Besides weight or metabolism people simply react differently. Over-the-counter ones some people use, such as Benedryl or Tylenol PM make me really wired.

One thing to consider when taking a sleep med is how recently you've eaten. I find that Ambien knocks me out more quickly if I take it on an empty stomach.

I take it routinely on transatlantic flights, and then the first few nights I'm there to keep me from waking up early. Very, very helpful (for me) for jet lag.

On a recent flight to Paris I was seated next to my 12 year old daughter. I'd warned her that I'd taken a sleep med, and that I might not be easily roused, but that she shouldn't be concerned, and to just step over me if she had to get up to use the WC or whatever. No problem whatsoever, though she did report having to hold my limp body out of the way of the drinks cart when it passed by.

tcreath, I have a similar story.Last year we traveled to Europe.On our trip from LA to London I to took an Ambien. I gave a 1/2 to my 16 year old and 1 to my husband,Benadryl for the little one. Halfway through the trip I found myself awake and took another one. When we arrived in London we checked into our hotel and started our tour of the city. For about two hours I slept in the taxi...I would be looking at something and saying look at that and then would put my head back and start snoring.My son said I was saying the silliest things and acting happy and silly.They still tease me about it. There is a great article in this last Sunday's section of the LA Times on the second page.She talks about Ambien and an approach with Melatonin and starting three days earlier before you travel. When we travel to Italy and Greece in August I will try that.....no more sillies. Annamaria

Thank you. I have realized that we are all different with reactions to medications. I, myself, stay awake allnight if I take Trazadone. So I will try this before my trip.

Though different, Fodorites are the same, in that they are soooo helpful!

Best of luck Tania
Hope you find something that works well for you to help beat that dreaded jetlag

I take a 5mg Ambien and sleep like a rock for 4 hours then wake up refreshed and ready to go.

Quick question: I went on a field trip with my daughters class a few years back. We were on a sailing ship in the SF BAy. I took a Bonine for sea sickness. At lunch I had a cocktail and it knocked me out for the rest of the afternoon & evening. Should I try this on our trip to Spain in June?? I can never sleep on the plane and deal w/ jet lag for several days.

Thanks,

MY

Hi Michelle,
I'd ask my doctor about combining any prescription medicine with alcohol just in case there could be serious complications.

I'm 5-6, 127 pounds. I take an ambien (5 mg) as soon as we take off, or soon after dinner. It makes me sleep lightly ,and I don't feel groggy- just rested. Would suggested you try it before the plane.

On 4/25, I said I wouldn't take Ambien on the plane because I want to be more alert. However . . . I do plan to take Lunesta the night before my trip so I can sleep, and again on the first night or two in Italy to make sure I sleep well.

My doctor wouldn't prescribe me Ambien--and I'm actually an insomniac as it is!

I'm going to try Melatonin...wow, in 2 days!! I'll let you all know how it works for me in my trip report ;-)

I have a heard it on good authority that Lunesta is better than Ambien as far as ability to be alert upon awaking.
But everybody's different.
Only pratice will tell for sure.

Ooby--you're leaving in 2 days??? Where are you going, and how long?

Have a wonderful time!

Hi Maire!!

Yes, I can hardly believe it. May 3rd-24th: Amsterdam, Vienna, Berlin, Dortmund, Mannheim, Interlaken, Cinque Terre, Nice! It will be a whirlwind trip, but I'm excited. I defend my masters tomorrow, so it will be a celebration (or a great way to drown the sorrows if I don't pass, lol).

Wow, Ooby, you have a lot going on right now. You deserve your vacation--it sounds wonderful. Good luck on your Masters--I'm sure you'll do great!

Have a wonderful trip, and thanks for all I've learned from you.

I ordered Ambien on medheavens.com . Ambien is indicated for the treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep onset. That's why this help me so much because of my insomnia.

WTF is this latest post!!