sleep medication - Sleep Disorders Message Board

bodieiv · 06-13-2008, 03:24 PM

I am interested in finding out what best works for your insomnia.

I cannot take any addicting drugs such as benzos.. Klonipan, xanax etc.

I have tried melaton, 5 htp, valariom root..

I cannot take ambien.. addicting.

I currently take Elavil which helps some..

If i am not asleep by midnight I take a lunesta.

I do sleep some with lunesta. It does make me feel groggy though.

I feel so guilty if I take a lunesta. Do not want to become dependent on it.

Any suggestions or things that have worked for you, I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks
Bodie

ps .. I do have sleep apnea but I still do not sleep sometimes. About 50% of the time I cannot fall asleep.

Jay Ar · 06-13-2008, 10:03 PM

Hi bodieiv, we probably have entirely different situations and life styles, as I am 68 retired and do not do anywhere near enough physical stuff, but to answer your question. I take Imovane 7.5mg (zopiclone). Probably a different name in the US. They are not cheap at $26 Au for a pack of 30. I only take them about 2 times a week so as not to become dependant, when I think I am due for a good night in La,La land that's the way I do it.
Cheers.....Jay Ar

TexMom85 · 06-14-2008, 12:06 AM

Zopiclone is Lunesta here in the U.S., FYI.

If you are not sleeping, it is my opinion that you consider treatment for it. Sleep is so vital to your health that when you go without quality sleep for even a short time, it can increase your chances for acquiring diseases, not to mention the impact on your concentration, reasoning skills, emotions, reaction times, etc.

You must treat your insomnia as a legitimate ailment which requires treatment. If your blood pressure was high, would you be worrying about your dependence on the proper medication? Unless you are a recovering addict, I would not focus on the possibility of dependence so much, but rather managing your sleep first. I have been on sleep medications for over 15 years. I don't know that I have a dependence on them....but I know that my insomnia is a very bad ailment that requires treatment of some kind. I don't feel guilty for needing medication. I just feel so wonderful when I am able to get to sleep. I do not abuse medication or take more than the recommended dose. My doctors know about all of the medications I take, so I don't get myself into trouble. Medications can be abused, and yes, you can develop a dependence, but first worry about getting your sleep back into a regular cycle. Then you can decide if you want to wean off of the medication(s).

Please take care of yourself, or you may find other health issues starting to creep in on you...

Blessings,
Tex