Lunesta for Sleep. Anyone With Experience With It?

Posted by dfb @dfb, Feb 2, 2024

In the never-ending quest to overcome the sleep disturbances that have been with me since I was prescribed Venlafaxine (I've been off Venlafaxine for three months), my provider has proscribed Lunesta.

I hate taking more medication. But I need to sleep. It doesn't seem to make a lot of sense to treat depression and anxiety if I'm not sleeping.

I'm going to give it a shot. I'm curious if anyone else has been on it.

Mirtazapine did not help me at all.

Thank you, for your comments.

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kawanhee | @kawanhee | Sep 11, 2024

In reply to @gmamrj "I am really considering going back on it. At my age…82 what difference will it make?..." + (show)

I tapered off of Ativan because it was a benzo and wasn’t helping me sleep anymore. All
My doctors wanted me off it. I transitioned to mirtazapine which allows me to sleep…finally.
I also had genetic testing to find out which drugs would work for me. You may want to look into that. Best wishes!!

gmamrj | @gmamrj | Sep 11, 2024

In reply to @kawanhee "I tapered off of Ativan because it was a benzo and wasn’t helping me sleep anymore...." + (show)

Thank you
I am working with my pharmacist. Actually did genetic testing today to see what drugs will work for me. I am really weird. Melatonin sets me on a role .. like drinking 8 cups of coffee.
Tried lexapro and that was a nightmare. Hopefully the testing will help
Do not think doctors know that much about pharmacology. They just prescribe pills!!!!

triciaann99 | @triciaann99 | Sep 14, 2024

In reply to @gmamrj "I have withdrawn from .5 mg of Ativan a night that I have been taking for..." + (show)

Lunesta works well. Although I’m wondering why you’re tapering off of your benzo when it’s the only thing that provides you sleep

con123 | @con123 | Sep 15, 2024

In reply to @gmamrj "I have withdrawn from .5 mg of Ativan a night that I have been taking for..." + (show)

I have never taken Ativan, but another benzo - Klonopin - for many years. 1-1.5mg at bedtime, never increased the dose and it worked like a charm. Much younger than you, at 64, none of my doctors would prescribe it and I had to go to a psychiatrist to wean off VERY slowly - took a full 10 months and next month will be a year off it. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, and the insomnia was awful for 9 months, with drs. trying Vistaril and Remeron, none of which helped. Chronic insomnia is no joke! Finally got in with a sleep specialist neurologist and am now taking 2 - 3 mg of Lunesta and sleeping! It isn't the deep sleep that Klonopin was, and I wake pretty frequently, but can roll over and go back to sleep or take the extra 1mg if needed. Game changer for me, and I have no side effects. My husband and daughter say I am mentally sharper, and I no longer have stupid falls or bump into things, so I think being off the benzo is good for me. If you haven't yet, give Lunesta a try since it has been prescribed.

gmamrj | @gmamrj | Sep 15, 2024

In reply to @gmamrj "I have withdrawn from .5 mg of Ativan a night that I have been taking for..." + (show)

Thank you. Your experience with Lunesta is encouraging. Really considering it. Dr prescribed 2mg.
There are a lot of meds that make me crazy. I have been scared to try Lunesta.
This insomnia is horrible. I do have an appointment with sleep Dr but no until the last of October.
Indecision is hard.

sle737 | @sle737 | Sep 15, 2024

In reply to @gmamrj "I have withdrawn from .5 mg of Ativan a night that I have been taking for..." + (show)

I just took my last dose 10 days ago so I can totally relate. I’m sorry your sleep is so affected. I was wondering if you have had any other physical symptoms since your final dose?

gmamrj | @gmamrj | Sep 15, 2024

In reply to @gmamrj "I have withdrawn from .5 mg of Ativan a night that I have been taking for..." + (show)

Pretty. Anxious and I would say a little depressed. No motivation.

con123 | @con123 | Sep 16, 2024

In reply to @gmamrj "Thank you. Your experience with Lunesta is encouraging. Really considering it. Dr prescribed 2mg. There are..." + (show)

One way to try the Lunesta would be to split the pill and start with 1mg to see how it makes you feel, and if that is enough to get you to sleep. I find that for me, it is a mild effect even at 2mg and just stops my brain from overthinking so I can drift off to sleep. It is not for everyone but I would say I consistently am asleep within about 20 minutes. You are to take it when you get into bed and turn out the lights.

gmamrj | @gmamrj | Sep 16, 2024

In reply to @gmamrj "I have withdrawn from .5 mg of Ativan a night that I have been taking for..." + (show)

Thank you for this info. Very helpful.
You have not experienced any hallucinations or sleep walking?
How long have you been taking Lunesta?

KLM67 | @klm67 | Sep 17, 2024

In reply to @gmamrj "Thank you. Just wanted to let you know that you it wasn’t my PCP who wanted..." + (show)

I have been on Ativan .5mg 3X a day for 2yrs. I suffered for years with debilitating panic/anxiety. I don't like having to take it to feel like I have control but I have tried many other meds and this one works!
I'm 56yrs old, I worry about long term use but my quality of life is so much better now.
You mentioned you're 82, I would ask was your quality of life better with the Ativan? If your answer is yes, I think going back to the Ativan would be reasonable, you were on such a low dose.
I wish you the best, be well!