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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by femlite on September 7, 2003, at 6:57:48
Pdoc prescribed for sleep.
Its not working out.Pdoc didnt want to get into addiction problems with real sleep meds. This is what I feared would happen in small midwest town.
Past experienc with Zoloft has made me fearful of serotonin, (didnt sleep at all.)
Can someone tell me what, if any other benifits to Tazodone.
Litrature indicates this has seotonin effects, but seems slightly different. Can someone explain,Thanks all
Posted by Camille Dumont on September 7, 2003, at 9:04:10
In reply to Anyone know Trazodone, posted by femlite on September 7, 2003, at 6:57:48
> Pdoc prescribed for sleep.
> Its not working out.
>
> Pdoc didnt want to get into addiction problems with real sleep meds. This is what I feared would happen in small midwest town.
>
> Past experienc with Zoloft has made me fearful of serotonin, (didnt sleep at all.)
>
> Can someone tell me what, if any other benifits to Tazodone.
> Litrature indicates this has seotonin effects, but seems slightly different. Can someone explain,
>
> Thanks all
Well, I've been on Effexor for more than a year but I couldn't sleep so the doctor prescribed Trazodone ... 50 mg. Its a old and not very effective antidepressant but it does knock you out BIG TIME.I had to stop it because it was making me like a zombie during the day ... you have to take it prutty early if you want to be able to wake up in the morning ... but all and all its a fairly commonly prescribed thing for sleep problems ... and you won't get any withdrawal effects.
Posted by timidly on September 7, 2003, at 21:48:30
In reply to Re: Anyone know Trazodone, posted by Camille Dumont on September 7, 2003, at 9:04:10
femlite,
I was also unhappy with the lack of consistent effectiveness of Trazodone and my Pdoc let me try some of the "real sleep meds". My experiences:
- Sonata kicked in fast and hard, but only lasted 2-3 hours. I had audio-visual hallucinations starting about 10 minutes after taking it until I had fallen asleep.
- Ambien kicked in fast and hard, and lasted 6-7 hours. I had visual hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, and disassociation until I fell asleep. The confusion (mental fog) and disorientation lingered well into the next day. I also started sleep-walking and often woke up on the floor in another room.
- Chloral Hydrate was ruled out due to the bad experiences I had with it decades ago. Avoid this one.
- Valerian (herb) was ineffective for me.I am much happier with the Trazodone now. I take 100 mg at bedtime. It kicks in slowly over about 30 minutes and hits hard (knocks me out) a bit more than half the time. Effective dosage for me has varied between 50 mg and 200 mg over the years. I've had problems with morning grogginess when taking more than 100 mg. I still occasionally have problems sleeping, but nothing like it is without the Trazodone.
To answer your question about the benefits of Trazodone. Trazodone is an anti-depressant which has a very strong sedating side effect. The anti-depressant effect takes a few weeks to kick in.
Excerpt from MedicineNet: "Although the exact mechanism of action of trazodone is unknown, it probably improves symptoms of depression by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin by nerves in the brain. This results in more serotonin to stimulate other nerves. Trazodone also may increase directly the action of serotonin. Trazodone is chemically unrelated to the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). It is chemically related to nefazodone (Serzone) and shares its actions."
[EOB]
> > Pdoc prescribed for sleep.
> > Its not working out.
> >
> > Pdoc didn't want to get into addiction problems with real sleep meds. This is what I feared would happen in small midwest town.
> >
> > Past experienc with Zoloft has made me fearful of serotonin, (didn't sleep at all.)
> >
> > Can someone tell me what, if any other benifits to Tazodone.
> > Literature indicates this has seotonin effects, but seems slightly different. Can someone explain,
> >
> > Thanks all
>
>
> Well, I've been on Effexor for more than a year but I couldn't sleep so the doctor prescribed Trazodone ... 50 mg. Its a old and not very effective antidepressant but it does knock you out BIG TIME.
>
> I had to stop it because it was making me like a zombie during the day ... you have to take it prutty early if you want to be able to wake up in the morning ... but all and all its a fairly commonly prescribed thing for sleep problems ... and you won't get any withdrawal effects.
Posted by Bill L on September 8, 2003, at 8:45:20
In reply to Anyone know Trazodone, posted by femlite on September 7, 2003, at 6:57:48
Since it's not working out, you might do better with ambien. Ambien is very safe, and it is also very effective for most people who take it. It generally keeps on working even after years of constant usage.
It's a shame that your doc won't consider letting you try it. Be aggressive. See if you can find a different doc to consult with. Sleep is critically important.
Posted by femlite on September 8, 2003, at 10:33:07
In reply to Re: Anyone know Trazodone » Camille Dumont, posted by timidly on September 7, 2003, at 21:48:30
> femlite,
>
> I was also unhappy with the lack of consistent effectiveness of Trazodone and my Pdoc let me try some of the "real sleep meds". My experiences:
> - Sonata kicked in fast and hard, but only lasted 2-3 hours. I had audio-visual hallucinations starting about 10 minutes after taking it until I had fallen asleep.
> - Ambien kicked in fast and hard, and lasted 6-7 hours. I had visual hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, and disassociation until I fell asleep. The confusion (mental fog) and disorientation lingered well into the next day. I also started sleep-walking and often woke up on the floor in another room.
> - Chloral Hydrate was ruled out due to the bad experiences I had with it decades ago. Avoid this one.
> - Valerian (herb) was ineffective for me.
>
> I am much happier with the Trazodone now. I take 100 mg at bedtime. It kicks in slowly over about 30 minutes and hits hard (knocks me out) a bit more than half the time. Effective dosage for me has varied between 50 mg and 200 mg over the years. I've had problems with morning grogginess when taking more than 100 mg. I still occasionally have problems sleeping, but nothing like it is without the Trazodone.
>
> To answer your question about the benefits of Trazodone. Trazodone is an anti-depressant which has a very strong sedating side effect. The anti-depressant effect takes a few weeks to kick in.
> Excerpt from MedicineNet: "Although the exact mechanism of action of trazodone is unknown, it probably improves symptoms of depression by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin by nerves in the brain. This results in more serotonin to stimulate other nerves. Trazodone also may increase directly the action of serotonin. Trazodone is chemically unrelated to the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). It is chemically related to nefazodone (Serzone) and shares its actions."
> [EOB]
Thanks Bill, timidly and Camille,I feel like an anomilie, (but dont we all:) as I find even pain meds activating.
I havent found after 4 nights (the first three being relatively sleepless, that the trazodone is very effective. Even the 4th night I was up two hours after taking trazodone.
Does it take time to "kick in"? I mean, can I expect it to be more effective the longer I use it?
Did it work that way for you?
At the moment all I feel is ill. Dizziness, nausea, and lack of coordination, (which is sort of frightning if I have to get up, for any reason.
Im trying to demonstrate my willingness to comply, but as Bill said if after a month, im still unimpressed (and still ragged from lack of sleep), I will try to find some one else.
My GP will give me a sleep aid if I ask him but, Im worried about taking something my pdoc dosent know about and the possible side effects of drug combos that she would be unaware of.
In such a small town Im running out of pdoc options and that is discouraging.
But I can drive to the nearest metropolis, if have to.
I had a bad expereince with zoloft, didnt sleep at all for days.
My pdoc thinks Im am depressed, with "mild mania" being my "personality"?
Im not sure I agree. Shes not listening to me or giving me enough time to ask questions.
She prescribed wellbutrin for me AM. It does help clear the mental fog and get me going.
Thanks all
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 8, 2003, at 13:30:42
In reply to Anyone know Trazodone, posted by femlite on September 7, 2003, at 6:57:48
Trazodone, an antidepressant but widely prescribed for sleep problems. I'm on 100mg every night. It works for me as long as: 1) i keep regular sleep hours, 2) no caffeine after lunch, and 3) no naps during the day. I can sleep 6-8 hours straight, with no hangover feeling in the morning.
give it a chance!
KDi in Texas
> Pdoc prescribed for sleep.
> Its not working out.
>
> Pdoc didnt want to get into addiction problems with real sleep meds. This is what I feared would happen in small midwest town.
>
> Past experienc with Zoloft has made me fearful of serotonin, (didnt sleep at all.)
>
> Can someone tell me what, if any other benifits to Tazodone.
> Litrature indicates this has seotonin effects, but seems slightly different. Can someone explain,
>
> Thanks all
Posted by timidly on September 8, 2003, at 21:55:19
In reply to Re: how long till kick - Camille? » timidly, posted by femlite on September 8, 2003, at 10:33:07
> > femlite,
> >
> > I was also unhappy with the lack of consistent effectiveness of Trazodone and my Pdoc let me try some of the "real sleep meds". My experiences:
> > - Sonata kicked in fast and hard, but only lasted 2-3 hours. I had audio-visual hallucinations starting about 10 minutes after taking it until I had fallen asleep.
> > - Ambien kicked in fast and hard, and lasted 6-7 hours. I had visual hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, and disassociation until I fell asleep. The confusion (mental fog) and disorientation lingered well into the next day. I also started sleep-walking and often woke up on the floor in another room.
> > - Chloral Hydrate was ruled out due to the bad experiences I had with it decades ago. Avoid this one.
> > - Valerian (herb) was ineffective for me.
> >
> > I am much happier with the Trazodone now. I take 100 mg at bedtime. It kicks in slowly over about 30 minutes and hits hard (knocks me out) a bit more than half the time. Effective dosage for me has varied between 50 mg and 200 mg over the years. I've had problems with morning grogginess when taking more than 100 mg. I still occasionally have problems sleeping, but nothing like it is without the Trazodone.
> >
> > To answer your question about the benefits of Trazodone. Trazodone is an anti-depressant which has a very strong sedating side effect. The anti-depressant effect takes a few weeks to kick in.
> > Excerpt from MedicineNet: "Although the exact mechanism of action of trazodone is unknown, it probably improves symptoms of depression by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin by nerves in the brain. This results in more serotonin to stimulate other nerves. Trazodone also may increase directly the action of serotonin. Trazodone is chemically unrelated to the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors). It is chemically related to nefazodone (Serzone) and shares its actions."
> > [EOB]
>
>
> Thanks Bill, timidly and Camille,
>
> I feel like an anomilie, (but dont we all:) as I find even pain meds activating.
>
> I havent found after 4 nights (the first three being relatively sleepless, that the trazodone is very effective. Even the 4th night I was up two hours after taking trazodone.
>
> Does it take time to "kick in"? I mean, can I expect it to be more effective the longer I use it?
>
> Did it work that way for you?
>
> At the moment all I feel is ill. Dizziness, nausea, and lack of coordination, (which is sort of frightning if I have to get up, for any reason.
>
> Im trying to demonstrate my willingness to comply, but as Bill said if after a month, im still unimpressed (and still ragged from lack of sleep), I will try to find some one else.
>
> My GP will give me a sleep aid if I ask him but, Im worried about taking something my pdoc dosent know about and the possible side effects of drug combos that she would be unaware of.
>
> In such a small town Im running out of pdoc options and that is discouraging.
>
> But I can drive to the nearest metropolis, if have to.
>
> I had a bad expereince with zoloft, didnt sleep at all for days.
>
> My pdoc thinks Im am depressed, with "mild mania" being my "personality"?
>
> Im not sure I agree. Shes not listening to me or giving me enough time to ask questions.
>
> She prescribed wellbutrin for me AM. It does help clear the mental fog and get me going.
>
> Thanks all
No, the sleep inducing effect of Trazodone does not take a while to "kick in". If anything,
the effect decreases after a long time of taking it as your body gets used to it. 50 mg is
a low dose. It may be worth trying 100 mg one night, and if still nothing try 150 mg the next.
One time should be enough to tell if it's going to work or not. If 150 mg doesn't do anything
for you, get something else - and quickly. Sleep deprivation can make depression a lot worse
very quickly. My prayers are with you.
Posted by Bill L on September 9, 2003, at 9:57:58
In reply to Re: how long till kick - Camille? » timidly, posted by femlite on September 8, 2003, at 10:33:07
Femlite - If I were you, I would let my GP prescribe a sleep aid even if your pdoc does not know about it. You can let your pdoc know the next time you see him. GP's are very knowledgable about depression and sleep problems and they know how drugs interact with each other. Keep in mind that most GP's and internists prescribe antidepressants to more people than pdocs do. GP's know what they are doing.
This is the end of the thread.
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