you do take it?

[tedburnsIII]

Hydroxyzine 50mg or even 25mg will likely do the trick. Perhaps PCP might go along with that prescription.

[postitnote]

So I was going to take an Ambien because I was gonna be able to get one. But I called the tech and told them to call me back. They called the doctor and then called me back saying that they have to follow the doctors order and unfortunately I won't be able to take the pill. So I'll have to do my best without it.

Your best is all you need Enchanter! Good luck with your test though I suspect you will do well this time since you are prepared!

[49er]

So I was going to take an Ambien because I was gonna be able to get one. But I called the tech and told them to call me back. They called the doctor and then called me back saying that they have to follow the doctors order and unfortunately I won't be able to take the pill. So I'll have to do my best without it.

Enchanter,

I understand why you would want to normally follow procedures but in this case, you need to look out for your best interests which is to be able to sleep during the titration by taking the ambien. And as Julie said, no one will know.

Have it nearby in some small container that doesn't look like a pill box because you want it to be accessible with all the wires on you. Also, have some water nearby. As soon as the tech puts you to bed and says you can go to sleep and walks out, take the ambien and don't look back.

By the way, I never told my sleep doctor that I was going to take Temazepam for my bipap titration. I should have because she would have been fine with it but it didn't happen. Anyway, I just took the med without saying a word to anyone and ended up sleeping nearly 6 hours.

Again, take the ambien so you sleep and get the titration that you need.

49er

[postitnote]

And who will know if you do take it?

Enchanter will know if he took it and probably feel so guilty about doing it against dr's orders that he'd stay up all night worrying. He is so armed with information he has to do good

[Jeff241]

I'm confused.....why won't the sleep center doctor order the Ambien for him? Why does he have to rely on his PCP to order it?

It could be like my sleep center where I had to get a prescription, eszopiclone (Lunesta), from my doctor. I don't know if they couldn't prescribe it or wouldn't. I didn't ask. The pharmacist at Walgreen's was concerned about taking it for a sleep study until he learned it was a titration study. I would assume the concern for a sleep study is the medication might alter the results. The more knowledgeable here might be able to explain what the concern might be.

Enchanter you had a study before that didn't go well. Is this another study or is this a titration study?

[Enchanter]

I'm confused.....why won't the sleep center doctor order the Ambien for him? Why does he have to rely on his PCP to order it?

It could be like my sleep center where I had to get a prescription, eszopiclone (Lunesta), from my doctor. I don't know if they couldn't prescribe it or wouldn't. I didn't ask. The pharmacist at Walgreen's was concerned about taking it for a sleep study until he learned it was a titration study. I would assume the concern for a sleep study is the medication might alter the results. The more knowledgeable here might be able to explain what the concern might be.

Enchanter you had a study before that didn't go well. Is this another study or is this a titration study?

They said it's a titration and I will be wearing the mask all night long.

[Jeff241]

They said it's a titration and I will be wearing the mask all night long.

Then I don't get the concern by your doctor. Titration studies are just to set the correct pressure. Sorry your doctor is being difficult.

[Enchanter]

They said it's a titration and I will be wearing the mask all night long.

Then I don't get the concern by your doctor. Titration studies are just to set the correct pressure. Sorry your doctor is being difficult.

Yes. Very very hesitant about the sleep pill. When I mentioned it day 1, he almost jumped back and seemed scared. He said he doesn't prescribe sleep pills to anyone.

[Papit]

I am not doubting any of you. Friday is the test and I'm going to try one more time. If it fails, I'm not just going to keep on trying and trying, I'll have to switch my game plan. But hopefully I will be able to make this work. The test is too soon and it's hard to get these tests, so I have to try to make it work.

You'll probably be just fine, Enchanter. I do agree with most of the posters here, and I took a pill with me just in case. And I wound up needing it and took it and saved the night/test. But most people just show up and eventually get to sleep. -- My advice is do what you can to show up relaxed. Maybe have a beer or two with a friend on the way over. All the best.