virginia57 wrote:

Go with what the new doctor says, he sounds like a winner.  Think, do you really think it's a good idea to be taking one drug to sleep, and another to wake up?  Any doctor who does that to you ought to have his liscense reviewed.  Bottom line, you need to control your apnea, work with your doctor and things will get better soon.  Virginia

Great comments!  Actually, I don't think it's a horrible thing.  Today I didn't take any provigil because I didn't feel the need.  In all honesty, I feel pretty healthy.  If I look at myself a year ago,  I was a complete mess and that was before any of this.  I think I'm on the right path with my dr.   I'm going to be a pain in his butt.

Thank you Virgina and I hear you!

Grateful,
My son has taken 1/2 trazadone for years (for insomnia) but this past month the sleep dr (1st visit) decreased it to 1/4.  It seems ridicculous, but it really made a difference in his daytime drowsiness/alertness.  We tried eliminating it completely then, but without any traz. he just did not get enough sleep to function.  

I wonder if decreasing the traz would enable you to skip the provigil since you only need it occassionally?  (of course talk to your dr first).

It is great for you to be able to keep working.  I had to 'retire' at 42 yr, and he had to recieve home-bound school, in order to care for my son & his sleep related issues.  That was pretty hard, being a single parent---but a necessity.

I'm glad you are able to keep going!

virginia57 wrote:

Go with what the new doctor says, he sounds like a winner.  Think, do you really think it's a good idea to be taking one drug to sleep, and another to wake up?  Any doctor who does that to you ought to have his liscense reviewed.  Bottom line, you need to control your apnea, work with your doctor and things will get better soon.  Virginia

I'm sorry, but I don't agree with this statement.  I have chronic insomnia and hypersomnia.  I've been taking Ambien for years....and my sleep doctor prescribed the provigil, which I have been trying to taper off as I get used to the cpap.  I did have problems with the Ambien CR being too long lasting...but the regular ambien is fine.  Provigil has made it easier to make it through the day without being completely exhausted.  [/quote]

TiredinNH wrote:

virginia57 wrote:

Go with what the new doctor says, he sounds like a winner.  Think, do you really think it's a good idea to be taking one drug to sleep, and another to wake up?  Any doctor who does that to you ought to have his liscense reviewed.  Bottom line, you need to control your apnea, work with your doctor and things will get better soon.  Virginia

I'm sorry, but I don't agree with this statement.  I have chronic insomnia and hypersomnia.  I've been taking Ambien for years....and my sleep doctor prescribed the provigil, which I have been trying to taper off as I get used to the cpap.  I did have problems with the Ambien CR being too long lasting...but the regular ambien is fine.  Provigil has made it easier to make it through the day without being completely exhausted.  

[/quote]

I agree. While in an ideal world, we could live pharmaceutical free. However,  we dont live in an ideal world and medicine has given us some rather sophisticated prescription medications to use as adjuncts to CPAP. If needed,  there is nothing at all wrong with either Ambien or Provigil or even using them both longterm. Many need Provigil to fully function as they are left with residual fatigue despite CPAP compliance. Many people have depression  problems along with their OSA and Ambien can help with insomnia that commonly occurs with OSA associated depression.  

Id much rather take Ambien than a benzo for insomnia. And Id rather take Provigil instead of caffeine pills or amphetamines for alertness. Both are "cleaner" drugs than older meds.

If you have residual problems and are CPAP compliant and are confident your sleep doctor has tweaked your pressures, mask issues, etc. then by all means, dont feel guilty if you need these medications!

Fred


_________________
"We don't need socialized medicine, what we need is insurance reform."


Resmed S8 Autoset Vantage, HumidAire 3i, Resmed Quattro ffmask

Wow, thanks embryopathy, tiredinNH and ToHell&Back!  I guess we all have to do what is best for ourselves.  My main goal is to get to wear my mask, not get depressed and to get to work.  So I will continue my 1/2 Trazodone and my one Ambien.  I am not taking the Provigil unless it is necessary.

If you're on CPAP I don't see a problem with Ambien.  It's better than having to give up on the CPAP because you can't sleep.

Yeah there may be a risk of dependency.  Who cares, as long as it still works?  I'm only being half sarcastic.

Thank you ToHellAndBack and Cowboy1964.  I believe that you go with whatever works for you and you and your doctor should be communicating with each other about effectiveness.  I continue to update my pcp and my sleep doctor and both agree that these meds are ok to use.  My plan is to not stay on Provigil forever...but right now I'm still having issues with getting used to yet again...another mask.  It's very difficult to get used to cpap....and it keeps happening that I'll have 2-3 great nights then BOOM!!!  leaks....squeals...uncomfortable headgear.  So, today I feel like !@#! because I used a new full face mask.  I need my provigil today to get through the day.  Such is life.