Sunday, August 21, 2011

Ambien and sleep apnea

Sleeping pills and sleep apnea, is this a good idea? I know that in the past I have written on more than one occasion that it isn’t something that is recommended. The research on this subject is that sleeping pills don’t help those who have sleep apnea and those that aren’t being treated for it. In other words no CPAP machine, oral devices or anything else that cuts back on your apnea. (Of course if you have found that the CPAP works for you than that is probable a different story) I have sleep apnea and I don’t have use a CPAP however I had a doctor prescribe Ambien for me.
You are probably thinking that I didn’t tell the doctor that I had sleep apnea, but I made it clear that not only did I have sleep apnea but I also told her that I didn’t use the CPAP either. That didn’t seem to deter her from writing a prescription for it. Although she did give me a word of caution about possible side effects of this medication and she also encouraged me to start off with a half of pill right before I went to bed.
When I told my wife about getting a prescription of Ambien she had a story to tell me of her own experience on the medication. It wasn’t good. The first time that she took the Ambien put her in such a daze that she didn’t even remember driving to work that day!
Luckily I didn’t have that type of experience but the medication really wasn’t  very helpful for me. Sure I feel asleep fast but the next morning I felt even more tired than usual. I suspect that the pill made my sleep apnea to increase in intensity. Needless to say I haven’t been taking the medication anymore.
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5 comments:

  1. I've been using 10mg Ambien for about 10 years now. I sleep very soundly and awake 6-8 hours later refreshed and loads of energy. Not every night, maybe 2 or 3 times a week. It is my miracle drug, but ONLY if I take it on an empty stomach!

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  2. The most notable of side effects I have experienced is memory loss, which seems to last long periods between my uses.

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  3. I take Ambien and use a CPAP. I have a very restfull sleep every night.

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