Posted by raisinb on January 24, 2009, at 14:25:57
In reply to Let's make a list of hypnotics - sleep medications, posted by SLS on January 24, 2009, at 9:28:53
I have taken Ambien, Remeron, and Lunesta.
Ambien worked incredibly well when I first tried 10 mg tablets. But I'd have lots of experiences when I did things and couldn't remember the next day. Then it really stopped working after a year or so. I'd have to drink a good deal of alcohol and take a double dose to put me out.
Remeron knocked me out like a horse tranquilizer, but gave me intense dreams that I couldn't let go of during the day, thus negatively impacting my mood. I felt hung over constantly. I also gained 7 pounds in three weeks and thought of nothing but food all day.
Lunesta has worked well for 2 and a half years. It is more expensive and does not work if I take it too soon after eating. I take 3 mg per night. But it gives me at least 7 hours (and I can even sleep 10 or 12 if I don't have to get up early) and doesn't hang me over and doesn't seem to stop working unless there's another factor.
When I was on Wellbutrin without another AD nothing at all would make me sleep. Also, extreme stress tends to make the Lunesta less effective.
Alcohol with anything helps put me out initially, but wakes me up several times during the night, thus making any sleep med less effective in the long run.
poster:raisinb
thread:875767
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090104/msgs/875848.html