23 Comments

1. Caroline:

Funny that you mentioned the Lunesta. A friend told me about it yesterday because she knows I suffer from severe insomnia. I agree about the name: Luunnneeessttaaa. So soothing.

Reminds me of moonbeams…

Dec 18, 2004 - 7:19 am 2. Mefloquine_Dream:

I’m so excited about this drug, I can hardly sleep…

Oh, wait. I think I may have gotten my causality reversed

In all seriousness, as one for whom Ambien has proven to be nothing less than an utter godsend, I’m anxious to try Lunestra, if only to avoid the one unpleasant side effect of Ambien that I have personally experienced. To be quite honest, it probably isn’t so much a side effect as, well, the actual, intended effect — not a bug but a feature, as it were — but still… What is it?

Namely, Ambien is fundamentally binary; it is a digital drug, lacking any ambiguity or continuity. It knows no gradations. At time t=0, you take it; and at t=5, you are utterly unchanged. You are fine at t=10, t-15, and t=19:59…and then at t=20 you can’t stand up. Once it starts to act, Ambien takes you from zero to zombie in roughly .2 seconds; this, understandably, can complicate matters if one doesn’t time one’s dose correctly

Dec 18, 2004 - 8:00 am 3. kynna:

I wish I had named my daughter Lunesta.

I have suffered from insomnia since I was in high school and I’ve never found anything that worked for me. I even when the medical marijuana route in college, but that had other side effects. ;D

These days two children keep me from laying in bed with my eyes open, but I look to the future and I can see the sleepless nights returning once the toddler years are over. I’d like to read about your experience with this new drug so I can remember it for the inevitable return of my insomnia.

Dec 18, 2004 - 8:08 am 4. richard mcenroe:

Madison Avenue discovers Ebonics.

Lunesta, sheesh. Isn’t that a sitcom on UPN?

Dec 18, 2004 - 8:17 am 5. Ron Wrght:

Good morning Roger,

While on the subject of medication and the pharmaceutical industry, here’s a barn burner for you that will knock your socks off!

Let me preface my remarks first, I’m a strong supporter of President Bush and the WOT AKA Islamofascism. The free world faces a great danger from this evil that the American people both left and right need to unite and wipe from the face of the earth (Personal opinion and not HSPIG’s – we just got our IRS 501c3 status)

HSPIG has been tracking this story for the several weeks. This has not been reported in the MSM as of yet.

This is a story that the vast neuro network of the Blogosphere needs to come alive on, like as in Rathergate.

HPSIG is challenging the Blogosphere to fact check this story and shred it if at all possible.

This involves the alleged medical experimentation on military personnel again without their knowledge or informed consent.

Gary Matsumoto in his book, “Vaccine-A” is making these charges. Mr. Matsumoto is an investigative reporter of some standing.

We may again be witnessing a similar breakdown of corporate ethics like ENRON.

Here’s a piece I’ve been posting on the Net.

Ron Wright, Moderator

HSPIG Forums Site

http://www.hspig.org

The synopsis and gisting of this book by HSPIG Board Member Marilyn Wright, Dr. PH, MPH, OTR, is now posted on our forums site at:

Link Here

*****

From: Ron Wright

TO: Informed Source

CC:

Date: Sat Dec 18, 2004 00:09:58 AM PST

Subject: UPDATE: “VACCINE-A” A CAUSE OF GULF WAR SYNDROME?

To the Friends and Supporters of HSPIG:

Please see the messages I just sent to several major folks in the Blogosphere re Gary Mastumoto’s new book, “Vaccine-A.”

HSPIG is volunteering to facilitate a debate on the facts presented in this book. The MSM has shied away from reporting this story to the American people. HSPIG is challenging the Blogosphere to refute, shred, or discredit what Mr. Matsumoto has presented.

This is very important now as the DOD is seeking to restart using this anthrax vaccine by declaring an emergency to bypass a federal court stay issued several months ago:

Link Here

This poses an ethical dilemma as military commanders must weigh the use of this vaccine that may have serious side effects against the launch of a anthrax attack which is a very real threat that could kill many soldiers. It is widely known that aQ and terrorists in Iraq have manuals, supplies, and small labs to produce anthrax and other bio-chem weapons.

To evaluate these risks all the facts must be laid on the table in an objective manner. Assurances that this vaccine is safe or omitting key information to military commanders is a disservice to our military personnel.

Please share this with any active duty or retired military personnel you know.

Ron Wright, Moderator

HSPIG Forums Site

http://www.hspig.org

Support Team HSPIG in the Spirit of American’s project, “Arabic Blogging Tool – Viral Freedom.”

Support Team HSPIG:

Donate Here

*****

Michelle,

I just sent this to Alan Brain.

HSPIG needs your support on this issue. This needs to break into the MSM so the American people read or hear the facts and can debate in the open.

The Blogosphere has the capability of doing this and also bypassing the MSM to bring this story to the people.

I know you have a special interest vaccines especially for children. I think my wife sent a comment in the past when you ran a column or two on the flu vaccine.

You should know one of the vaccine companies involved, CHIRON, is using the same additive (called oil-adjuvant, squalene emulsion, and MF59) in flu vaccine in Italy in the elderly over 65 years. This could mask any auto-immune problems that would occur in a younger population. Once such studies show no adverse reactions in these studies, they then will make a run on licensing their use in other vaccines. They have other vaccines in the pipeline using the same additives.

Ron

*****

From: Ron Wright

TO:

CC:

Date: Fri Dec 17, 2004 10:19:26 PM PST

Subject: HEY ALAN- RON WRIGHT HERE – CHECK THIS OUT

Alan,

Appreciated your comments re the book “Vaccine-A” by Gary Matsumoto. My wife has finished her first read through the book. Also related research, check an article that appears in the latest issue of Scientific American involving breaking research on “toll” receptors in the human immune system. This is all related. And yes, very small nano levels do have measurable effect on immune system response.

HSPIG is tracking this developing story. As always we try to present the facts and let the folks form their own opinions.

This is a very complex medical detective story. Mr. Matsumoto has presented the facts and welcomes open and honest debate.

Issue raised by these facts include:

Breakdown of medical ethics – Above all do no harm to the patient

Medical experimentation without informed consent again on military service personnel

Lack of effective institutional review mechanisms by peer researchers (IRBs) either within or without the government to prevent abuse. Many researches doing cutting edge research in these areas are receiving federal funds to carry on their own research. Many are wary about speaking out on other research lest their own funding be put at risk.

Shifting medical liability/responsibility from military vaccine contractors to the government that is exempt from civil suit from military personnel that are required to participate or face discipline.

Military vaccine contractors given unfair competitive advantage by removing liability risk in developing vaccine that later may be licensed for civilian use.

My wife is a Dr. of public health and has gisted this book for HSPIG. I’ve attached her review as a MS Word Doc. She summarized the key facts in this book and expressed it in terms that most people can understand.

HSPIG believes this story needs an open and honest debate by the American people. The MSM has chosen not to cover this story. HSPIG welcomes bloggers to bring this directly to the people and utilize the vast resources of the Blogosphere to fact check what Mr. Matsumoto has said in his book. Also such a public debate may allow researchers that have views both pro or con to join in that might otherwise keep their views and expertise to themselves for fear of reprisals.

HPSIG and Mr. Matsumoto welcome critical challenges to the book.

HSPIG has dedicated a section of its forums to facilitate this debate.

http://www.hspig.org/ipw-web/bulletin/bb/index.php

Dec 18, 2004 - 8:23 am 6. Mefloquine_Dream:

Kynna,

Even Ambien didn’t help you? I must admit that, at first, I was leery of taking any medication for my insomnia; but as it worsened, I felt that I had no choice. I first went the herbal route; I tried melatonin, valerian root, 5-HTP. Nothing helped. I then sampled the various OTC remedies; and Unisom actually kept me up. I even tried some alternative pharmaceutical treatments, including Restoril, which had about the same effect upon my insomnia as the U.N. is likely to have upon the future course of American foreign policy (read: none). Only Ambien helped; and it was sufficiently free of side effects (save for the rapid zombification adduced above) that I felt comfortable taking it, which says quite a bit about the quality of the drug, considering that I don’t even feel comfortable taking ASPIRIN unless I absolutely have to. I’m the type of guy who’d refuse morphine on the battefield.

Dec 18, 2004 - 8:30 am 7. Wallace:

For years my personal sleep medication was a fifth of Early Times whiskey. However this did have it’s drawbacks. Like seizures when withdrawing from the medication and waking up [not entirely rested] in strange cities.

Being chemical free for 11 years now I use natural remedies like Valerian and Kava. These do seem to have some mild relaxing effect.

Dec 18, 2004 - 9:14 am 8. Charlie (Colorado):

Ron Wrght, that was about as close to comment spamming as I’ve ever seen from someone who wasn’t advertising v1@gr@.

Dec 18, 2004 - 9:29 am 9. richard mcenroe:

Charlie(Colorado) ó “If Ron Wright persists for more than four hours, consult a physician…”

Dec 18, 2004 - 9:47 am 10. legion:

Lunesta . . . just reading that word makes me want to have sex. But how can you have sex when Lunesta is making you sleep? Could this be a new form of date rape? Having sex with someone while both of you are asleep?

A combination of GABA, Glycine, Melatonin, Valerian, Theanine, Taurine, 5-HT, makes me sleep like a charm. All natural substances, with no hangover. No prescription. It has been working great for four months now with no letup.

Dec 18, 2004 - 9:51 am 11. Occam's Beard:

Charlie, Richard,

I think you misunderstood Ron Wright. His post was an altruistic effort to help insomniacs (and the rest of us) to drift off into a catatonic stupor.

Dec 18, 2004 - 10:03 am 12. Curtis:

Melatonin works just fine for me.

Dec 18, 2004 - 11:34 am 13. Yehudit:

Ambien makes me spacey and stupified plus an emotional rollercoaster, a very unpleasant combination. I have never heard of anyone with the same reaction. I use a low dose of trazodone, and restoril sparingly if I really can’t sleep. I look foward to trying Lunestra.

Dec 18, 2004 - 1:33 pm 14. PeterArgus:

“What I’m not looking forward to is those endless commercials on cable we will no doubt be seeing in the very near future. You know the kind–beautiful people of all ages and colors sleeping soundly, looking as if they have just had the greatest sex of the century as someone mutters in a rapid, barely audible, monotone…. ”

Lewis Black, one of my favorite commedians, does a routine about those commercials. He finds them so soothing and euphoric that he goes to his doctor and asks him if he can give him a prescription for “entropin” (or whatever) and the doctors looks at him skeptically – “what you have genital warts?”. Can’t do Lewis justice in text.

OTH, RW has provided you a nonchemical alternative. Just print his post and keep by bedside.

Dec 18, 2004 - 3:47 pm 15. Dulce:

Definitely melatonin, if you’re over a certain age. I’ve tried many things over a lifetime of insomnia, including Ambien, Valium, Ativan, alcohol, Benadryl, alcohol + Benadryl (not recommended unless stupification is a desired outcome), valerian, etc., and the only substance that’s ever worked without horrid morning-after effects is melatonin.

Dec 18, 2004 - 4:10 pm 16. kynna:

I should have qualified my comment. I’ve tried every OTC remedy for sleeplessness, but have never actually tried anything prescription. I was without insurance for many years and only got it once I decided to become pregnant. I refuse to take any mind altering substance (including prescribed codeine after a c-section) while my children are so dependent on me.

Later, when they’re a little more independent and my life gets back to normal, I may be able to try something a little more “pharmaceutical” to help my insomnia — if it comes back — which I’m sure it will.

Dec 18, 2004 - 8:08 pm 17. Calico Jack:

My sleep drug of choice, rhovane (imovane), leaves a bitter taste in my mouth when I wake up in the morning. Hopefully this new drug is taste-free.

Dec 18, 2004 - 8:13 pm 18. Duke:

Yeah, but can you get high smoking them? The jury is still out.

Dec 19, 2004 - 7:37 am 19. dtva:

Good cure for insomnia: sweat-producing physical exercise five days a week. Keeps the system clean; in fact, makes it cleaner.

Dec 19, 2004 - 8:26 am 20. Bob:

Hey,

I have a question about Lunestra, does it have any drug interactions with valerian root or melatonin? I tried looking it up online, but no recent drug interaction checkers could help,since the drug is so recent. I mean you could look up the labeling on Lunestra and if you understand all that medical jargon you could figure it out, but it was too confusing to understand

May 9, 2005 - 2:21 pm 21. Suzanne:

It is 5:55AM and I haven’t been to sleep yet…again. I have taken a trazadone for the second night in a row. I’m still up. They don’t work for me. I’m saving my last precious Ambien because my doctor is only semi-sympathetic to the fact that I cannot sleep with any regularity. When I do sleep, I’m up every two hours or so for reasons unknown or I wake from weird nightmares. She sleeps well, so she expects that I could if I tried. I must be doing something wrong. I bet she never had menstrual cramps either.

Ambien has been a godsend to me but getting it is an ordeal in humility because I have to beg and plead for it. The way I see it, Ambien was invented for people like me. “Ask your doctor for Ambien”…in dreamland, perhaps. So far, none of the doctors that I know ever want to offer me any relief for anything if I actually ask for it by name. I think they must consider that “drug seeking”. When they do succumb to my arguments (which is rare) I get a non-refillable prescription for 30 pills … not one pill more. They are usually for 5mg tablets, even though it takes 10mg to actually put me to sleep. If I ask for 10mg, I will surely only get 5mg tablets. That zombie-zone is something that I actually like because thereís no guessing if theyíre going to work or not…I know.

No wonder drug seekers learn to become devious. I am becoming devious now trying to get Ambien…careful of how I ask. Careful not to remind the doctor about the 10mg. Careful not to send of a bell or a whistle that will have me butting heads with her. It’s humiliating to have to beg for sleep.

I am so horribly fatigued right now and got up from my tossing and turning to make myself a cup of chamomile tea. I have already taken the trazadone and don’t really know if I could take more without a problem so I’ll try a cup of the sleepy tea. Sometimes it helps relax me if I drink a double-bag cup’s worth. But I’ve had as many as four bags before without nodding off. That much chamomile gives me an upset stomach.

I’ve tried all kinds of remedies. Some work for the first few doses. Some never work at all. Melatonin never worked. Only two brands of chamomile tea help some: Celestial Seasonings SleepyTime Tea (not the one with valerian though…that version doesn’t work for me); and Salada ComfortTime Tea.

I’ve tried every brand of OTC sleep aide that there is and none of them work for more than one or two nights, at best.

My mother was just given a prescription for Lunesta. She’s a chronic insomniac too. She’s 76 years old and she reports that it works sometimes, but every time. I asked if I could try one and she became very possessive so I did press her for one. Each one is a potential nights sleep and sleep is too precious to be giving away. It’s too sacrificial. I know that feeling. Ask me to baby-sit. Ask me to help pack up and move a three bedroom house. But don’t ask me for an Ambien. I had three Ambien stolen from my medicine bottle one and I felt like I had money stolen from my purse.

The problem with Lunesta it is that it requires a prescription. Here I go again….back to pleading for the privilege to sleep.

I read a extensive sleep study report about 4 or 5 years ago that the human body absolutely requires 8.25 hours of sleep in a dark room every single day without exception. No matter how much we may believe that we require less or can get by with less, the deficit is cumulative and we can never catch up with the damage that sleeplessness does to our bodies. According the that study, we will eventually enter a pre-diabetic state and then we start rolling downhill more rapidly from that point on.

Aug 9, 2005 - 3:37 am 22. Suzanne:

It is 5:55AM and I haven’t been to sleep yet…again. I have taken a trazadone for the second night in a row. I’m still up. They don’t work for me. I’m saving my last precious Ambien because my doctor is only semi-sympathetic to the fact that I cannot sleep with any regularity. When I do sleep, I’m up every two hours or so for reasons unknown or I wake from weird nightmares. My doctor apparently sleeps very well, so she expects that I could if I only tried hard enough. I thought that trying is what I’ve been doing for the past thirty years. Obviously, I must be doing something wrong. I bet she never had menstrual cramps either.

Ambien has been a godsend to me but getting it is an ordeal in humility because I have to beg and plead for it. It’s given me a bad reputation at my doctor’s office. Now I have anxiety about it too because I dread the thought what the doctor is writing in her reports when I’m there and have been up for two or three days in a row and I want to sleep! I think the look on my face when she gives me a hard time about it must speak volumes.

The way I see it, Ambien was invented for people like me. “Ask your doctor for Ambien”…in dreamland, perhaps. So far, none of the doctors that I know ever want to offer me any relief for anything if I actually ask for it by name. I think they must consider that “drug seeking”. When they do succumb to my arguments (which is rare) I get a non-refillable prescription for 30 pills … not one pill more. They are usually for 5mg tablets, even though it takes 10mg to actually put me to sleep. If I ask for 10mg, I will surely only get 5mg tablets. That zombie-zone is something that I actually like because there is no guessing if they will be working or not…I know. Puffing up my down pillows in those last few minutes before I sink into them for eight blissful hours is the first best feeling. The second would be waking up a full eight hours later. I love that.

No wonder drug seekers learn to become devious. I am becoming devious now trying to get Ambien…careful of how I ask. Careful not to remind the doctor about the 10mg working better for me. Careful not to send off a bell or a whistle that will have me butting heads. It’s humiliating to have to beg for sleep.

I am so horribly fatigued right now. I got up from my tossing and turning to make myself a cup of chamomile tea. I have already taken the trazadone and don’t really know if I could take more without a problem so I’ll try a cup of the sleepy tea. Sometimes it helps relax me if I drink a double-bag cup’s worth. But I’ve had as many as four bags in an evening before without nodding off for a moment. That much chamomile gives me an upset stomach.

I’ve tried all kinds of remedies. Some work for the first few doses. Some never work at all. Melatonin never worked. Only two brands of chamomile tea help some: Celestial Seasonings SleepyTime Tea (not the one with valerian though…that version doesn’t work for me); and Salada ComfortTime Tea. None of the chamomile teas that I’ve tried work.

I’ve tried every brand of OTC sleep aide that there is and none of them work for more than one or two nights, at best. Some make me even more horribly fatigued without the relaxation and sleep to follow. I hate that feeling.

My mother was just given a prescription for Lunesta. She’s a chronic insomniac too. She’s 76 years old and she reports that it works sometimes, but not every time. I asked if I could try one and she became very possessive so I did not press her for one. Each one is a potential night’s sleep and sleep is too precious to be giving away for experimental purposes. Even if I am her daughter. Even if I may have inherited her ailment. It’s too sacrificial of a thing for her to do.

I know that feeling. Ask me to baby-sit. Ask me to help pack up and move a three bedroom house. But don’t ask me for an Ambien. I had three Ambien stolen from my medicine bottle once and I felt like I had money stolen from my purse.

The problem with Lunesta it is that it requires a prescription. Here I go again….back to pleading for the privilege to sleep.

I read a extensive sleep study report about 4 or 5 years ago that the adult human body absolutely requires 8.25 hours of sleep in a dark room every single day without exception. Not a minute less. No matter how much we may believe that we require less or can get by with less, the deficit is cumulative and we can never catch up with the damage that sleeplessness does to our bodies over time. According to that study, because of that cumulative deficit we will eventually enter a pre-diabetic state and then we start rolling downhill more rapidly from that point on.

That’s where I think I’m at…rolling.

I have a sleep study appointment in a few weeks. As irony would have it, I’m likely to sleep like I’m comatose that night.

Aug 9, 2005 - 3:53 am 23. Suzanne:

sorry about that….

i went to fix a few typos and got lost in the fog.

i told you that i was tired. now do you believe me?

Aug 9, 2005 - 3:55 am

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