[Visioneer]

During my recent hospitalization, after I refused Seroquel and antidepressants due to their side-effects, I was prescribed a sleeping pill to try and regulate my daily patterns. Now I'm getting concerned because I have read on Wikipedia (I am out on an overnight pass) that it shouldn't be taken for long periods of time because it can cause physical dependency and withdrawal (which I have been through before and it's horrible), and that once I do get back to work I probably shouldn't be operating machinery, which is the majority of my job (driving 5 ton stackers). I have also read that it has sexual side effects, which is part of the reason for my past medical non-complicance. I really don't know what to do at this point.

Does anyone have experience with this drug? What were the effects for you, their severity, and have you been through withdrawal from this drug? Should I refuse to take it any more?

Any help appreciated.

[Sabrina]

I took immovane for a while but probably not long enough to become dependent on it. I can't remember the reasons now for giving it up. The only side effect that I had was a very bitter taste at the back of my throat the next day.

Not much help, but that is my experience.

[Pup]

I was on it, it knocked me out and made me feel very weird/odd.
I took it every other day, but sometimes more than a few days in between dosages.
As long as you don't take it everyday, and give day(s) in between, withdrawal shouldn't be too bad.

[RubyRedd]

Originally Posted by Pink_Lotus

During my recent hospitalization, after I refused Seroquel and antidepressants due to their side-effects, I was prescribed a sleeping pill to try and regulate my daily patterns. Now I'm getting concerned because I have read on Wikipedia (I am out on an overnight pass) that it shouldn't be taken for long periods of time because it can cause physical dependency and withdrawal (which I have been through before and it's horrible), and that once I do get back to work I probably shouldn't be operating machinery, which is the majority of my job (driving 5 ton stackers). I have also read that it has sexual side effects, which is part of the reason for my past medical non-complicance. I really don't know what to do at this point.

Does anyone have experience with this drug? What were the effects for you, their severity, and have you been through withdrawal from this drug? Should I refuse to take it any more?

Any help appreciated.

i know my new doctor was very concerned about me taking seroquel. my cholesterol was rising, my family history is high for having diabetes, plus i was practically sedated. she weaned me off of it over a period of 2 months. i really didn't have a withdrawal episode. for sleeping i can't take the medications that are meant for insomnia. lunesta, rozerem, klonnapin(?). they all increase my nightmares. i have found that xanax is not addictive, has no withdrawal period, and is helpful for not having nightmares. i take 1/2 mg at night. i know it says beware of drowsiness or operating machinery, but i don't wake up feeling like i've taken a horse tranquilizer.i also have taken phenergan(a drug for vomiting- i have migraines too) that helps me sleep and not have side effects.
i don't know if i've been helpful or not

[RubyRedd]

um,uh,i think i just sent you a bunch of friend requests. i didn't mean to. i'm still new at this.

Hi, I have had chronic sleep problems for several years, a lot to do with the other issues I have been dealing with. I started on Zopiclone 3 years ago on half a tablet a night. It wasnt too long before I was needing one tablet, then one and a half and then 2! At one time I was taking 2 zopiclone and a diazepam . I must say though, at no tiime did I feel drowsy, or seem to have any side effects the following day. The dependence I was obviously developing was of great concern to me though. Today, I have managed to wean myself down to quarter of a tablet a night. I really dont know it that is mind over matter, but I dont seem to be able to sleep without it. I have tried every other thing you can possibly think of to try and get to sleep and stay asleep, and will contiinue to do so. Zopiclone does seem to be very effective for me, but does seem to promote dependency. Good luck.

[paddym22]

I take 7.5mg tablet every night and it is no problem, I can stop and start it without any problems, I think the problems start as you up the dose

[Pup]

I had side effects the next day btw. (though I can't tell anymore due to being poorly for 8/9 months :/) It's different for each person.

[tmac87]

I was on Lunesta 3mgs and didnt have any problems with it side efeect wise. I was taking it for about 2 or 3 years, but you should try to remember that everyones body is different and tolerates meds n htose things differently. Good luck

[paulette123abc]

Thanks for the discussion, it has been helpful to me. I'm taking Ambien CR to sleep because since I started taking Abilify I've been having great difficulty sleeping. After taking it for a week I became very sluggish in the mornings and then that negatively affected my mood. I saw the suggestion about only taking sleeping pills every other night to avoid withdrawal, which was also another of my concerns. taking Ambien everyother night has helped with the sluggishness. The drawback: I only get a good night's sleep every other night, but it's better than not sleeping at all. Thanks

[billieJ]

Dear Pink Lotus,I take 3 mg Lunesta and 1 mg Klonopin at night, with no ill effects except, probably, memory deficit. I know my memory deficit is due to something, and it is probably these 2 meds. However, I don't notice any hangover effect, particularly, when, for whatever reason, I take ONLY the Lunesta. Bear in mind that Lunesta is not particularly effective if taken with or after a meal. I would take it at least 30-45 minutes before eating or wait 2 hours after eating. What you must recognize, however, is that I am unemployed. I did take Ambien CR [alone] when I was still employed, with no ill effects THAT I KNOW OF. I DID have ill effects of some kind during my last year of employment, but I did not trace that to the Ambien as I had taken it much longer than that. With all of that having been said, I have no clue as to what a 5-ton stacker is, but it sounds like a BIG ole truck, and if fate had led me to drive one of those, Pink, you couldn't pay me to take any medications whatsoever. I think you are absolutely right to be fearful of Lunesta or anything else in your situation! Good Luck (musical note) billieJ