One big mess from using the Va for help

[Lionfish37]

Ok guys long story short I was in the tail end of Desert Shield and when I got out was pretty much diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome but not. Do to lack of insurance I have been on Ambien for and restoril. Those are the only two available.

I have been to two sleep studies but they never gave me my stats from it. The last study they basically kicked me out of because they did not get enough data. I have been experiencing major memory loss and know moods are changing as if I am two different people. I can get angry in a second.

I am not trusting the VA at this point and my life is just a mess. I heard lunesta is great but cant afford it because i have no insurance. I am thinking about coming off of them and try natural solutions. I feel like my brain is being cooked.

Any help?

[dudley]

Long term use of Ambien/zolpidem seem to have a negative influence on short term memory. Check out some of the stuff online from various users of the drug. "Brain Fog" and memory issues are frequently mentioned.

I myself, have been on this drugs for several years and experience what you refer to in the post. It is a real love/hate issue with me. Similarly, my results from a sleep study were inconclusive due to lack of any meaningful sleep. I believe it is just chronic primary insomnia although most doctors will tell you insomnia is an underlying issue for something else. There is a definite lace of knowledge/understanding on this disease.

Watch out for going off these drugs "cold turkey." Better to titrate down.