Insomnia - Zopiclone and Lunesta

I have had great difficulty awakening a couple of hours after falling asleep and not being able to get back to sleep. I have checked my readings using my Encore Viewer, even had my RT at the DME check my readings all is good my AHI is usually around 2.1. I have in the past have woken when my pressures on my Auto would go up due to an event, but would hit the ramp and go back to sleep.

My doctor prescribed Zopiclone (generic), I believe from my Internet searches that it is a similar drug to Lunesta. I have been using for about 5 days and it works great, but leaves a terrible metalic taste in my mouth. I have found though in researching this that it is not recommended for those with Sleep Apnea.

My pharmacist didn't catch this and neither did my doctor...is there a safe medication that can work for us with SA? I have used Melatonin (naturally occurs in our bodies and can be used for jet lag...synthetically manufactured), but find it doesn't help me stay asleep.

I have never ever had problems like this before. My wife always marveled how I could lay down and in a few minutes would be asleep...not now! I am soooo tired of waking and not being able to go back to sleep.

I have tried relaxation, visualization, going to my happy place, hot showers and milk - not neessarily in that order or combination!!!

Hi Fredman,

Zoplicone is the generic name for Lunesta. Zolpidem is generic for Ambien. I tried Lunesta and besides the fact that it didn't work, I didn't like the metallic taste either. I take Ambien and yes, I have been told that it's best to avoid sleeping pills such as these when we have sleep apnea. However, lack of sleep isn't a good option either so the doc said to keep taking the ambien but work on minimizing and eventually getting off it.

Melatonin seems to work for many but I've been told not to take it because of still other meds I'm on. However, I have been told by my doc that I can take l-tryptophan or 5-htp which are precursors to melatonin. I now take 200 mg of 5-htp every night one about 2 hrs before bedtime and one at bedtime. I'm still taking ambien but am sleeping really well and am hoping to start reducing ambien dosage next week.

Good luck!
Mindy

Thanks Mindy for sharing. It is frustrating to be sleep deprived and probably better option to take and eventually work at reducing or limiting use.

Last night I did not take a dose at all after 8 days use, but used Melatonin...didn't sleep well but trying to take a break from the Zopiclone for a bit.