Ambien has worked the best, Lunesta worked well for me too. Right now going on withdrawal symptoms, since forced off ambien by big brother. An urgent care doctor prescribed me two months ago, with one refill, went back and was denied. I have cheap state insurance. Primary I hear though should be able to prescribe. Have to get a primary which won't be for another 6 weeks, so just another 6 weeks with almost no sleep. Anyhow been since my script ended last week, have had 5 sleepless nights. I just about laughed at the urgent care doctor when he told me to try Melatonin or Benadryl. That stuff is NOT for insomnia folks. For mild, occasional sleepiness yes, for major insomnia? NO WAY. That's like taking someone off a prescription pain killer for severe pain and asking the person to try ibuprofen instead.
I hear that cognitive behavior therapy (for insomnia) can work very well - but that also takes a bit of time, at least a month to start seeing results. As I assume, the majority of people with insomnia on this board are going crazy and need (as I do) immediate relief.