McCain Takes Ambien

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:45:06 PM EST
Tags: Ambien (all tags)

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Like Colin Powell, Patrick Kennedy and NBC News anchor Brian Williams, John McCain takes Ambien.

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McCain Takes Ambien | 93 comments (93 topical)

He does? Really? (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by katiebird on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:48:41 PM EST

How much can you take before you wake up with a pot roast in bed? Or find yourself driving to the Capitol for a midnight vote?

And here I thought (5.00 / 0) (#5)
by madamab on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:49:36 PM EST

McCain just used his own speeches to induce sleep in himself and others. ;-)

Parent

hahaha...but I heard that drug makes (none / 0) (#37)
by thereyougo on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:15:55 PM EST

some sleepwalk and not recall the next day.

Some sleepaids have lingering effects that don't disappear the next day, and according to my mother's doctor, their effectiveness diminishes after repeated uses and can be habit forming.

Then its on to more powerful mind altering drugs.

Parent

: ambien (none / 0) (#101)
by diogenes on Sun May 25, 2008 at 01:25:39 PM EST

In fact, ambien without other drugs (alcohol, etc) rarely causes amnesia, and if it hasn't yet it probably won't. Millions of people take it. It has a famously short half life, so there is no morning hangover.
Highlighting the use of ambien on a website is close to the act of a McCain-hater. After two decades of Clinton-haters and Bush-haters, isn't it enough already? Can't you bash the guy for the many legitimate reasons he's given you?

Parent

a pot roast? (none / 0) (#54)
by Salo on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:27:05 PM EST

maybe i should try that out.

Parent

I love Ambien (5.00 / 1) (#6)
by dianem on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:49:37 PM EST

I am a chronic non-sleeper, and before I discovered sleeping aids I simply went through life in a daze of exhaustion. Initially, I took klonopin to help me sleep - very bad idea. It's dependence inducing AND addictive. You need to take more and more and there are negative side effects. Finally, after a doctor explained the side effects, I voluntarily went off of it, and went back to not sleeping or sleepling lightly. Ambien has been a godsend. Most nights I sleep soundly and have energy. I don't care if it's dependence inducing.

: I used to see my poor grandma go through (none / 0) (#45)
by Militarytracy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:22:02 PM EST

that complete haze of exhaustion. Yet she was one of the most affective people when it came to living that I've ever known. Life's too short to not fricken sleep and some people do not realize how horribly some people suffer.

Parent
: I'm always exhausted but.... (none / 0) (#57)
by Maria Garcia on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:28:02 PM EST

...I have diabetes and I just know I'd wake up in the middle of the night and eat a bag of sugar.

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Why does the bottle in the picture. . . (5.00 / 1) (#18)
by LarryInNYC on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:59:32 PM EST

say "Welcome to Denver"?

I've been to Denver, I wouldn't imagine one would need a sleep aid.

Actually sometimes the altitude change, (none / 0) (#71)
by ruffian on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:43:04 PM EST

ie. thinner air, gives newcomers headaches and a hard time sleeping.

Parent

: Well at least (none / 0) (#92)
by jondee on Fri May 23, 2008 at 02:54:02 PM EST

with the great McCain fallback, disappointed, issue focused Clinton supporters wont have people being sent out to confiscate all the flag pins or Rev Wright showing up in the suburbs sporting a black beret.
Four More Wars

Parent

LOL. (none / 0) (#79)
by oldpro on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:57:09 PM EST

Subtle but hilarious, Larry...

Parent

Looks like a convention poster... (none / 0) (#83)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri May 23, 2008 at 02:01:17 PM EST

...to this boring resident of the Mile High City.

It is so dull here that people come from all over to catch up on their sleep. Like the Associated Professional Sleep Societies--or the DNC.

Parent

The picture (none / 0) (#102)
by Jeralyn on Wed Jul 16, 2008 at 11:50:58 PM EST

I was picking my son up at the Denver Airport and that was the billboard at baggage claim...a doctor's conference was in town I guess. I thought it was funny so I took the photo with my cell phone and blogged it. This was several years ago.

Parent

not me, just a little beer (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by DandyTIger on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:59:40 PM EST

on occasion. Oh wait, that must be why I like Hillary. Oh dear.

When I get the occassional attack (none / 0) (#36)
by Militarytracy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:15:47 PM EST

I take two benedryl but much of my family has told me that if I develop the insomnia that runs in my family, that little trick isn't going to cut it.

Parent

: I used to do that (none / 0) (#38)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:17:04 PM EST

but it stopped working.

Parent

Nope, not me (5.00 / 1) (#24)
by BarnBabe on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:07:02 PM EST

So no one can blame Ambien for my comments here. I take an Advil every night. Takes off the aches and pains of the day. I am a Night Owl anyway and enjoy sleeping in on Sat & Sun and THIS MONDAY too. Yes. Holiddddddddddaaaaaaaaay.

Coming from a family of insomniacs (5.00 / 1) (#26)
by Militarytracy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:09:29 PM EST

yet not a sufferer (knock on wood because my family tells me menopause may have surprises for me), I have watched much loved family members really really suffer. There didn't used to be much out there either that didn't have addictive properties. I've had a lot of cleaned cupboards and closets show up in my well slept childhood. Some of my family now uses Ambien with no visible side effects. Some of them tried it and then went elsewhere as other things showed up because of side effects. When my husband was in Iraq and couldn't sleep, drug rules were broken (so shocking). The flight surgeon gave him some Ambien and he danced around his unit's lodging in his underroos. Remembers none of it but after being told he needs dance lessons he wouldn't touch the stuff on his deathbed. He's always had a really wild subconscious though ;) Makes him fun to be with ;)

My "menopause gift to myself" (5.00 / 1) (#93)
by samanthasmom on Fri May 23, 2008 at 03:05:50 PM EST

a hot tub. I climb in before I go to bed. So relaxing. I just have to make sure I get out before I fall asleep. 8^)

Parent

my doc says (none / 0) (#34)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:13:30 PM EST

things like you describe he did only happen when you do not go immediately to bed.
it says right on the lable. TAKE AND GO IMMEDIATELY TO BED OR YOU MAY DO THINGS YOU DONT REMEMBER.
or something like that.

Parent

My aunts told me the same thing too (none / 0) (#40)
by Militarytracy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:17:49 PM EST

Take and go straight to bed and don't lolly around. It's probably hard to not lolly around when you think that you get mortared anytime:)

Parent

: I have actually considered (none / 0) (#43)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:20:36 PM EST

taking it when someone else was around (maybe with a video camera) and staying up just to see what would happen.

Parent

I've never taken it. (5.00 / 1) (#39)
by Iphie on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:17:38 PM EST

Though I have at times had difficulty sleeping, and in the past have taken prescription drugs to help -- but I really didn't like the way they made me feel. Lately I've been taking magnesium, which does seem to help me sleep. I started taking it for other reasons, but then read that it helps both your body and mind relax. Apparently, lots of people are magnesium deficient, and insomnia can be one symptom.

: Try it with L-Theanine (none / 0) (#99)
by BackFromOhio on Fri May 23, 2008 at 07:52:43 PM EST

It's an amino acid that acts like valium without the groggyness. If I have trouble sleeping, I take it with magnesium. You can also take L-Theanine for anxiety mid-day without getting sleepy.
I found out recently that Allergy Research puts out a formula of L-Theanine with GABA.

Parent

When he gets the 3AM call (5.00 / 1) (#65)
by ruffian on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:39:18 PM EST

He'll be making a grilled cheese sandwich.

: or he will answer (5.00 / 1) (#74)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:48:03 PM EST

and not remember what he said.
or say something completely off the wall like "we cant respond until the calla lilies bloom again"

Parent
: Waking a person (none / 0) (#75)
by themomcat on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:48:41 PM EST

who has taken Ambien can be a real issue It ain't easy.

Parent

So much for that 3AM call.. (5.00 / 1) (#91)
by g8grl on Fri May 23, 2008 at 02:46:05 PM EST

Sorry the President cannot wake up.

I got a prescription for Ambien (none / 0) (#1)
by oculus on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:47:01 PM EST

before my recent trip. Wonder drug. Highly recommend!

Careful (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by Jeralyn on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:49:15 PM EST

Please do not advocate prescription drug use on this site.

Parent

Should add (5.00 / 1) (#7)
by Jeralyn on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:51:07 PM EST

I don't mind people posting their personal experiences with it or praising it, but "recommending" it or suggesting others go get it can be misconstrued as an invitation to obtain it without a prescription.

Parent

I would like to add... (5.00 / 2) (#20)
by dianem on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:00:26 PM EST

...that imo it is not advisable to get this drug from your general practitioner if you can avoid it. Any medications that effect the mind should be prescribed by a psychiatrist (or psychologist working under the supervision of a psychiatrist), who can also advise you of non-drug options, side-effects, and supplemental techniques to minimize drug use. Getting a prescription for a mind-altering drug from a general practitioner is like taking advice on electrical work from your plumber, or (more applicable here) getting advice from your lawyer on how to treat a medical problem.

Parent

I had a major surgery coming up (none / 0) (#72)
by Dave B on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:44:48 PM EST

And I wasn't sleeping. I became extremely stressed by the prospect surgery and the fatigue from lack of sleep. My family doctor wouldn't do anything for me. He told me to just relax, and suggested that maybe if nothing else I should start on Prozac. Can you imagine??? I was falling asleep for a half hour or so, and I would wake up thinking I was having a heart attack - no more sleep the rest of the night... I WAS HAVING PANIC ATTACKS! I went to the ER and the doc there prescribed 10 days of Ambien and enough Xanax to get me to surgery day. I began to sleep and my stress level went down considerably.

When I went to Cleveland Clinic for the surgery we discussed the drugs I had taken with the anesthesiologist. He said that the ER doc did exactly the right thing and that my general was a jerk, to find a new doc. He even wrote him a nice letter telling him as much. I could not imagine showing up for surgery a basket case that I was becoming...

These drugs are a godsend when used in the proper situations and under proper supervision. They are life destroyers for people who misuse them. They are NOT long term solutions. I'm not sure how I feel about having a Pres who is on this type of drug long term...

Parent

: The CNN piece (none / 0) (#89)
by standingup on Fri May 23, 2008 at 02:27:36 PM EST

states it is "used as necessary to help him sleep when traveling." I wouldn't be bothered by someone who travels regularly between Arizona and D.C. or different time zones to help with sleep. And I would imagine the campaign schedule is very disruptive to sleep patterns as well as trips to Iraq and overseas.

Parent

That's a real stretch, Jeralyn (none / 0) (#67)
by Jim J on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:40:38 PM EST

If that kind of scenario worries you so much then you probably shouldn't have made a post about Ambien in the first place.

Parent

Just delete my comment (once Larry (none / 0) (#12)
by oculus on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:54:56 PM EST

sees it.)

Parent

I'm Glaxosmithkline (none / 0) (#53)
by Salo on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:26:03 PM EST

and I approve this message!

Parent

I don't (none / 0) (#3)
by madamab on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:48:46 PM EST

but once a roommate gave me half an Ambien after I was unable to sleep for the third day in a row.

Out like a light in 10 minutes.

It's a beautiful thing.

You know. . . (none / 0) (#8)
by LarryInNYC on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:52:46 PM EST

I was just going to ask someone about this. I'm looking at an overnight plane flight in a couple of weeks and I really need to sleep through it.

please ask your doctor (none / 0) (#11)
by Jeralyn on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:54:53 PM EST

not blog readers!

Parent

But blog commenters here constantly (none / 0) (#15)
by oculus on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:56:54 PM EST

tell me why mj, with or w/out an M.D.'s recommend. is a good thing!

Parent

I wasn't indending to ask. . . (none / 0) (#16)
by LarryInNYC on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:58:29 PM EST

a blog reader -- and I understand you have to ask a doctor as this is not an over the counter medication, correct?

Parent

It is not OTC (5.00 / 1) (#27)
by dianem on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:09:55 PM EST

There are OTC sleep options. Ask your doctor or speak with a pharmacist. Use caution, though. Do your own research, in addition. Doctors don't always take time to tell you the whole story. The internet is a scary place to look for side effect information. There are a lot of sites created by people who are rabidly anti-drugs or by pharma sites who are equally pro-drugs. But I think it's really better to have too much information than too little. And consider non-drug options, as well. If you just have trouble falling asleep, not staying asleep, meditation and relaxation techniques can be a wonderful tool.

Parent

One more comment (5.00 / 1) (#35)
by dianem on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:14:14 PM EST

Based on experience. Never, ever take any new drug for the first time when you are in an unusual situation (like a plane flight). People react differently. Some wake up confused, or sleepwalk, or hallucinate. Unless you want to risk waking up in jail after having assaulted the flight attendant in your sleep, find out how you react before you take it. This is serious stuff. It has side-effects, and there is no such thing as a non-dependence inducing sleep aid (even OTC). Think hard before you take it just because you want to be fresh for an important meeting. You might arrive at the meeting acting like you're drunk.

Parent

: Or a war zone? (none / 0) (#49)
by Militarytracy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:22:54 PM EST

Parent

Crazy Meds Is Good (none / 0) (#42)
by squeaky on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:20:09 PM EST

To look at before taking these kinds of drugs. Here is the link

Parent

Here's a different cautionary comment. (none / 0) (#76)
by wurman on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:50:18 PM EST

Please don't take anything to induce several hours of sleep during a very long flight.

Look up "deep vein thrombosis" anywhere you like.

It is important that you stand up & move around, often, on any flight over a couple of hours. Go to the bathroom, stretch, get in the cross-over spaces on the plane & do some moderate isometric exercises, walk in place, etc.

Don't knock yourself out with a sleep aid.

Parent

Check with your dr (none / 0) (#22)
by waldenpond on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:05:41 PM EST

mine suggested Tylenol PM. I use it when traveling. I only need to take one and it works quite well for me.

Parent

: That's what I do too (4.00 / 1) (#69)
by ruffian on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:41:42 PM EST

One Tylenol PM when I'm on the road is just enough.

Parent

Not For Everyone (none / 0) (#30)
by squeaky on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:12:49 PM EST

It actually kept a close friend of mine up half the night, not a wonder drug for everyone.

Parent

The active ingredient (none / 0) (#47)
by TeresaInSnow2 on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:22:23 PM EST

in over the counter sleep aids is Benadryl, so I frequently use generic Benadryl as a sleep aid.

Oral Melatonin during travel supposedly helps regulate your biological clock. I haven't seen any studies suggesting that the oral version crosses the blood-brain barrier, so it may just have a placebo effect (which if effective is still fine!)

Parent

What I do... (none / 0) (#48)
by goldberry on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:22:53 PM EST

... is take Sonata when I'm taking an overnight flight to Europe from NYC area. I wait until they serve me my cheese course (I love business class) and take it. I'm out in about 15 minutes. Now the thing with Sonata is that the half life is shorter than with Ambien so you don't have to schedule 6 hours of sleep. You can get away with 5 or 6 hours. I wake up as we're somewhere off the coast of Britain just in time for a nice cafe au lait, croissant and some french yogurt and fruit. No grogginess. Wide awake, alert and usually able to work all day without feeling sleepy. No jet lag.
But this is just my experience and not a recommendation.

Parent

Not me (none / 0) (#9)
by JustJennifer on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:52:47 PM EST

I am afraid of prescription drugs that can be habit forming. After breaking my back in a car accident I had to take pain medications for 6 months and it was hellish to come off of them.

I have problems with insomnia and my doctor offered me something for it - I said no thanks. I am glad it works for others but I would be afraid that I wouldn't be able to stop taking it and/or go to sleep without it.

: No thanks.... (none / 0) (#58)
by kdog on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:28:14 PM EST

Good move...more people should say no thanks more often to the dope doctors are shoveling...when it's safe.
One time the doctor wanted to put me on potassium pills...I said no thanks and started eating more bananas. Worked like a charm...no problems with lack of potassium since.

Parent

I tried it once; (none / 0) (#10)
by Molly Pitcher on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:54:07 PM EST

when I woke up in the morning, I did not know which way the bathroom was.

I use it too (none / 0) (#13)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:55:06 PM EST

never had any of the odd side effects I have read about. except I have noticed some "interesting" dreams. not scary exactly. just interesting.
I frequently come home from work late. like 8 or 9 and I need to go to sleep right away (10 or 11) to get up when I need to the next day. very hard, at least for me, when I get home from a hectic day.
however I usually take only half a pill and it does the trick.

Quite a few prescription drugs.... (none / 0) (#61)
by Maria Garcia on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:31:02 PM EST

...cause vivid dreams. I take on that does,my dreams are not frequently scary but they can be very sensory in oddly mundane or unpleasant ways. Not always what its cracked up to be.

Parent

: yeah (none / 0) (#62)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:33:36 PM EST

not scary but more than once I have awakened thinking 'where the hell did THAT come from?'.

Parent

No, but I do take Provigil (none / 0) (#14)
by frankly0 on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:55:55 PM EST

which has pretty much the exact opposite effect of waking me up quite thoroughly.

Of course, if I slept better maybe I wouldn't need it. But it does a very good job of making me more alert.

Can't say that I've detected any side effects. Seems as good as three strong cups of coffee without the shakiness.

Maybe the solution is to combine Ambien at night with Provigil in the day? Would that be Paradise?

I don't (none / 0) (#17)
by cawaltz on Fri May 23, 2008 at 12:59:29 PM EST

Alot of folks who have to work varied shifts take it though. From what I understand you aren't as much of a zombie if you take it instead of xanax or other benzodiazapines.

I have used it somewhat (5.00 / 1) (#23)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:06:35 PM EST

regularly for months and I have never eaten, driven, or anything else I know of in my sleep.
although I suppose by definition, since I live alone, I would not know about it if I was asleep.
but I have found no artifacts that suggest anything like this has occurred.
and I wake up completely unzombified.
I have in the past tried other sleep aids and have awakened feeling a little fuzzy.

Parent

: btw (5.00 / 1) (#25)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:08:49 PM EST

from what I understand the whole walking or whatever in your sleep thing usually only happens when people do not allow a full 8 hours before planning to be active again.

Parent

Nope - don't take it, don't wanna take it. (none / 0) (#21)
by scribe on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:02:59 PM EST

Who wants to be in another federal database, anyway?

If I need some help sleeping, I'll have a finger's worth of Jack Daniels or similar, neat. Or a nice slug of the kind of port one buys for $7.99 a bottle at the liquor store.

But, as it is, I'm usually out like a light by 10, 11 at the latest.

Still, with McCain, one has to wonder what he needs Ambien for.... I remember a while back, some media outlet or other did a follow-up on thalidomide, the drug which had caused grotesque birth defects in children, esp. in Europe in the late 50s/early 60s. Turns out that, while it was being used against morning sickness when it caused the birth defects, its original use in Europe had been as a sleeping pill. It was quite popular in the 50s, particularly among people who were unable to sleep because of their experiences in WWII - what we'd today recognize as suffering from PTSD. That was (as you might imagine) a big market in Europe of the '50s.

With McCain, I can see his own post-torture/POW mental state as leading toward some need for a 70-something man needing Ambien. Given that I've heard (from ads, IIRC) it also quiets a racing mind and thereby lets one sleep, I'd suspect not a few of the DC people known to be using it may be having attacks of conscience (for facilitating torture and the rest of it) and need something with those specific mind-quieting properties so they can sleep without images of wired-up men standing atop boxes with sandbags on their heads keeping them up at night.

The smallest dosage (none / 0) (#28)
by Grace on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:10:57 PM EST

is too strong for me. I split the pill in quarters -- but I do get a decent nights sleep on it.

I also like restoril.

: I think one of my insomniac family (none / 0) (#32)
by Militarytracy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:13:05 PM EST

uses restoril.

Parent

So? (none / 0) (#29)
by goldberry on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:12:21 PM EST

I would assume that all of the candidates take some kind of sleep aid. I take Sonata on my trips between the US and Paris. The half life is perfect. As soon as it wears off, you are wide awake and refreshed. It's less than 6 hours of sleep but if you have a busy schedule, it can't be beat. I've never taken Ambien but assume it has a bit of a longer half-life.
But not everyone who takes Ambien is going to have side effects. I'e been a sleeptalker/walker from childhood and I have yet to find myself behind the wheel of a car while asleep. Of course, I only use Sonata infrequently so I have no idea how chronic users are affected.
Anyway, let's not jump to hasty conclusions.

OF course, the really pertinent issue (none / 0) (#33)
by oculus on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:13:29 PM EST

re John McCain's medical condition is the recurring Melanoma, whihc, fortunately, has not reappeared.

Whatever happened to (none / 0) (#41)
by eric on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:18:35 PM EST

just having a stiff drink?

Or other stiff things? (5.00 / 1) (#52)
by goldberry on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:25:46 PM EST

I've always found them relaxing. Out like a light in 5 minutes.

Parent

heres the thing (5.00 / 1) (#59)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:29:55 PM EST

for many people who have sleep trouble (like me)
the problem is not falling asleep. drinks, pot, sex all will do that easily enough.
the problem is STAYING asleep. that drug allows me an average of at least 6 or 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. which, for me, is a bit of a miracle and something I have never been able to do even when I was young and lazy.

Parent

: I think we're all kiddin'... (none / 0) (#70)
by kdog on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:42:47 PM EST

No sane, compassionate person would deny someone a remedy that works for them.
Our Uncle Sam is not a sane, compassionate person.

Parent

Naughty, naughty.... (3.00 / 2) (#68)
by kdog on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:41:12 PM EST

A good lay works too, no doubt....hear that Cindy? Never mind...you might kill the old goat:)

Parent

they are not mutually exclusive (none / 0) (#44)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:21:38 PM EST

even if it does say so on the label

Parent

Not me babe.... (none / 0) (#46)
by kdog on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:22:15 PM EST

If I can't sleep I just up my reefer intake, rip into a box of Devil Dogs, and I'm out like a light.

Much better on your liver, and great side effects:)

Now why am I subject to arrest, and all the Ambien-heads not?

Because the Ambienheads pay the man! (none / 0) (#50)
by Militarytracy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:24:18 PM EST

Parent

again (none / 0) (#55)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:27:18 PM EST

not mutually exclusive
;-)

Parent

Aye Aye Capt.... (none / 0) (#63)
by kdog on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:35:23 PM EST

When I wanna escape the world for a few hours...a percocet, Patron Margarita on the rocks (extra salt), an uber-fat cone, The Band 4-disc box set, and a lawn chair under the stars.

Parent

you could read a book (none / 0) (#73)
by Salo on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:44:57 PM EST

Thoman Mann put's me to sleep and I have good dreams.

Parent

Good books.... (none / 0) (#82)
by kdog on Fri May 23, 2008 at 02:00:55 PM EST

keep me awake. I'm fighting to keep my eyes open but can't turn off the light and put 'em down.

Above was my concoction for escaping the world...I don't have problems sleeping. I was blessed with the ability to sleep pretty much anywhere...I've had whole night's sleep on park benches.

Parent

: me too (none / 0) (#84)
by Capt Howdy on Fri May 23, 2008 at 02:04:29 PM EST

I read if I want to stay awake.

Parent

Do you... (none / 0) (#80)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:58:21 PM EST

...have a newsletter I could subscribe to?

Parent

Dan Quayle. (none / 0) (#60)
by Salo on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:30:23 PM EST

Parent

Well (none / 0) (#56)
by squeaky on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:27:39 PM EST

I hope that Sanofi-Aventis are paying McCain for the free advertising. The least they could do is give him a lifetime supply.

My brother takes Ambien... (none / 0) (#78)
by kredwyn on Fri May 23, 2008 at 01:53:43 PM EST

He hasn't experienced any of the side effects. But he's been a whole lot more pleasant to be around now that he's not suffering from massive sleep deprivation.

Ambien (none / 0) (#81)
by themomcat on Fri May 23, 2008 at 02:00:33 PM EST

I see quite a few older patients on an emergency basis, mostly in the middle of the night because those are the hours I work. Many are on ambien and the 911 call, as per the Paramedics, is Altered Mental Status. Pre-hospital the patient gets treated as though they were having a hypoglycemic episode only to find out later that they had been taking ambien and were, most likely, "sleep walking" or talking nonsense in their sleep. Long term use of the drug becomes an issue because, in some patients, it loses its effectiveness. Talk to your doctor about your sleep habits if you are waking up tired or having trouble getting to sleep. There are other causes such as snoring and sleep apnea, which are treatable problems that do not require drugs.

I find all this a bit unseemly (none / 0) (#86)
by Exeter on Fri May 23, 2008 at 02:15:19 PM EST

I'm not criticizing TL, I just think that the whole "guiltly until proven innoncent" atmosphere regarding candidate's personal information has gotten way, way out of hand. There are tools in place in the Constitution for removing a president if he or she becomes physically or mentally unable to do the job. Why can't we just leave it at that?

I know you guys are going to bury me .... (none / 0) (#87)
by Monda on Fri May 23, 2008 at 02:21:04 PM EST

... for this, but this story reminds me of the lunatic, Michael Savage, when he says that our representatives in Congress are all in drugs. He recommends drastic measures for that; jail, detox etc, but than, his "political fantasy" knows no boundaries ;-).

Kind of OT but related, on MSNBC (ONN) there is an article today about McCain's health and how he is cancer-free and in good shape to govern. Code-name for ... the opposite maybe?!

: PS: (none / 0) (#88)
by Monda on Fri May 23, 2008 at 02:26:57 PM EST

I am blessed, in a sense that I could have a cup of coffee, a Red Bull, and minutes later go to sleep lol. In the dorm, I could sleep through fire alarms (pranks by drunk students lol.) So I don't quite relate to this story, but sleep deprivation can be a nightmare.

Parent

Valerian root (none / 0) (#95)
by OxyCon on Fri May 23, 2008 at 03:40:15 PM EST

Works great. Allows you to get a nice, relaxing, deep sleep.

I used to use Ambien, (none / 0) (#96)
by Left of center on Fri May 23, 2008 at 05:32:28 PM EST

but then i discovered THC. It works so much better with less side effects.

: Valerian root (none / 0) (#97)
by jondee on Fri May 23, 2008 at 05:50:32 PM EST

a little THC; a little warm milk and brandy; a little descent into the garden of eros, or, my personal fav: all of the above topped off by a listen to one of those Sounds of a Mountain Stream, Sounds of the Rainforest CDs, or, best of all, if you can find it, Carl Sandburg reading from His Rootabaga Tales.

Parent
: Another great cure for insomnia (none / 0) (#98)
by Left of center on Fri May 23, 2008 at 06:51:28 PM EST

is to listen to one of Obama's never ending speeches. I always start to doze off after about 10 minutes.

Parent

McCain Takes Ambien | 93 comments (93 topical)

McCain Takes Ambien

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