About Ambien

Discussion forum about the side effects of Ambien. Share your experience and opinion about Ambien. What would you tell your best friend about this product? Please remember that we do not give medical advice. That is for your local health care provider, who is familiar with your medical history.

Lunesta Vs. Ambien
Date: 6/6/2012
It is me again AskDocWeb, thank you for your answer. I called the doctor and told him the elavil was not working. He prescribed 2 mg of Lunesta. I slept nine hours and felt refreshed, rested and clear headed this morning. I know that Lunesta is another hipnotic drug like Ambien and all of them have memory loss. Going from 10 mg of ambien to 2 mg of Lunesta and have it work is a victory of sorts isn’t it? After I get some rest I will wean my self off of Lunesta like I did Ambien. My question is “Is Lunesta and Ambien exactly the same thing or is one stronger then the other.” It is so wonderful to have someone that will answer questions. Thank you.

Lissette

AskDocWeb: They are in the same class of drugs but there are several noticeable differences between Lunesta and Ambien. Overall Lunesta seems to be a milder drug than Ambien with fewer side effects. The day after taking Lunesta you may feel sleepy but there is no hangover feeling as there is with Ambien. Also there is no craving feeling with Lunesta. Those using Lunesta can typically stop taking the drug without experiencing withdrawal. The rebound insomnia rate for Ambien is greater than Lunesta. After discontinuing use of Ambien, the rebound insomnia can last anywhere from a couple of days up to 14 days. The rebound insomnia rate for Lunesta averages only 1 to 2 days.

Lunesta
Date: 6/10/2012
Hi AskDocWeb, It is me again. I had been on 10 mg of Ambien for ten years and have been off of it for 33 days. Doctor prescribed Elavil but it did not work. Just took it for 5 days. Now he prescribed 3 mg of Lunesta.. I have taken 2 mg for 3 days. It takes me 2 to 3 hours to fall asleep with Lunesta. My problem is falling asleep. Once I fall alseep I am okay. I felt much more rested with Ambien. I know Lunesta is also a hypnotic. Am I just going back to another hypnotic by taking Lunesta? I do feel a bit more clear minded with it. Please give me your opinion. Am I better off with Lunesta then Ambien? Thank you for your answer about intermezzo. The doctor offered to prescribe that but I was afraid of going back to any form of Ambien, I have no problem once I am asleep. I have a problem getting to sleep. Ambien really worked for me but I had memory loss. Is there any prescription medicine out there that can put me to sleep that is not a hypnotic? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. You are unique and I appreciate knowing that you are here.

Lissette

AskDocWeb: What is it that prevents you from going to sleep? If you can identify that it may provide a clue as to a solution. For example, do you practice good “sleep hygiene”?

Lunesta seems to be as effective as Ambien but has milder side effects. However, about half the patients using it complain of a bad after taste with Lunesta. Sometimes that side effect goes away with continued use but for most it persists as long as the medication is taken.

My memory is SHOT!
Date: 6/13/2012
My first internet post!! lol -thats how important this is to me! I have been on ambien for about two and a half years and will never take it again!! My memory is SHOT!!! It is humiliating and beyond stressful. I know this is from the ambien. Its been 4 nights now since ive taken it last and I am just shocked at how much my memory has already improved…. this drug is serious stuff and really shouldn’t be distributed like it is!

Brandi

AskDocWeb: Thank you for the honor of being chosen for your first post Brandi! Although the pharmaceutical companies don’t like websites like this, it is important for people to know about these side effects.

Muscle twitches, memory loss and feelings of detachment
Date: 6/14/2012
I have been taking Ambien for almost 12 years, never more than 5 ml. I switched to the generic a month ago. I experienced muscle twitches in the lower limbs, mostly feet and right leg. I have noticed subtle changes over the years. I am more prone to addictive behaviors such as gambling. I have a difficult time staying on task and have memory loss. I have feelings of detachment from those I love. I am more stubborn and semi- agressive. I have had some other interesting developments like some heart valve insufficiencies. It is time for me to try to stop the drug. But, prior to beginning Ambien, I had lost my 22 year old son in a car accident. I experienced severe anxiety. I already had trouble falling asleep, then staying asleep. I use to startle awake many times a night and often gasping for air. I suffered joint Nd aching muscle pIn

Teresa

Completely addicted to Ambien
Date: 6/24/2012
I started taking ambien two years ago for a medical condition that caused me not to sleep. Now, I am completely addicted to it. Although I only take 1/3 of a tablet, I have been unable to sleep without it. Whether it be physcological or physcial, I can’t fall asleep without a pill. Now, I noticed that I am having problems with roaring in my ear which can be a side effect of taking this drug long term.

Patricia

AskDocWeb: That roaring sound is called tinnitus and yes, Ambien is one of the possible causes.

Dry eyes
Date: 6/27/2012
I have only been taking 5mg of Ambien for one week and it appears that my mouth and eyes are extremely dry. I have never had this problem before, but I do take several other medicines because I am a diabetic and have high blood pressure. Is that a normal reaction from taking ambien?

Janice

AskDocWeb: Dry eyes is not listed as one of the possible side effects of taking Ambien. You may want to take a look at Causes and Treatment of Dry Eyes.

Chronic fatigue?
Date: 7/2/2012
Can long term use of Ambien 10mg cause terrible, chronic fatique?

Cathy

AskDocWeb: Ambien has shown promising outcomes in the treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome but we haven’t seen anything to indicate that it might cause it. It is thought that Ambien works for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome because it enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA that turns down brain activity.

Effects of Ambien
Date: 7/3/2012
This is looking helpful. I hope. Third night on ambien SP I know. Any all three days, soon have noises and rings and strange sound in both ears. Different on each side. My periferal vison is just think like m0ve real fast. I want to get up and do some chores even though I am beginning to feel I mught ba able to sleep tonite. Are these commom side effects!!!

Angela

AskDocWeb: Hopefully you will come back when you are awake and see how it affects your spelling and grammar. And yes, Ambien may cause hallucinations and vision problems.

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