I had terrible problems with lunesta. I'm having different problems with the ambien CR. Talked to my pharmacist today, and he will call my MD for a script for regular Ambien for me.

I know the CR has the initial fast acting sleep med (which wears off after a 10 or 15 minutes)...but then the other "layers" I guess? are supposed to slowly release and keep you asleep.

I don't think it's keeping me asleep... I'm doing things in a drugged state and not remembering it afterwards. I haven't felt like I've been getting restorative sleep, and maybe only getting some sleep the few hours right before I know I really begin to wake...

I know I'm feeling terrible pain (I suffer from chronic pain) but am too drugged to sit up and take my pain med...I don't know if this is hours or just minutes.. I can't "think" only feel the pain... I know I feel the pain but I can't even think then that I need to take medicine....

then because I'm so spasmed on this CR... my muscles are in worse shape for being in bed longer than normal . I do know that I've been fisting and holding my shoulders in tight while trying to relax and sleep!

IDK it's too confusing...

I hope the regular ambien will help me at least get to sleep (it didn't really before) ...and then I'll just have to settle with 4 hours of sleep or so, since the pain wakes me and I can't get back to sleep. Maybe the MD would let me take another regular ambien when that happens? I will see her in 2 weeks. (Earlier if she won't give the pharmacist the script )

Thanks for you comments. Once again I feel it's caveat emptor on this sleep med