Posted by Laree on July 15, 2004, at 0:19:17
In reply to HELP! Bad Ambien problems, posted by green willow on July 11, 2004, at 20:25:50
I've been on both Ambien & Sonata at different time periods. I found Ambien to be more effective for me. As I understand it, they are very similar; however, Sonata seems to be the weaker of the two (at least to me). That may be at least part of the reason why you cannot sleep the nights you take the Sonata. It makes sense if you are alternating it with a more potent med (Ambien). I have also been on Zanaflex (up to 5/night) and it usually puts me out on moderate to high-end doses.
I develop tolerance on Ambien every time. I also developed tolerance on Sonata.
Has your doctor mentioned Seroquel to you? I too have bad insomnia; I've been on many meds that help with sleep (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Serax, Klonopin, Zanaflex, Flexeril, Norflex, Elavil, Trazodone, Atarax, Ambien, Sonata...) & Seroquel was definitely the most potent 'sleep aid' for me. It knocked me out, big time. Like, made even 'fighting' sleep almost impossible. I cannot fathom staying awake on it (if you're not schizophrenic that is, which is it's on-label use).
You might want to ask your dr. about it--it's not scheduled, either, and you might be able to obtain samples of it (I did).
Best,
L.
> Have any of you had problems with Ambien? I have bad insomnia, and my sleep doc has had me alternating Ambien and Sonata every other night. All of a sudden I cannot sleep on the Sonata nights, except for about 1 hour 45 min. I think it is Ambien rebound. My doctor just said he cannot comment, but my pharmacist agreed with me. What do you guys think I should do, discontinue the Ambien and find something new to fight the insomnia, or take Ambien every night till it fizzles? Doctor had me try Zanaflex with the Sonata, also Traz with the Sonata. I still did not sleep on those nights. It is like I am wired to stay awake - a chemical high. I am convinced that Zanaflex is from the other side (hades) and Trazadone messes with my heart too much. Incidentally I am ill with auto-immune problems and also trying to recover from serious injuries. What are your thoughts? Have any of you been prescribed alternating Ambien and Sonata ? How have some of you weened off Ambien?
poster:Laree
thread:365148
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040714/msgs/366352.html