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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jerrympls on April 16, 2005, at 13:55:31
I got my Rx for Lunesta yesterday. 2-3mg at night. I was weary about it working since I've been a longtime Ambien "user" and thought there would be cross-tolerance. But, it worked like a dream!!!!!! Interesting part is that I didn't feel like I had taken anything - I took it on an empty stomach and in about an hour started feeling "naturally" sleepy. I didn't feel like it was drowning me in sedation - I just felt like it was time to go to bed. I went to bed - no racing thoughts!! Just went to sleep and stayed asleep. I was still able to get up and go to the bathroom and easily get back to sleep.
I did wake up with a bit of a headache this morning however - but that's it. NO hangover NO amnesia effects, etc.
*sigh of relief*! And it's approved for longterm use.
I know from reading some earlier posts that it didn't work well for some - but I guess we're all different - ehh? And cross-tolerance is not always going to be a problem for those who have been using Ambien.
Jerry :-)
Posted by Phillipa on April 16, 2005, at 15:30:24
In reply to My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!!, posted by jerrympls on April 16, 2005, at 13:55:31
That's Great! Have you taken any benzos like valium before for sleep? That's what I'm taking now. My pharmacist just looked it up in the computer and said it comes in l.2.3mg tabs. He also was surprised at the high cost. $3.37 per lmg tab. Did you get samples or do you have a good drug coverage plan? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by ed_uk on April 16, 2005, at 16:16:59
In reply to My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!!, posted by jerrympls on April 16, 2005, at 13:55:31
Hi Jerry!
Sounds great :-)
It's weird how you don't have zopiclone in the US, it's really popular here- has been since the 80s. If you had zopiclone (which is very similar to Lunesta) in the US you might have been sleeping well for years!
Ed.
Posted by Spriggy on April 16, 2005, at 16:36:04
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » jerrympls, posted by ed_uk on April 16, 2005, at 16:16:59
I am totally laughing at myself Ed.
I read your post and thought to myself, " what? Ed is not from the US? HUH?"
Then I look at your name "ed.. UK" and I'm thinking, " DUH! He's from the UK." LOL
I think all these brain drugs have fried a few of my cells. LOL
I have a question about Lunesta. somebody said it has AD properties as well as a sleep aide. What would that be (that AD property)?
Posted by ed_uk on April 16, 2005, at 17:05:31
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » ed_uk, posted by Spriggy on April 16, 2005, at 16:36:04
Hi!
I'm from Yorkshire, England!
>What would that be (that AD property)?
IMO, it's probably just a case of better sleep = improved mood!
Regards,
Ed.
Posted by vivi on April 16, 2005, at 19:49:59
In reply to My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!!, posted by jerrympls on April 16, 2005, at 13:55:31
> I got my Rx for Lunesta yesterday. 2-3mg at night. I was weary about it working since I've been a longtime Ambien "user" and thought there would be cross-tolerance. But, it worked like a dream!!!!!! Interesting part is that I didn't feel like I had taken anything - I took it on an empty stomach and in about an hour started feeling "naturally" sleepy. I didn't feel like it was drowning me in sedation - I just felt like it was time to go to bed. I went to bed - no racing thoughts!! Just went to sleep and stayed asleep. I was still able to get up and go to the bathroom and easily get back to sleep.
>
> I did wake up with a bit of a headache this morning however - but that's it. NO hangover NO amnesia effects, etc.
>
> *sigh of relief*! And it's approved for longterm use.
>
> I know from reading some earlier posts that it didn't work well for some - but I guess we're all different - ehh? And cross-tolerance is not always going to be a problem for those who have been using Ambien.
>
> Jerry :-)I have used ambien for a while too and I don't like how it makes me feel if I don't go right to bed. I was wondering how Lunesta would work. Ambien only keeps me asleep for 4 hours and when I took Trazadone I felt like a Zombie the next day.
Posted by Paulbwell on April 16, 2005, at 20:07:19
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!!, posted by vivi on April 16, 2005, at 19:49:59
Like all pills:
The first ones the best, the rest sit somewhere between that and not working at all.
Posted by Phillipa on April 16, 2005, at 20:59:11
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!!, posted by Paulbwell on April 16, 2005, at 20:07:19
Jerry Keep posting us everyday to let us know how the lunesta is working. A lot of us are listening, really listening. fondly, Phillipa
Posted by jerrympls on April 17, 2005, at 0:37:10
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » jerrympls, posted by Phillipa on April 16, 2005, at 15:30:24
> That's Great! Have you taken any benzos like valium before for sleep? That's what I'm taking now. My pharmacist just looked it up in the computer and said it comes in l.2.3mg tabs. He also was surprised at the high cost. $3.37 per lmg tab. Did you get samples or do you have a good drug coverage plan? Fondly, Phillipa
No samples - just a good insurance plan. I usually pay a $15 co-pay on all Rx - but since Lunesta is new I had to pay $25 for a month supply (1mg tabs - take 2-3 at night=90/mo). So I'm lucky in that regard.
Yes I used to take benzos for sleep - but they don't sedate me and thus don't work for sleep.
Posted by jerrympls on April 17, 2005, at 0:39:23
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!!, posted by vivi on April 16, 2005, at 19:49:59
> > I got my Rx for Lunesta yesterday. 2-3mg at night. I was weary about it working since I've been a longtime Ambien "user" and thought there would be cross-tolerance. But, it worked like a dream!!!!!! Interesting part is that I didn't feel like I had taken anything - I took it on an empty stomach and in about an hour started feeling "naturally" sleepy. I didn't feel like it was drowning me in sedation - I just felt like it was time to go to bed. I went to bed - no racing thoughts!! Just went to sleep and stayed asleep. I was still able to get up and go to the bathroom and easily get back to sleep.
> >
> > I did wake up with a bit of a headache this morning however - but that's it. NO hangover NO amnesia effects, etc.
> >
> > *sigh of relief*! And it's approved for longterm use.
> >
> > I know from reading some earlier posts that it didn't work well for some - but I guess we're all different - ehh? And cross-tolerance is not always going to be a problem for those who have been using Ambien.
> >
> > Jerry :-)
>
> I have used ambien for a while too and I don't like how it makes me feel if I don't go right to bed. I was wondering how Lunesta would work. Ambien only keeps me asleep for 4 hours and when I took Trazadone I felt like a Zombie the next day.
>
>Well, I like I said in my post - I didn't notice any drugged out feelings after I took it before bed. It certainly lasts longer than Ambien and is nowhere near as horrible as Trazadone.
Posted by jerrympls on April 17, 2005, at 0:40:39
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!!, posted by Paulbwell on April 16, 2005, at 20:07:19
> Like all pills:
>
> The first ones the best, the rest sit somewhere between that and not working at all.Not true for me. And I hope not true for Lunesta. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by temoigneur on April 17, 2005, at 1:03:35
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » Paulbwell, posted by jerrympls on April 17, 2005, at 0:40:39
> > Like all pills:
> >
> > The first ones the best, the rest sit somewhere between that and not working at all.
>
> Not true for me. And I hope not true for Lunesta. I'll keep you posted.Oh I hope it does work, I can't imagine how it could be any different from zopiclone, I'm Canadian and we have that here too, **however tolerance to zopiclone is sometimes noticed, as was the certainly the case with me after about 2-4 months, I can't quite remember.
I wouldn't really know, but I'm not aware that it's been approved for long term use anywhere, and I was told, and discovered, that taking more than 7.5mg of zopicilone, did not improve efficacy. If Ed, or anyone knows of any structural difference between zopiclone and lunesta, or possibly even a mechanism in the 'inactive' zopiclone enantiomer that may make metabolism of lunesta and zopiclone different I would be very interested. I have been addicted to clonazepam, (rivitrol for years; has anyone found that they didn't experience a cross tolerance between benzo's and lunesta? Thank you for the posts, they are invaluable, as we don't have the drug up here, but I'll ask my pdoc, if it seems like it may be indicated, they may be able to import it.Ben
Posted by Paulbwell on April 17, 2005, at 1:12:21
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » Paulbwell, posted by jerrympls on April 17, 2005, at 0:40:39
> > Like all pills:
> >
> > The first ones the best, the rest sit somewhere between that and not working at all.
>
> Not true for me. And I hope not true for Lunesta. I'll keep you posted.Hi Jer,
When do you take your last Dex Span?
do you think that may nessisatate the need for sleeping meds?
The spans work for 8-10hours? dnt they?
Posted by Larry Hoover on April 17, 2005, at 9:26:56
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » jerrympls, posted by temoigneur on April 17, 2005, at 1:03:35
> Oh I hope it does work, I can't imagine how it could be any different from zopiclone, I'm Canadian and we have that here too, **however tolerance to zopiclone is sometimes noticed, as was the certainly the case with me after about 2-4 months, I can't quite remember.
I just started zopiclone about three weeks ago. Still works just like the first night for me.
Turns out the interference with sleep I was having was due to gabapentin. I can't take it past 2 p.m., or it interferes with sleep.....so I go into withdrawals every p.m.
> I wouldn't really know, but I'm not aware that it's been approved for long term use anywhere, and I was told, and discovered, that taking more than 7.5mg of zopicilone, did not improve efficacy.
Ya, it's a saturation effect. A sponge will only hold so much water.
> If Ed, or anyone knows of any structural difference between zopiclone and lunesta, or possibly even a mechanism in the 'inactive' zopiclone enantiomer that may make metabolism of lunesta and zopiclone different I would be very interested.
I don't think anybody ever tested the R-enantiomer separately. I could only hazard a guess based on differential response with the R-zopiclone absent. I'm not sure you'd learn too much from that.
> I have been addicted to clonazepam, (rivitrol for years; has anyone found that they didn't experience a cross tolerance between benzo's and lunesta?
I was on 30 mg temazepam for years. I stopped cold turkey the night I went on zopiclone. I had no transitional adverse effects. No rebound. No withdrawals.
> Thank you for the posts, they are invaluable, as we don't have the drug up here, but I'll ask my pdoc, if it seems like it may be indicated, they may be able to import it.
>
> BenI don't know if Lunesta is more efficacious, but it most certainly provides the most patent protection in the US. The clock just started ticking on Lunesta, whereas the clock had just about run out on zopiclone. Zopiclone was patented in the US many years ago, but never went through the FDA trials required.....no money in doing that now, but lots of money in doing that for the S-enantiomer, which meets the patent requirements for being a new drug.
Lar
Posted by TamaraJ on April 18, 2005, at 15:53:08
In reply to My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!!, posted by jerrympls on April 16, 2005, at 13:55:31
Jerry,
That is wonderful news! I am so happy to hear that Lunesta works well for you. A good night's sleep makes such a difference in how we feel, both emotionally and physically.
Take good care of you.
Tamara
Posted by jerrympls on April 19, 2005, at 20:44:42
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » jerrympls, posted by Paulbwell on April 17, 2005, at 1:12:21
> > > Like all pills:
> > >
> > > The first ones the best, the rest sit somewhere between that and not working at all.
> >
> > Not true for me. And I hope not true for Lunesta. I'll keep you posted.
>
> Hi Jer,
>
> When do you take your last Dex Span?
> do you think that may nessisatate the need for sleeping meds?
> The spans work for 8-10hours? dnt they?Good questions - yes I think the stimulant adds for me need of a sleeping aid. However, I still have the same insomnia OFF stimulants.
Posted by jerrympls on April 19, 2005, at 20:49:57
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » Paulbwell, posted by jerrympls on April 19, 2005, at 20:44:42
Still working very well to put me to sleep and keep me asleep. Side effects I've noticed are headache in the morning. Also, I've been a little "moody" since taking it - could just be a coincidence.
Posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2005, at 20:52:30
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » Paulbwell, posted by jerrympls on April 19, 2005, at 20:44:42
I'm following you. Please keep posting! Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by ed_uk on April 20, 2005, at 7:19:46
In reply to Re: 4th night on Lunesta, posted by jerrympls on April 19, 2005, at 20:49:57
Hi Jerry!
>Also, I've been a little "moody" since taking it - could just be a coincidence.
LOL... We'll warn you if you get snappy!
Ed.
Posted by Dkscully on April 21, 2005, at 0:08:52
In reply to Re: 4th night on Lunesta, posted by jerrympls on April 19, 2005, at 20:49:57
I've been on Lunesta for two nights, and I've noticed NO side effects, and an improvement in my mood! The sleep is different from Ambien--I don't feel so "knocked out"--but I am waking up feeling more well-rested!
Posted by Phillipa on April 21, 2005, at 0:10:41
In reply to Re: 4th night on Lunesta » jerrympls, posted by ed_uk on April 20, 2005, at 7:19:46
Great! A lot of us are following the lunesta posters progress and the meds effects. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by jerrympls on April 21, 2005, at 1:27:55
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » jerrympls, posted by Phillipa on April 19, 2005, at 20:52:30
Lunesta seems to be working very well. Still having some problems getting to sleep - but once asleep I'm fine. I noticed a headache during the first 3 days of taking it - but it's gone now. No other side effects. It's best to take it on an empty stomach too.
Posted by Jeopardy on April 21, 2005, at 9:05:03
In reply to Re: 5th night of Lunesta, posted by jerrympls on April 21, 2005, at 1:27:55
I was Rx’d Lunesta last Monday, the 18th….so three nights now. I have not noticed the lingering aftertaste others have mentioned. It does put me to sleep quite easily. I probably would not suggest taking it if you were not in bed or at least not at home. I’m not sure how long it takes to activate… when I take it, I don’t feel it kick in…because the next thing to happen…it’s time to wake up! It’s almost like having selective amnesia. I’m taking the 3mg dose. My only complaint is it only last about 6 hours…which isn’t too bad. I wake up feeling refreshed, no headache, dry mouth or hangover.
Jeopardy
Posted by fachad on April 21, 2005, at 19:48:50
In reply to Re: My first night on LUNESTA - GREAT!! » jerrympls, posted by TamaraJ on April 18, 2005, at 15:53:08
Just a report on my second night of Lunestra.
I have been on Ambien 10mg (for sleep onset) and lorazepam 1-2mg (for sleep maintanence) for years.
I had hoped the Lunestra might substitute for both Ambien and lorazepam, so that I could be on one less medication.
Last night I took 3mg Lunestra and 1 1/2mg lorazepam (I don't want to suddenly discontinue lorazepam and precipitate rebound anxiety and insomnea) about 11pm. At 1 AM I was still not sleepy. This is why I have been taking Ambien - lorazapem does not make me fall asleep.
Anyway I went to bed at 1:30am but could not fall asleep, fitful tossing and turning. Finally at about 3:00am I got up and took 5mg Ambien. I then went to sleep and was fine for the rest of the night.
Have others who are long term Ambien uses found that Lunestra does or does not 'forcefully induce sleep' like Ambien?
Tonight I'm going to take 2mg lorazepam and 3mg Lunestra at about 9pm and see how that goes.
Posted by reefer on April 22, 2005, at 10:32:05
In reply to My 2nd night on LUNESTA - very poor response, posted by fachad on April 21, 2005, at 19:48:50
I haven't taken Lunesta but i've been taking a lot of zopiclone in my life. Lunesta is the (S)-enantiomer of zopiclone so even if it proves true eszopiclone doesn't induce tolerance over time which i seriously doubt(at least not more or less so than Zopiclone) it will have cross tolerance with Ambien. What i think you should do is stay on your normal lorazepam dose, take 5 mg of Ambien and 1.5 mg Lunesta for a week. Then drop the Ambien completly and start taking 3 mg Lunesta and after about another week on Lunesta alone it will work about the same as the Ambien did for putting you to sleep. Then you can slowly begin to taper the lorazepam. I'm not a doctor or anything this is just how i would do it. When rating potency i would put 10 mg zolpidem(Ambien) = 7.5 mg zopiclone = 3 mg eszopiclone(Lunesta) based on myself. So i wouldn't necessarily say Lunesta is weaker, your brain probably is used to zolpidem and it will take a few weeks for it to stabilize.
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