Lunesta- calling anyone with info/experience

[refusingbondage]

It's been recommended to me that I begin to *think* about stopping my Lunesta.  

Ive been on Lunesta for YEARS (since probably 2006).  I have NEVER abused the Lunesta.  I've never taken it at inapproriate times.  I've never doubled my dose.  Nothing like that ever.  I take it and go to sleep.  There are PLENTY of nights I dont take it - especially on the weekend when I am not trying to force myself to go to sleep at a certain time.  Ive forgotten to refill it and gone 2-3 days without it.. yeah, it was more difficult to sleep but I certainly didnt fee withdrawal.

Ive always had insomnia issues, but when using (in the HIGH dosage days way back when) high amounts of opiates completely F'd my sleep cycle.  Long story short.  After a sleep study actually 2 of them, and many doctor visits I was diagnosed narcoleptic (insomnia goes with the territory.. seems weird but its true).  If you've never experienced cataplexy, thank God right now cause its is really scary.  

ANYWAY, all the narcoleptic symptoms were opiate induced (from what I found out, its rare, but it happens).  Ive not had a narcoleptic symptom since stopping high dosing a very long time ago.  However, I am still on the Lunesta.

I take 3mg/night.  Should I taper the Lunesta.  My next refill could be filled at 2mg, and so on.  Or would it be ok to just quit.  I expect rebound insomnia.  Ill take tylenol pm or benadryl and do my best.  Ive heard its similar to a benzo (surprise) so I would like to avoid any type of benzo type w/drawal, which Ive never had but heard are horrendous.

[HoldenCaulflower]

You might try taking a combination of Valerian and Melatonin when you stop the Lunesta. I was taking Lunesta in my early withdrawals and it did make me sleep, but that nasty taste was to much for me. I must say I haven't really slept really well since, but the herbs I mention do help somewhat, I take a hot bath before bed then I take them. From what I've heard Lunesta withdrawals are mainly mental, but you can get addicted to just about anything. And I could be completely wrong, it may be physically addictive.

[avisg]

awwwe thats to bad I have taken it a few times and its worked really well and it is supposed to be safer.... I loved to commercials as well

[refusingbondage]

I took Rozarem.  My doctor rx'd the rozarem along with the lunesta (this was my sub doctor - said it was perfectly safe and I had no bad effects from it).  I actually liked the rozarem.  I dont know if youve ever seen the "It brings your dreams back" commercials, but it REALLY DID bring my dreams back. I got such a kick out of that. I dreampt every night. (I no longer ever dream).  I stopped getting it though as it was not covered under my insurance and couldnt afford it. Plus this was when I was on sub too and I just couldnt afford all three.  

[avisg]

if you are going talk to the pharmacist and you need something what about rozerem i heard that was supposed to be very safe  ask him/her what the differences are

[refusingbondage]

Ill ask the pharmacist.  Good idea.  One of the main reasons I want to quit is I heard a doctor on a raido talk show talk about how sleep aids like Lunesta or Ambien are good for very very short term, but its not real sleep and your not getting the proper cycle and the proper rest period on them.  May be the reason Im so tired all the time.  Doc doesnt seem overly concerned with my using it or stopping it.  

[avisg]

boy bondage I dont know I have not heard alot of negative things about lunesta . how close is it to ambien.....that's the one i have heard the most about ....i would ask you pharmacist for there opinion.