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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Zuzu on May 18, 2003, at 21:46:30
I've been taking Effexor for depression and Ambien for insomnia for four years now. Of late, I've been waking about 3 to 4 hours after falling asleep, then can't fall back to sleep. The pdoc is having me try Temazepam now, instead.
Has anyone had a similar experience with Ambien?
Also, what side effects might I experience with the Temazepam?
Thanks!
Posted by Janelle on May 18, 2003, at 22:43:35
In reply to Ambien vs. Temazepam for insomnia?, posted by Zuzu on May 18, 2003, at 21:46:30
First off, how much (dosage) Effexor have you been taking? I ask because from what I have heard (and experienced!) if it is at a high enough dose, it hits receptors that can make it quite activating and it could be a factor in your insomnia.
Wow - Ambien for FOUR YEARS - on the instructions I had read, it said not to take it for more than two weeks! I'd taken it on and off over the years and it did work for awhile - put me to sleep and kept me asleep. Then my anxiety became such that I overrode the Ambien. But Ambien did keep me asleep all night for quite some time.
I had to do a quick search on Temazepam to find out that it is Restoril! I've taken that also, and it worked great for like 3-4 nights, then nothing. It would not put me to sleep whatsoever. Rather than risk having to keep upping the doses and getting me addicted, the pdoc at that time just stopped it.
By accident I found that Seroquel (and all I need is 100mg) is the sleep-inducer for me!
Posted by lauran on May 18, 2003, at 23:55:44
In reply to Re: Ambien vs. Temazepam for insomnia? » Zuzu, posted by Janelle on May 18, 2003, at 22:43:35
Janelle, how long have you been on the Seroquel? I was on 25mg for sleep for about one year. I tried to go off of it and developed horrible insomnia. Of course I was just diagnosed hyperthyroid too, so that may have contributed to the insomnia. I am now back on 25 mg at bedtime and it works wonders. Have you noticed any side effects? I may just end up staying on this med for awhile for sleep until my thryroid is under control. Thanks.
Posted by TR on May 19, 2003, at 13:29:01
In reply to Ambien vs. Temazepam for insomnia?, posted by Zuzu on May 18, 2003, at 21:46:30
I definitely had problems with Ambien. After about a week, it stopped helping my insomnia. Now I'm on Trazadone, which I find to be much more effective.
> I've been taking Effexor for depression and Ambien for insomnia for four years now. Of late, I've been waking about 3 to 4 hours after falling asleep, then can't fall back to sleep. The pdoc is having me try Temazepam now, instead.
> Has anyone had a similar experience with Ambien?
> Also, what side effects might I experience with the Temazepam?
> Thanks!
Posted by Janelle on May 19, 2003, at 13:30:53
In reply to Re: Ambien vs. Temazepam for insomnia? » Janelle, posted by lauran on May 18, 2003, at 23:55:44
Hi,
I've been on Seroquel less than a year (like 7-8 months maybe) and need 100 mg to sleep; wish I could get by on what you do (25mg for sleep).
I discovered by accident just how much I need it when one night while taking my cocktail, one pill went flying out of my hands, yet at the same time I wasn't sure what had happened! Well, that night I was up every hour on the hour, it was awful.
A few days later on the floor I found a SEROQUEL pill! I put 2 & 2 together and realized that the night I did not sleep well at all was the night the pill (Seroquel) did go flying out of my hand!
I did have hyperthyroid, brought on by a natural unregulated thyroid med, but then it swung to hypothyroid, so I know that is not the cause of my sleeping problems.
No, I have NOT noticed any side effects from the Seroquel - have you? I would suggest you stay on it like you mentioned for awhile for sleep until your thyroid is under control. 25mg of Seroquel is a VERY LOW dose! I know two people who take 900 mg of it! Can you imagine? I'd be dead on the floor from that. When they tried to increase mine to 125mg I passed out!
Posted by Stacey fu on May 21, 2003, at 9:58:37
In reply to Re: Ambien vs. Temazepam for insomnia?, posted by TR on May 19, 2003, at 13:29:01
> I definitely had problems with Ambien. After about a week, it stopped helping my insomnia. Now I'm on Trazadone, which I find to be much more effective.
>
> > I've been taking Effexor for depression and Ambien for insomnia for four years now. Of late, I've been waking about 3 to 4 hours after falling asleep, then can't fall back to sleep. The pdoc is having me try Temazepam now, instead.
> > Has anyone had a similar experience with Ambien?
> > Also, what side effects might I experience with the Temazepam?
> > Thanks!
I have to agree with TR. Trazadone is much more effective in helping insomnia than either Ambmien or Temazepam (Restoril) I was taking 10 mg. of Ambien, which seemed to take a very long time to kick in. If I didn't go directly to sleep I would just toss and turn all night due to it's extremely short duration of action. It also made me groggy in the morning. I was taking 30 mg. of Restoril, but that was similarly ineffective in treating my insomnia. It would put me to sleep, but I would wake up about 3 hours later when it wore off, and be wide awake. Of course, I wouldn't recommend Ambien or Restoril anyway for the simple fact that they're addictive, especially the Restoril, since it's a benzo. (they're both schedule IV, but Restoril is definitely more relaxing and gives a more "drugged" feeling. When I take Trazadone however, 100-150 mg. I fall asleep within 15-20 minutes of it kicking in, and I sleep restfully, and uninterrupted for at least 8 hours. I'd say give it a try! Good luck. :)
>
>
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