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Jackie and others: I notice a great deal of activity in recent messages about sleep, and so went back into my collection of floppies for the following message on sleep that I posted about a year ago. I am still using Ambien on a nightly schedule along with my daily Eldepryl and Sinemet CR with no apparent negative results. The current issue of the Johns Hopkins Medical Letter, HEALTH AFTER 50 (v 7, #11, January 1996) has an article entitled "Insomnia:When and How to Use Sleeping Pills." I was happy too see this article because I have suffered from insomnia ever since I started taking Eldepryl. I would go whole nights without ever falling asleep. I tried Melatonin to no avail. My neurologist prescribed ambien which I have been taking nightly for over a year now and get 6 to 7 hours of sleep without any after effects. This is the first written comment I've seen on the use of Ambien and pass it on to the List for whatever value it may have for fellow insomniacs. The article comments on how prevalent insomnia is especially for those with an underlying medical problem. Over the counter,non-prescription, sleep products are readily avialable, rarely bring relief, and may cause side-effects such as daytime drowsiness and confusion, and other adverse reactions. "Similar cautions apply," the article declares, "to benzodiazepines (such as Halcion, Restoril, and Dalmane), the most commonly prescribed sleep aids. Benzodiazepines are potentially lethal when combined with alcohol, may be addictive, and can produce side effects similar to those associated with OTC products. While they still have their place in treating insomnia, a newly developed medication called zolpidem (Ambien) appears to eliminate some of these problems and could soon become the treatment of choice when drug therapy is necessary." The article goes on to comment about the causes of insomnia, when to treat oneself, regular sleep schedules, diet, exercise, and Melatonin (of which it takes a negative view). "Benzodiazepines, which promote sleep by depressing brain function, are the most frequently ordered prescription drugs. Also used to treat anxiety,they should be used for no more than a few weeks. ... They should be used cautiously by those with respiratory problems. Driving should be avoided during the early phase of treatment." "The newer zolpidem (Ambien) appears to have advantages over benzodiazepines. Approved two years ago, it has few side effects and no known interactions. Memory problems and an unsteady gait sometimes occur if users waken during the night. Studies indicate that zolpidem is safe for an extended period, but specialists recommend intermittent, physician-guided use based on individual need." -------------------- Sid Roberts 67/dx3 [log in to unmask] Youngstown, Ohio