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Posted: 10/12/2006 10:29:21 AM | OK, I looked all over the forums & did a search like a good fishie and couldn't find anything. My doc prescribed Lunesta for sleep for me, but the insurance in it's ultimate wisdom wouldn't cover it. Long story short, he called in Ambien for me and I've take two in the week I've had em, cause, well, cause I can't sleep.
My question is, anyone here had any experience with these? And the graphic horror movie dreams, are those normal? Maybe I should have read about it somewhere else, but I like asking here; I don't start that many threads, as most of my questions are covered somewhere and I can find an answer (or a hundred) with a search.
Like I said, I've taken two, about three days apart and these weird ass dreams started about the time I took the first one, and have continued every night since then.
Any one else ever taken these and had some funky dreams? Should I consider talking to my doc about this, or maybe they'll go away once I'm like used to the pills? I don't want to look like a loony to him, I mean, he's the guy that gives me the good stuff, you know (not really, but he's good to me and I don't want him to think I'm, well loony.) or am I overthinking this and should I enjoy just the free movies in my head?
Thanks all.
Fry | |
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Posted: 10/12/2006 10:56:43 AM | Hmmm.. I have never taken either of those, although I must admit Lunesta appeals to me.. I've not heard of others experiencing the hellish dreams though, I take a prescription sleep aid when I need to, and no strange dreams. The only thing that ever caused me really weirded out dreams was the Nicoderm patch. Trippy.
Check WEBMD maybe? Might find some answers there? Definitly talk to your Doctor. | |
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Posted: 10/12/2006 11:06:25 AM | Taken from website that is listed below...consult your doctor as indicated below.
What are the possible side effects of Ambien?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Ambien and seek emergency medical attention:
• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, face, or tongue; hives); or
• hallucinations, abnormal behavior, or severe confusion.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Ambien and talk to your doctor if you experience
• headache, drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;
• depression;
• muscle aches or pains;
• vivid or abnormal dreams; or
• amnesia (memory loss) after a dose.
• A problem that may occur when sleep medicines are stopped is known as "rebound insomnia." This means that a person may have more trouble sleeping the first few nights after the medicine is stopped than before starting the medicine. If you should experience rebound insomnia, do not get discouraged. This problem usually goes away on its own after 1 or 2 nights
• Ambien is habit forming. Stopping this medication suddenly can cause withdrawal effects if you have taken it continuously for several weeks. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of this medication.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
http://www.drugs.com/ambien.html
Good luck. | |
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Posted: 10/12/2006 12:40:11 PM | Jeezus...and all I wanted was to not lay awake at night staring at the ceiling wishing I could sleep...maybe I should just go back to the Benadryl and the bad hangover it gives me the next morning..
Thanks y'all.
Fry
Edit: Chaos, the samples of Lunesta he gave me were awesome; good HARD sleep, and no drug hangover; f'ing insurance companies... | |
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Posted: 10/12/2006 1:01:39 PM | Question: after taking Lunesta, were you able to get up in the morning? My biggest worry is I take one and the alarm goes off and I sleep right throuigh it and wake up at noon....I don't think my boss would appreciate me calling to work tired LOL
I suffer from insomnia and it takes me hours to fall asleep - I am in a perpectual state of sleeplessness... | |
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Posted: 10/12/2006 1:12:40 PM | The lunesta was the best thing ever; no drug hangover at all, and I was able to get up the first time the alarm went off, no snooze button needed there; the only bad thing I can see about it is the awful taste you wake up with; could be from sleeping so hard I was being a mouth breather, though.
I feel your pain, lyrical; I only sleep about 4 hours a nite usually, and that is only after I lay there for eons reading quietly trying to go to sleep (I have no tv or other distractions in my bedroom, nice and quiet, smells good, not messy, ivory walls, and LOTS of pale pink, perfect sleeping environment, I just can't sleep); and people wonder why I smoke pot...heh heh...
Fry | |
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Posted: 10/12/2006 3:58:09 PM | Fry Lock
Ambien is a benzodiazepine. (You can look that class of drugs up separately if you want).
I have taken it on few occasions without any side effects, however in my practice I hear of patients reporting a multitude of adverse symptoms.
The most recent studies and experience with this medication get more and more disturbing.
It's likely the Ambien is causing nightmares or "night terrors".
Nightmares are a possibility on any sleep aid, though.
I see you have tried the Lunesta in samples. It doesn't mean Lunesta is or isn't a better choice for you, only your physician that has examined and spoke with you can "best" determine that. Side effects to a medication can start any point.
I would speak with the Rx'g physician, and have her/him suggest a plan.
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Posted: 10/12/2006 4:35:00 PM | "Paradoxical stimulant effects: Benzodiazepines occasionally cause paradoxical excitement with increased anxiety, insomnia, nightmares, hallucinations at the onset of sleep, irritability, hyperactive or aggressive behaviour, and exacerbation of seizures in epileptics. Attacks of rage and violent behaviour, including assault (and even homicide), have been reported, particularly after intravenous administration but also after oral administration. Less dramatic increases in irritability and argumentativeness are much more common and are frequently remarked upon by patients or by their families. Such reactions are similar to those sometimes provoked by alcohol. They are most frequent in anxious and aggressive individuals, children, and the elderly.:
I believe this reaction is related to inappropriate night-time release of norepinephrine and acetylcholine. I've found that nightime hypoglycemia (rebound effect from post parandial blood sugar swings) will also induce these night terrors within 1-2 hours after falling asleep. | |
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Posted: 10/13/2006 7:37:56 AM | so are you saying I should eat something before I go to bed?
Fry | |
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Posted: 10/13/2006 9:16:28 AM | Taken ambien off and on for years. Never a problem with dreams. Hmmm maybe just throw it past the doc and see if its a possible side effect.
Truly, i havent taken the time to read up on ambiens side effects for so long, I just dont recall if its normal or not.
Smacks forehead.... sombient....in simple terms might be a lil easier to understand here. Not everyone...actually most any of us are probably not studying what you are. Keeping it simple is much more helpful | |
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Posted: 10/13/2006 9:39:19 AM | Thank you Bolo; that's what I meant.....still the same, though, I didn't take one last night & had those freaky dreams AGAIN; good thing I like horror movies, hey? I have an appt with the Doc next week; I'ma run it by him; they aren't affecting the quality of my sleep, I just want to make sure I'm not going to commit hari-kiri while I'm sleepwalking....
Fry | |
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Posted: 10/13/2006 9:41:54 AM | | sure thing fry...good luck with that one. | |
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Posted: 10/13/2006 10:06:50 AM |
My doc prescribed Lunesta for sleep for me, but the insurance in it's ultimate wisdom wouldn't cover it. Long story short, he called in Ambien for me and I've take two in the week I've had em, cause, well, cause I can't sleep.
SEE YOUR DOCTOR!!!!! The last thing I would recommend is eating any kind of foods, before bedtime, while on these medications. I do however recommend taking the pills with a glass of 2% Milk.
Lunesta is new to the market-place and it is not cheap. Check with your Insurance and your Doctor for the Generic which is Eszopiclone. Both Lunesta and Ambien are known to cause, Abnormal Dreams, when you stop taking the medication. Or the prescribe dose is not high enough, or you miss a dose. Or, you are not allowing at least 8 Hours of rest, while taking said medications. Meaning, that you could very well be having "Withrawal Symtons", even dough you are taking the drug. SEE YOUR DOCTOR !!!!!
Another thing that I would like to tell you........."NEVER" drink any kind of Alcohol with Lunesta or Ambien, new studies have shown, that this will cause "Coma" and "Death".
I would re-visit your Doctor, and mention "Zyperxa", based on what you posted here, your age, your gender, I think you should Take 1 Tablet at Bedtime (Daily) 2.5MG. SEE YOUR DOCTOR !!!!!
I would also try looking into Non-Prescription Natural Supplements, like Ambiatol, Somnatrol and Somnulin. These really have no known side-affects, because they are Natural, and no prescription is needed.
Good Luck to You !!!!! | |
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Posted: 10/13/2006 11:32:19 AM | To put it simply; those who have nightmares while taking Ambien have an unusual - and adverse- reaction to its chemical action in the brain. This unusual chemistry disturbs the pattern of hormone release, and consequently alters the brainwave states that brings about repair of all tissues, but in particular brain, muscles, liver and gut, during rest. And the symptom itself - night terrors - and abnormal release of adrenaline - is harmful.
Stop the use of this medication and see your doctor about its effects. The drug information insert clearly says to cease its use if these side effects are present. "You may not be able to take Ambien, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above".
I said that the reaction is *like* the induction of epinephrine as a result of blood sugar swings. I think I see where BJ is going with his mention of Zyprexa (a medication for bipolar disorder).
Interruption of normal production and release of melatonin is a biochemical deficiency. I submit, BJ, that for many patients, sleep phase correction lies in simple vitamin supplements to drive GABA, dopamine and serotonin/melatonin biosynthesis. This is a largely a problem of micronutrient malabsorption.
Also suspect is simple sleep hygiene practice. I'm amazed at the number of (young and old) adults that have no clue of what constitutes proper sleep hygiene. Combine that with a less than sensible diet and sedentary lifestyle practices that directly influence indoleamine, methylation and sulfonation chemistry - and you have widespread sleep cycle problems. | |
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Posted: 10/14/2006 1:03:20 PM | You didn't mention if you had tried any of the natural methods, so I thought I would mention some.
One reason for not being able to fall asleep is that life is exciting, and stimulating. You don't want to sleep because there are so many fun things to do or think about. So, if you are awake when you think you should be sleeping don't do anything that rewards you for being awake. So, no smoking, (in the middle of the night) no playing your fav music, no looking for a movie you would enjoy.
Instead find something that you have been postponing doing because it is boring. Like, arranging all the books in your bookcase in alphabetical order, organizing the family pictures, reading a factual book. These should be things you have been meaning to do but haven't gotten around to yet because they are not fun things.
What I always find is that just lying in bed thinking about what I should get up and do puts me to sleep! honest! Try it!
Another reason for not being able to fall asleep is worry. If you can't sleep don't do something fun. Do something useful. For example maybe you are worried about finances. Make a budget. Determine what you have to cut from your spending. Get on line and look for a part time job and update your resume. Just thinking about this stuff will make you tired but if not, it is a better way to spend your time than just worrying in bed.
Maybe you are worried about an agrument you had. Write or type a letter to that person. DO NOT SEND it. This is just to release your worry. However, if this is a stimulating activity don't do it.
Bedtime routine can help your body and mind prepare for sleep. Whatever works for you. Maybe brushing your teeth at a relaxed pace (unlike the morning rush) a bubble bath or warm shower. Maybe putting overnight conditioner in your hair. Moving around at a relaxed pace.
I find exercise before bed helps, others find the opposite, maybe gentle streching. A friend finds A LITTLE alcohol helps, others find this doesn't help.
Have you ever tried meditation? It's great. You lie in bed and concentrate on your breathing. Maybe starting with your feet: relax your feet. SLOWLY work up so your whole body is relaxed; including your forehead. When you are completely relaxed you imagine yourself floating on a cloud or something very relaxing for you. And just think about your breathing. They say it is very healthy to do this, like, 2 hours a day. Who has the time? But if you are awake anyway, and I bet you can't do it more than about 20 mins without falling asleep.
Do you have caffeine in your diet? from pop, chocolate, tea? When I find I'm not falling asleep fast enough, I cut it out in the evening. If it is not enough. I cut it out in the afternoon.
Good nutrition and moving around during the day is necessary too. | |
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Posted: 10/14/2006 6:01:51 PM | I have a sleep disorder and tried Ambien (and others) when they first came on the market. I can't say that I ever had any weird dreams or anything like that. It helped me to fall asleep but I would wake up 2 hrs later wide awake again.
About 6 yrs ago my doctor prescribed Trazodone (Desyrel) which is actually an anti-depressant. I actually felt safer taking this knowing it was an anti-depressant and people had used it for years.
I take it at bedtime and fall asleep after an hour of taking it and actually stay asleep. I don't feel groggy in the least in the morning either. I am on a low dose, but I do know taking a higher dose.. . makes me a little drowsy in the morning. Now with all of the "new" anti-depressionants on the market Tradzodone is primarly used for people with sleep disorders because of the sedating affects and not for depression, unless sedating effects are desired for their treatment.
This is from a medical website (I belive it was EHealth) that I found.
"Trazodone, a sedating antidepressant, is often used for chronic insomnia that does not respond to other treatments." He said that during the 1990s, the use of FDA-approved sleep medications called hypnotics declined by 54 percent between 1987 and 1996, "while the use of trazodone (Desyrel) and other sedating antidepressants rose by 146 percent. This trend continued through 2002, such that trazodone became the most frequently used medication for the treatment of insomnia." He said that 78 percent of physicians now make trazodone their first choice in treating chronic insomnia. | |
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Posted: 10/15/2006 6:36:51 AM | | Why don't you try googling sleep labs. There are several in Wisconsin that specialize in sleep disorders. Long term medication for this problem is often a poor answer because of decreasing effectiveness and side effects. The labs do an inpatient analysis,(hopefully) pinpoint the problem and offer solutions. Many of the possible solutions are not ones involving medication but teach you how to integrate new routines, diet changes, and relaxation techniques into your day to help you sleep. Worth a try anyway. Richard | |
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Posted: 10/15/2006 10:59:44 AM | | I take lorazepam for aniexty but it puts me to sleep also I don't have nightmares or feel like chopping up the neighbors when I take it..It isn't a good mix with alcohol..Another natural thing Sleepytime Tea, mixed with Tension Tamer Tea from Ces. Seasonings...Helps too.. | |
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Posted: 10/15/2006 8:00:41 PM | I've had reactions similar to this with different prescriptions. This is why I have such a hard time dealing with almost all prescription "PILLS" <--- these kinds of drugs screw me up.
My question is, anyone here had any experience with these? And the graphic horror movie dreams, are those normal?
I have had to come to realize that the nightmares I have now have to do with unresolved feelings or issues in life. The reason I can't sleep in the first place. Get rid of that rollercoaster and sleep will happen. My problem is that I am not rid of the rollercoaster yet. So I deal with sleeping a few hours every night. | |
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Posted: 10/17/2006 5:25:03 AM | I take Ambien...I have always had strange dreams, they don't bother me anymore, but was does bother me is after taking the ambien I sleep walk to the kitchen, eat everything in site, and don't remember till I find empty wrappers and crumbs in my bed! I've suffered from insomnia for years, tried many scripts, Trazadone (Desyrl) worked great but is a big weight gainer, tried Lunesta, na did not work, so I'm back to Ambien...I have been taking a lower dose and the night scarfing has gone away!
~beach | |
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Posted: 10/17/2006 7:26:05 AM | Heh heh...Night eats? I'm going to have to barricade myself in, as I hate crumbs in the bed.
Doc said give it a few days, then we'll see. As for the poster that said herbal stuff, tried it (several kinds) , it wreaks havoc on my guts, not going to go into THAT, just know it's not nice and it interferes with work AND sleep.
at least I'm sleeping now; better than what I was doing. my ceiling has 4,682 little speckles in the paint.
No one should know that.
Fry | |
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Posted: 10/17/2006 10:25:27 AM | Good Luck To You.............."Fry" !!!!
The other day, I was laying in bed, looking up at the stars...............and I said to myself........................where the heck is the roof ?.............. | |
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Posted: 10/17/2006 10:22:27 PM | I read somewhere sometime ago that it is a matter of training the body into a routine and one will be able to sleep. Yeah, right!!! Well, I’ve tried that and it didn’t work for me. So I gave up . . . I will drop when I drop.
However, there are times that I really do need to be rested the next day so I have some
“R – O – Z – E – R – E – M” (8mg) that my doctor has prescribed. I don’t have any side affects. I WAKE UP SOOOOOOOOO REFRESHED . . . I LOVE IT!!!! The only reason I don’t take them daily is because I’m afraid I might become hooked on them.
Also, I have tried in the last 2 months and seems to work much better than when I don’t . . . AND THAT IS . . . cover my eyes with a scarf . . .I know it sounds funny but it works for me . . . especially when I travel. . . . It might be like a blankie . . . I don't know . . . BUT, but to each its own!!!!! 
Best of luck,
Shyla | |
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Posted: 10/18/2006 2:22:54 PM | Sombient,
Would you please reply to the address I sent you...
Thanks. | |
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Posted: 10/20/2006 8:31:18 PM | Fry I have fibromyalgia which causes chronic fatigue but also sleep pattern problems. I'm drop dead tired but can't sleep half the time. It's mind bending and I get really grouchy. If the military isn't using sleep deprevation as an interrogation technique then they are missing the boat.
I started out taking valium to sleep and it worked fairly well for years. The last year to year and half it stopped working. I've been taking rozerem now for two months. It's crap. I still can't sleep. I'm going to ask them to put me on something else.
I'd be happy to have vivid nightmares if I could sleep. I hope you find an answer but I do know rozerem is suppose to be non-habit forming and I haven't had any nightmares while using it. But then of course I haven't had a heck of a lot of sleep either. | |
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