Has anyone used Rozerem? - Sleep Disorders Message Board

PJ59 · 04-01-2006, 02:50 PM

Hi, Has anyone out there used the new sleep inducer Rozerem? I tried it once & not sure whether I had a reaction or just side effects. Any information on experiences with this new drug would be appreciated. Thanks !

mylighthouse · 04-12-2006, 08:40 PM

Hi,
I just started using Rozerem...tonight will be my third night to take it. I'm taking one 8mg pill as directed by my doctor. The first 2 nights that I took it, I woke up several times in the middle of the night, which isn't anything new. In fact, I felt worse, but the pill itself hasn't made me feel sick or anything. I have problems with a knee injury and restless leg syndrome as well as strange sensations in my head--like I'm awake when I'm really asleep.
My doctor told me that the Rozerem should help me get a good night's sleep. I'm supposed to take it for 2 weeks and then go in for a checkup. Even though I haven't seen any improvement yet, I'm going to keep taking it. I think I should give it the full 2 weeks.

mylighthouse · 04-26-2006, 09:40 AM

Update on Rozerem:

After a few rough nights of awakening off an on while taking the Rozerem, I finally was able to sleep from 11:30 to 4:00 every morning. I took the Rozerem for the full 2 weeks and continued to wake up at 4:00 with leg pains and inable to get back to sleep.
I saw my doctor last Thursday and she took me off of Rozerem and prescribed 2 weeks worth of Ambien CR (12.5mg) for me to try. The first 3 nights, I slept very well (from 11:30 to 6:30). For the past 3 nights, I've woken up around 4:30 and I've had nightmares along with strange sensations/vibrations in my head and my legs are jerking/hurting again. I'm so tired and irritable today.

I have read that Rozerem helps some people, and that you just have to find what's right for you. I'm still searching for something to help, I will call my doctor today and let her know what is going on.

PJ59 · 04-26-2006, 10:37 AM

Hi Mylighthouse,
Thanks for reporting your experiences. I only tried one dose of Rozerem & it was a very rough experience so quit. Then dr prescribed Ambien(not Ambien CR) which was very smooth and did allow me to sleep. One half of 10mg Ambien tablet gave me 6 hrs of uninteruptted sleep. Three tablets (in half tablet doses) corrected my ability to initiate falling asleep ! (I have had insomnia since head injury ~ 3 yrs ago and recently had a neurotoxic reaction to a pesticide).Then I started having daytime abnormal feelings of sedation so quit. My dr said the rule of thumb was to not exceed 5 doses of sleep meds in 7 days to avoid possibly becoming addicted. Definately discuss your experiences with the sleep meds with your dr as everyone reacts differently to meds. This class of medications should be used very carefully. My understanding from my dr was to quit when I got the desired effect to avoid getting the undesirable effects. Then use it only when needed. Good luck & hope you are getting some relief & sleep !

mylighthouse · 04-26-2006, 01:13 PM

PJ,
Thank you for sharing your experience and advice. I called my doctor today and told her how I've had trouble sleeping the past few nights taking Ambien CR. She told me to go to bed tonight without anything, so I will. I'm glad she said that, because I had already decided that I would not take any more Ambien CR. I'm glad you threw in the caution about the sleep meds, and also what shared what your doctor said about the frequency of use.

It's good that you're able to get some rest with the Ambien and I hope that keeps working for you.

Take care.