Lunesta

Posted by gmamrj @gmamrj, Sep 4 7:51pm

I have withdrawn fro Ativan for 9 days now. Really having issues sleeping.
PCP firs prescribed Hydroxyzine
Slept great for 2 night then the anxiety started.
He is now suggesting Lunesta.
Has anyone had any experience with this drug?
I really do not want to take another drug
Wondering also about some of the over the counter sleep aids Really need to sleep. 3 hours at max a night is not working.
Thank you for your input.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

scottbeammeup | @scottbeammeup | Sep 5 6:51am

I've taken Lunesta before. My doctor said it was more for people who have trouble staying asleep vs. falling asleep. I've been using Ambien which is good for falling asleep but then I still wake up a few hours later.

gmamrj | @gmamrj | Sep 5 8:36am

Thank you.
What is the cost of Lunesta?

scottbeammeup | @scottbeammeup | Sep 5 12:33pm

In reply to @gmamrj "Thank you. What is the cost of Lunesta?" + (show)

It depends on your insurance. I only paid $5 for generic.

pml | @pml | Sep 8 9:35pm

That's too bad that you are having trouble sleeping. That must be awful! Instead of medication, have you considered taking a nice hot shower or bath and then drinking a really warm cup of cocoa? That works for me. Also prayer helps. Tell God your problem. He can fix it and will if you just ask. I will say a prayer for you too. God bless you!
PML

gmamrj | @gmamrj | Sep 9 7:25am

Thank you.
I do take a warm epson salt bath.
And pray a lot.
Thank you for your caring and prayers.
Blessings.

laughlin1947 | @laughlin1947 | Sep 9 10:37am

Why are you taking yourself off Ativan? If the dosage is on the low side, then the risk of getting hooked on it is much lower and not worrisome. But anyway -- I tried Lunesta and it was very effective, but it had a side effect for me , which was being a bitter taste in my mouth all morning. You could try some OTC meds if your doctor is OK with them, like either 5 mg of melatonin just before bedtime, and/or an antihistamine sleep aid sold by Costco - doxylamine succinate (named "Sleep Aid" (start with 1/2 tab). If you have anxiety the you could still stay on a benzo, like the longer acting clonazepam. I've been on 2 mg of that before bedtime for many years without issues. I've gone off of it for a few days at a time, and there was no side effect other than my GAD anxiety creeping back up after 2 days or so.

gmamrj | @gmamrj | Sep 9 12:54pm

Thank you for your reply.
I took myself off Ativan because of all the negative comments I read on internet. Silly me.
I have an appointment with PCP in a few days. I think I will tell him I want to stay on Ativan.
Took less than .25 the last two nights and slept great.
I appreciate your comments.
Blessings.

gmamrj | @gmamrj | Sep 10 8:44am

Has anyone that has taken Lunesta had any of the bad side affects that are stated as possible?
As stated before I have slowly tapered off .5 mg of Ativan.
Dr prescribed hydroxyzine for sleep. Didn’t work. Made me extremely anxious. Now wants me to try Lunesta. ????
I’m about ready to go back to Ativan. 2-3.hours of sleep is not working for me.