Lunesta vs. Ambien

Stitchie · Nov 15, 2005

I've tried both. I went to my doctor when I had serious insomnia for about a year ... stressful life events, weird events. Under my doctor's guidance, I used Ambien for quite a while, along with Ativan, for sleep/stress/insomnia. I used the Ambien at HS and Ativan 0.5 - 1mg prn. Before that I tried exhaustion, reading, Benedryl, melatonin.

For me, using the Ambien was very successful -- like dropping off a cliff. I had no s/e whatsoever, except for some vivid dreams (which I really enjoyed). I fell asleep and stayed asleep for 7-8 hours a night. Apparently I also would talk in my sleep, but my DH won't tell me what I said! :chuckle

When it became obvious that I'd be using sleep medication for a while, my doc suggested Lunesta. It's a much softer landing to fall asleep, and few vivid dreams.

I still use a bit of Ativan prn but much less now. Some of the stress issues are resolving, some aren't, and some I'll just have to wait and see.

HeartsOpenWide, RN · Nov 15, 2005

I have not tried Lunesta (have a $500 deductible or else I would) but I did try Ambien. I always knew it was kicking in when the words in the book I was reading got all fuzzy and started to move:chuckle . However, I still got early morning awakenings and felt tired in the morning. I get temezapam (restoril), it has been around a long time so it is way cheaper than either Ambien or Lunesta. I think I pay $20 somthing for 30 capsuls. I feel refreashed in the morning. The only bad thing about it is that is has in it, so you shouldn't take it every night. Have you heard of Sonata?

Ilovemyanimals · Jun 26, 2008

I use Equate brand too. It really forces you to go to bed. I wake up in the morning fine.

BORI-BSNRN said:
? That's exactly what i am taking, its the best and without prescription!!

ONCRN84 · Jun 26, 2008

I started taking melatonin 1mg SL a few days ago. In a couple weeks I have to go from a nightshift schedule to a day shift schedule, so I need to find something that will help me sleep while i'm adjusting.

At first it was only working for a few hours, so I started taking 2mg. I hate the SL, so i've been taking them PO. It's been working pretty good for me.

Babs0512 · Jun 26, 2008

I too have tried both. I never experienced the "bad taste" in my mouth with Lunesta, but Lunesta just didn't work for me. Ambien CR works most of the time, but there are times that after taking my klonopin, Ambien CR, I still cannot fall asleep, that sucks.

jstbreathe · Jun 26, 2008

You can always tell which pts are on ambien...those are the ones walking down the hall naked, pulling thier foley behind them!! And, remember Nothing the next day!

My co worker ambien calls us all the time! He don't remember it either! :no:

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Jun 26, 2008

I know I'm late to join this thread, but wanted to put in my .02.

I tried Benadryl, klonopin, and Lunesta with no reults. My PCP switched me to Ambien 10mg and it works like a charm. Don't have to take it every night but when I do, it's good for me.

The other posters are right when they said "insomnia SUCKS!"

Anne, RNC

Ilovemyanimals · Jun 27, 2008

Ah yes the old naked woman that used the toilet in the room next to hers. It was funny how her old,saggy little body just stumbled down the hall! It was pretty funny and cute.

nuangel1, BSN, RN · Jun 27, 2008

i have had insomnia for last several years.over the years i have tried ativan at hs helped for awhile after my dads death.i have tries melatonin,tylenol pm and benadryl.they don't work and the benadryl leaves me feeling drugged over and shaky.i am having depression now after my bil and my mom died over thanksgiving and xmas so i am on celexa and initally ambien 10mg .the ambien helped me get about 6hrs sleep but i would wakeup several times.so he switched me to ambien cr 6.25 i like it better because it helps me stay asleep.i have never taken lunest and none of my pts have so do not know how that works.

tequilasheila · Aug 29, 2011

i've taken both..the taste from lunesta doesnt last but a couple of weeks...and for me was a small price to pay for 7 hrs of uninterupted sleep...which i dont get with ambien...i took 3 mg lunesta but my insurance no longer covers it and its 185. per month without insurance..ambien is much cheaper but doesnt work as well for me.i take 50 mg and wake every 3/4 hrs....being sleepless sucks.

beverly1 · Nov 2, 2011

I have also used both Lunesta and Ambien over the last few years and must disagree. I have found Lunesta to be more helpful in providing a good night's sleep and have not experienced an after taste with either product.