Posted by Zandy on September 7, 2010, at 17:10:06
In reply to Re: HELP what is best nonbenzo for insomnia/anxiety? » Zandy, posted by Phillipa on September 7, 2010, at 10:31:29
Hi Phillipa,
I am not sleeping because I am withdrawing from benzos. I am currently in transition phase of switching over from Ativan to Valium. Dr told me less withdrawal symptoms with valium because it has a longer half-life.
I am switching over very slowly, then when I am on Valium only (no more Ativan) I will begin a slow wean off Valium. It is probably going to take 8 months or more, so I really need a good sleep aid.
My Dr called in a new sleep aid today called Silenor. It is very new and the Pharmacy is hoping it will be finally available this Friday or next week. It is a weaker version of doxepin and comes in 3 and 6 mg strengths.
Because the dose is so low it is supposed to have almost no side effects.
I don't know if you remember, the doctors inadvertently shut down my HPA axis and I went into adrenal crisis.
Well, as it turns out Benzos can suppress your HPA axis and that is why I have to go off them. (It even says it on Wikipedia! Who knew?)
Maybe that is why my HPA axis shut down after they gave me the glucocorticosteroid pain shot to begin with. I had been 1st on Xanax for about 9 years, then Ativan for about 3 years.
Tonight I think I am going to add 1/2 of a 25 mg Bovine to the mix and see what happens.
Wish me luck!
poster:Zandy
thread:961551
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100829/msgs/961619.html