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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 29. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 22:23:00
I just quit taking xanax about a month ago and know I am finding it hard to go to sleep. I usually only get 2-3 hours of sleep a night, but cant fall asleep until 7am. I have tried Ambien and Lunesta. Ambien doesnt do much for me and Lunesta has a horrible after taste that lasts for hours. My question is; has anybody tried a prescription medication that works? How about muscle relaxers, do they work for sleep? Any advice would be greatly apprecitaed
Posted by Phillipa on November 7, 2006, at 22:41:40
In reply to Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 22:23:00
Did you do a taper? And other than the ones you mentioned or something like trazadone I know of none. But I'm not an expert. Love Phillipa
Posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 23:12:53
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP » GavinJ, posted by Phillipa on November 7, 2006, at 22:41:40
> Did you do a taper? And other than the ones you mentioned or something like trazadone I know of none. But I'm not an expert. Love Phillipa
Yep I tapered with Klonopin for 8 weeks. I take Paxil right now so I cant take Trazadone since it is an AD. Thanks for taking the time to help out!!
Posted by tensor on November 8, 2006, at 0:12:24
In reply to Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 22:23:00
Have you tried zopiclone(Imovane)? I have difficulties falling asleep and it usually works for me.
/Mattias
Posted by Johnathan on November 8, 2006, at 5:44:27
In reply to Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 22:23:00
POPT The power of positive thinking. Start saying I am going to have a good nights sleep real soon. Stop saying I can't. This is a first good step. I have had difficulty sleeping and this helped for me. A regular schedule is a great way to start your good night sleep program. Set i.e. 11pm and 7 am as your hours to be in bed. Tired or not go to bed at 11 read if you want to and get up at 7 am. Set your bodys clock to this schedule (or what times work for you) but keep those hours. When you get up, throw on you sweats and go for a walk jog or what you are capable of. If you work at 7 then get up at 6. Keep a busy schedule for yourself, if your schedule is not busy enough start a project, paint or wallpaper a room, do some yardwork. Try to do something physical and fill your day. No naps no rests. Not saying you do, but if someone sleeps in the afternoon it will be difficult to sleep at night. For the first few days use a sleep aid from the pharmacy, the regular blue tabs or tylenol Pm but just for a few days. Do not worry about the first few days of sleeplessness but be sure to get up at your set timeIt is not easy, but if you can stick with this schedule11pm 7 am, 11pm 7am your sleep will greatly improve. I guarantee it. I wish you a good nights sleep. Johnathan
Posted by Johnathan on November 8, 2006, at 6:04:16
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP » GavinJ, posted by tensor on November 8, 2006, at 0:12:24
> Have you tried zopiclone(Imovane)? I have difficulties falling asleep and it usually works for me.
>
> /Mattias
Information for Health Professionals
Prescriber Update Articles
Dependence with ZopicloneWeb site: July 1998
Prescriber Update No.16:20-22Medsafe Editorial Team
Dependence and withdrawal effects with zopiclone do occur, although rarely. These effects can occur in people without prior substance dependence and who are taking the recommended dose. The duration of treatment with zopiclone should be limited to ≤ 4 weeks. Dose tapering on withdrawal may be necessary if treatment is continued for a longer period.
Zopiclone reduces day time anxiety; has low frequency of rebound insomnia
Withdrawal effects & dependence may occur & are being under-reported
CARM has received reports of dependence
Dependence may occur without previous substance abuse
Dosage may need to be tapered in withdrawal for use > 4 weeks
ReferencesZopiclone (Imovane) is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia and appears to be associated with a very low risk of dependence, rebound insomnia, and withdrawal problems.1,2 Nevertheless some individuals do become dependent on zopiclone, and many of these have not experienced substance dependence or abuse previously. The approved data sheet for Imovane advises no more than 4 weeks continuous treatment, and a maximum dose of 7.5mg (1 tablet) a day.
Zopiclone reduces day time anxiety; has low frequency of rebound insomniaIndicators of the propensity for dependence with a hypno-sedative such as zopiclone are day time anxiety and rebound insomnia. A study3 comparing 4 weeks’ treatment with zopiclone 7.5mg, triazolam 0.5mg and placebo in patients with generalised anxiety disorder found significantly (p < 0.05) lower mean scores for anxiety, on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, for patients taking zopiclone (n=30) than for those given triazolam (n=30). The scores were 18.2 with zopiclone and 22.4 with triazolam. In the withdrawal phase of the study,4 zopiclone was associated with a lower frequency and lesser intensity of rebound insomnia following abrupt discontinuation than triazolam.
Withdrawal effects & dependence may occur & are being under-reportedAt June 1997, the WHO database held 46 reports of dependence and 42 of withdrawal syndrome with zopiclone. From March 1994 to June 1997, Rhône-Poulenc Rorer received 17 spontaneous reports of dependence and 13 of withdrawal syndrome or symptoms with zopiclone.5
These figures suggest a very low rate of occurrence of these problems. However, during a 2.5 year period, Tranx Services, Auckland (an organisation that assists people to withdraw from addiction to minor tranquillisers) saw 24 clients seeking help for dependence who were taking zopiclone.6 As only a small proportion of dependent people seek assistance from addiction services, extrapolating this figure would suggest that there is significant under-reporting worldwide.
CARM has received reports of dependenceThe New Zealand Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring (CARM) has received 3 reports of dependence or withdrawal problems with zopiclone. One patient had been taking zopiclone 15mg daily for 2.5 years. On missing one dose the patient became depressed and irritable and claimed to have a "fuzzy head". Another patient had taken zopiclone 7.5mg every night for 6 months. With abrupt withdrawal the patient felt "strange in the head" for 2-3 days, but experienced no physical effects. The third person, who was also on lithium carbonate and thyroxine, was taking 11 tablets per day of zopiclone (82.5mg) and experienced withdrawal phenomena (not described) with discontinuation.
Dependence may occur without previous substance abuseEight people contacted Tranx, Christchurch in a two-week period seeking help for zopiclone dependence.7 Daily doses of zopiclone for these individuals ranged from half a 7.5mg tablet daily or one tablet alternate days, to 4 tablets daily. One client had previously taken 8 tablets each night for a year. Two were on other medication (benzodiazepines and antidepressants), one had a previous history of drug dependence (opioids), and one had previously used benzodiazepines and antidepressants but had been drug-free for 6 months before commencing zopiclone. All except one were women. Ages ranged from 20s (not specified) to 72 years. Three had been taking zopiclone for only 2 months, but most had been using it from 18 months to 2 years. The withdrawal symptoms described included anxiety, sleeping difficulties, tremor and diarrhoea.
Physical dependence can occur with zopiclone, although much less frequently than with benzodiazepines. The risk of dependence is increased with a history of substance abuse or dependence, but individuals who have no previous history of substance dependence or abuse may become dependent even in as short a time as 2 months.
Dosage may need to be tapered in withdrawal for use > 4 weeksIt is important, therefore, to follow the advice in the data sheet for zopiclone, and to limit the treatment duration to no more than 4 weeks. If a longer duration is required, it may be necessary to taper the dose in withdrawal or even gain the assistance of those who have experience in assisting withdrawal from minor tranquillisers to minimise the disruption to the life of the patient.
References1. Wadworth AN, McTavish D. Zopiclone: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy as a hypnotic. Drugs & Aging 1993;3:441-59.
2. Lader M. Zopiclone: is there any dependence and abuse potential? J Neurol 1997;244:S18-S22.
3. Fontaine R, Beaudry P, Le Morvan P, Beauclair L, Chouinard G. Zopiclone and triazolam in insomnia associated with generalized anxiety disorder: a placebo-controlled evaluation of efficacy and daytime anxiety. Internat Clin Psychopharm 1990;5:173-83.
4. Fontaine R, Beaudry P, Le Morvan P, Beauclair L, Chouinard G. Efficacy and rebound insomnia of zopiclone and triazolam. Psychopharmacology 1988;96(Suppl):219.
5. Rhône-Poulenc Rorer, Periodic Safety Update Report, 1 March 1994 to 1 June 1997.
6. Hewitt D, Tranx Services Incorporated, Auckland, personal communication 6 June 1997.
7. Hawes L, Tranx Incorporated, Christchurch, personal communication, 20 June 1997.
Posted by madeline on November 8, 2006, at 7:19:12
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 23:12:53
I would talk to your doctor about trazadone again. Seriously.
There may be something unusual about your situation, but trazadone usually can be taken with the SSRIs.
It's worth a call. You've got to sleep.
Posted by Crazy Horse on November 8, 2006, at 10:31:15
In reply to Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 22:23:00
> I just quit taking xanax about a month ago and know I am finding it hard to go to sleep. I usually only get 2-3 hours of sleep a night, but cant fall asleep until 7am. I have tried Ambien and Lunesta. Ambien doesnt do much for me and Lunesta has a horrible after taste that lasts for hours. My question is; has anybody tried a prescription medication that works? How about muscle relaxers, do they work for sleep? Any advice would be greatly apprecitaed
Ask your pdoc about Trazodone. It's an antidepressant that is used more often than not by shrinks for insomnia. I have been taking it for about 10 mos., it works very well for me.
-Monte
Posted by valene on November 8, 2006, at 10:36:24
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP » GavinJ, posted by Crazy Horse on November 8, 2006, at 10:31:15
I agree with Monte. Taking a "Z" drug such as lunesta or ambien is defeating the purpose of your xanax withdrawal as these drugs are nothing but benzo type drugs binding to the same receptors as benzos! Here is a quote from Heather Ashton: (I don't believe everything she writes about benzos but I do believe she is correct about the "Z" drugs):
"These are not chemically benzodiazepines but they bind to GABA receptor complexes which are close to or actually coupled with benzodiazepine receptors. They are said to be more selective, binding mainly to the a1 GABA receptor subtype which mediates the hypnotic effects of benzodiazepines. In practice they are not all that selective and have much the same actions as benzodiazepines. In the UK, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which advises the Health Service on optimum drug use, recommended that Z drugs should be used for short-term treatment only (2-4 weeks) and then only as second line treatments after benzodiazepines. They concluded that the Z drugs produced the same therapeutic and adverse effects as benzodiazepine hypnotics, including tolerance, dependence and abuse, and were also more expensive.
As a clinical example, a psychiatrist recently asked my advice about the nursing sister he was helping to withdraw from lorazepam (Ativan). She developed quite severe withdrawal symptoms as the dosage was lowered and had trouble sleeping. To help her, the psychiatrist prescribed zopiclone (Zimovane) to take at night. She found that this drug completely relieved her withdrawal symptoms. In fact, it was so successful that she started taking zopiclone in the daytime as well. She ended up taking zopiclone six times a day as well as at night, ending up with a total dose of over 40mg/day (the recommended dose is 7.5mg at night). The psychiatrist was chagrined to find that he had merely replaced one form of addiction with another."
> > I just quit taking xanax about a month ago and know I am finding it hard to go to sleep. I usually only get 2-3 hours of sleep a night, but cant fall asleep until 7am. I have tried Ambien and Lunesta. Ambien doesnt do much for me and Lunesta has a horrible after taste that lasts for hours. My question is; has anybody tried a prescription medication that works? How about muscle relaxers, do they work for sleep? Any advice would be greatly apprecitaed
>
> Ask your pdoc about Trazodone. It's an antidepressant that is used more often than not by shrinks for insomnia. I have been taking it for about 10 mos., it works very well for me.
>
> -Monte
Posted by Crazy Horse on November 8, 2006, at 10:38:12
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 23:12:53
> > Did you do a taper? And other than the ones you mentioned or something like trazadone I know of none. But I'm not an expert. Love Phillipa
>
> Yep I tapered with Klonopin for 8 weeks. I take Paxil right now so I cant take Trazadone since it is an AD. Thanks for taking the time to help out!!
>
>
WRONG..you CAN take trazodone w/paxil. I am currently taking it w/zoloft. In the past i combined Traz w/Parnate and also w/EMSAM. Combining many different AD's under Doc supervision is/can be very safe.-Monte
Posted by ronaldo on November 8, 2006, at 10:50:18
In reply to Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 22:23:00
> I just quit taking xanax about a month ago and know I am finding it hard to go to sleep. I usually only get 2-3 hours of sleep a night, but cant fall asleep until 7am. I have tried Ambien and Lunesta. Ambien doesnt do much for me and Lunesta has a horrible after taste that lasts for hours. My question is; has anybody tried a prescription medication that works? How about muscle relaxers, do they work for sleep? Any advice would be greatly apprecitaed
Hi Gavin,You seem to think your sleeping problem is related to stopping the xanax. Did you stop the xanax abruptly or did you taper it down gradually?
Have you got any xanax left? Try taking one and see if that improves your sleep. If it does then try a more gradual taper. Apparently even 0.25 mg can make you dependent if taken for sufficient length of time, ie 8 months plus. How much xanax were you on and how did you taper?If you've quit some other med then try the same procedure with that: Restart the med at your old dose and decrease it VERY GRADUALLY.
I had your problem myself, but that was with Olanzapine. I stopped cold turkey for 10 days by which time I was walking on the ceiling so desperate I was for a decent night's sleep. I had been on 5 mg. So my social worker told me to take 5 mg that night and then reduce to 2.5 mg and take it from there.
At its worst I used to get between 3 and 4 hours of sleep but once I was awake there was no way I could go back to sleep again. You really have my sympathy. Staying awake until 7.00 am must be devastating.
Have you tried cutting down on your caffeine, I mean right down, zero caffeine for 24 hours? Have you tried reducing your exposure to blue light? You shouldn't sit in front of your computer monitor after say 8 pm. Shouldn't really sit too close and for too long in front of your telly either. Both are sources of blue light which can put your biological clock out of sync.
I am now back on Olanzapine and at double my old dose, namely 10 mg. I get 6 or 7 hours sleep out of that. I am not very happy about it but there is nothing I can do. The Seroquel which was prescribed for me in place of the Olanzapine did not work for me so in the end I had to admit defeat and go back on the Olanzapine. I might try coming off it again, I don't know.
If you have already drunk a lot of caffeine today I suggest you have a few cups of boiled water drunk hot.
I've tried Zopiclone as well. 2 x 7.5 mg only gave me 3 or 4 hours sleep at the height of my insomnia. It would not work without the Olanzapine. With the Olanzapine it does work but I hardly need it as the Olanzapine on its own (with my 900 mg of Lithium) generally does the trick. I wonder what would happen if I switched my Lithium to the am. and took the Olanzapine at night. I think I will try that tonight.
Nighty night
Sleep tight
Don't let the bugs bite
Especially not Bugs Bunny
Coz he bites your carrot!ciao for now
...Alan
Posted by Crazy Horse on November 8, 2006, at 12:49:53
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by valene on November 8, 2006, at 10:36:24
> I agree with Monte. Taking a "Z" drug such as lunesta or ambien is defeating the purpose of your xanax withdrawal as these drugs are nothing but benzo type drugs binding to the same receptors as benzos! Here is a quote from Heather Ashton: (I don't believe everything she writes about benzos but I do believe she is correct about the "Z" drugs):
>
> "These are not chemically benzodiazepines but they bind to GABA receptor complexes which are close to or actually coupled with benzodiazepine receptors. They are said to be more selective, binding mainly to the a1 GABA receptor subtype which mediates the hypnotic effects of benzodiazepines. In practice they are not all that selective and have much the same actions as benzodiazepines. In the UK, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), which advises the Health Service on optimum drug use, recommended that Z drugs should be used for short-term treatment only (2-4 weeks) and then only as second line treatments after benzodiazepines. They concluded that the Z drugs produced the same therapeutic and adverse effects as benzodiazepine hypnotics, including tolerance, dependence and abuse, and were also more expensive.
>
> As a clinical example, a psychiatrist recently asked my advice about the nursing sister he was helping to withdraw from lorazepam (Ativan). She developed quite severe withdrawal symptoms as the dosage was lowered and had trouble sleeping. To help her, the psychiatrist prescribed zopiclone (Zimovane) to take at night. She found that this drug completely relieved her withdrawal symptoms. In fact, it was so successful that she started taking zopiclone in the daytime as well. She ended up taking zopiclone six times a day as well as at night, ending up with a total dose of over 40mg/day (the recommended dose is 7.5mg at night). The psychiatrist was chagrined to find that he had merely replaced one form of addiction with another."
>
>
> > > I just quit taking xanax about a month ago and know I am finding it hard to go to sleep. I usually only get 2-3 hours of sleep a night, but cant fall asleep until 7am. I have tried Ambien and Lunesta. Ambien doesnt do much for me and Lunesta has a horrible after taste that lasts for hours. My question is; has anybody tried a prescription medication that works? How about muscle relaxers, do they work for sleep? Any advice would be greatly apprecitaed
> >
> > Ask your pdoc about Trazodone. It's an antidepressant that is used more often than not by shrinks for insomnia. I have been taking it for about 10 mos., it works very well for me.
> >
> > -Monte
>
>
Good information..100% correct!-Monte
Posted by fca on November 8, 2006, at 14:02:36
In reply to Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 22:23:00
can most certainly take Trazodone--it has a different mechanism of action than SSRIs--theoretically, if you were taking therapeutic doses of each you could possibly experience serotonin syndrome but you will be taking a very small dose (sub-therapeutic)of trazodone. If for some reason it does not work you can stop it abruptly--no tolerance or dependence. I used it regularly and then PRN for years with a SSRI.
You might also consider Seroquel prn (low dose) at bedtime
Posted by yxibow on November 9, 2006, at 20:46:55
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP--Yep, you, posted by fca on November 8, 2006, at 14:02:36
> can most certainly take Trazodone--it has a different mechanism of action than SSRIs--theoretically, if you were taking therapeutic doses of each you could possibly experience serotonin syndrome but you will be taking a very small dose (sub-therapeutic)of trazodone.
Personally Trazodone is a revolting way to go to sleep, you faint when it starts to work and priapisms are more common than it states. Also, dose escalations are common, when 50 doesn't cover it, 75, 150, and you've arrived at a serotonergic state which you have to back down to 50 and up again. My experience with it anyhowIf for some reason it does not work you can stop it abruptly--no tolerance or dependence. I used it regularly and then PRN for years with a SSRI.
> You might also consider Seroquel prn (low dose) at bedtime
Low doses of Seroquel are probably harmless.
I guess I still believe in taking sleep medicines for sleep but maybe there is a reason for others. I dunno -- Remeron does promote REM a bit but it bloats your weight at any dose if you don't watch it.
How much Lunesta (ignoring the taste, which a number of people experience, and some will the day after though that number is much lower -- I've never felt it but I can sympathize) were you taking? It is weaker than Ambien and people are taking 4 (personally) mg or more these days actually from what I have seen here.I was taking Ambien before at 20 mg.
There is also Sonata but that is even weaker and you would probably require a double dose of it I'm sure.
I hope you find a solution
-- tidings
Jay
Posted by KristiVegas on November 10, 2006, at 23:25:07
In reply to Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 22:23:00
> I just quit taking xanax about a month ago and know I am finding it hard to go to sleep. I usually only get 2-3 hours of sleep a night, but cant fall asleep until 7am. I have tried Ambien and Lunesta. Ambien doesnt do much for me and Lunesta has a horrible after taste that lasts for hours. My question is; has anybody tried a prescription medication that works? How about muscle relaxers, do they work for sleep? Any advice would be greatly apprecitaed
10mg Lorazepam always worked very well for me. Kristi
Posted by Phillipa on November 11, 2006, at 18:08:37
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by KristiVegas on November 10, 2006, at 23:25:07
That's a high dose you must be tolenant like me to benzos.Love Phillipa
Posted by ClearSkies on November 13, 2006, at 8:49:44
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP--Yep, you » fca, posted by yxibow on November 9, 2006, at 20:46:55
I have tried
Ambien - causes cognitive problems like forgetting words and forgetting what I'm supposed to be doing, and I have become delirious a few times
Sonata - great for a nap, it wears off in 2 hours or so
Vistaril - does nothing at all
Trazodone - an instant zombie pill at any dose, works for 2 whole days at a time
Benadryl - a desperate try that leaves me groggyThis has gotten so bad that I'm having panic attacks as I get ready for bed - while brushing teeth and putting on pj's. If I stay up until I'm sleepy it's 2:30am before I drop off, and then I miss half the day.
:-(
ClearSkies
Posted by GavinJ on November 13, 2006, at 13:47:33
In reply to I can't sleep either, posted by ClearSkies on November 13, 2006, at 8:49:44
Thank you all for your help. I am going to call my doctor today and see what he can do for me. To all of you who suffer from no sleep, my heart is with you! I will tell you what my doctor prescribes me and maybe it will help you as well. He weaned me of Xanax successfully, so he is a good doctor. Im just hoping he helps me out. Wish me luck
Posted by yxibow on November 13, 2006, at 16:34:54
In reply to I can't sleep either, posted by ClearSkies on November 13, 2006, at 8:49:44
> I have tried
>
> Ambien - causes cognitive problems like forgetting words and forgetting what I'm supposed to be doing, and I have become delirious a few timesI assume you gave the sleep period of full 8 hours. If you don't, it will extend into the daytime, just checking. Sorry to hear the bad luck.
> Sonata - great for a nap, it wears off in 2 hours or so
Its the weakest agent, you may need more than its average dose.
> Vistaril - does nothing at all
Atarax is more of an anxiolytic antihistamine.
> Trazodone - an instant zombie pill at any dose, works for 2 whole days at a time
It will make you groggy and lightheaded at first. Then, somewhat groggy. You have to give it more than 2 days. But there is dose escalation problems, it can get to 150 mg.
> Benadryl - a desperate try that leaves me groggy
Agreed, its not the best agent for long term.
>
> This has gotten so bad that I'm having panic attacks as I get ready for bed - while brushing teeth and putting on pj's. If I stay up until I'm sleepy it's 2:30am before I drop off, and then I miss half the day.
>
> :-(
> ClearSkiesRegardless of the taste, have you tried Lunesta at 4mg?
It is known to be more effective than Sonata but less potent than Ambien.
-- Jay
Posted by clearskies on November 13, 2006, at 19:23:26
In reply to Re: I can't sleep either » ClearSkies, posted by yxibow on November 13, 2006, at 16:34:54
>
> > Trazodone - an instant zombie pill at any dose, works for 2 whole days at a time
>
> It will make you groggy and lightheaded at first. Then, somewhat groggy. You have to give it more than 2 days. But there is dose escalation problems, it can get to 150 mg.
>Sorry, I meant when I take it I am groggy for 2 days... I took it for 5 weeks before I gave up.
> Regardless of the taste, have you tried Lunesta at 4mg?
>
> It is known to be more effective than Sonata but less potent than Ambien.
>
> -- Jay
>
>I hope that Lunesta will be the lucky winner. I'll ask my pdoc about it.
I appreciate your suggestions!
ClearSkies
Posted by Phillipa on November 13, 2006, at 19:27:19
In reply to Re: I can't sleep either » yxibow, posted by clearskies on November 13, 2006, at 19:23:26
Wanted to say sorry about the benzo suggestion on the other thread. I forgot. Love Phillipa
Posted by clint878 on November 16, 2006, at 16:09:15
In reply to Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by GavinJ on November 7, 2006, at 22:23:00
I had all sorts of sleeping problems until recently. I tried Trazodone, Ambien, Lunesta, and other sleeping aids. Finally, Remeron worked. Only a quarter pill is enough for me to sleep ten hours if I wanted to.
It also has the positive side effect (for me) of increasing appetite. I didn't realize how much weight I lost until recently because I hadn't been hungry due to other medications.
It really is striking how well the Remeron works compared to the other medications.
Posted by KristiVegas on November 16, 2006, at 16:33:18
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP » KristiVegas, posted by Phillipa on November 11, 2006, at 18:08:37
I must be intolerant-I've tried Ambien (did well), Rozeram (worthless)and even Klonopin (not too bad). The lorazepam works the best and quickly - usually within an hour or so. The only thing I don't like about it is the fogginess first thing in the AM. It takes forever to wear off.
Kristi
Posted by yxibow on November 17, 2006, at 3:00:59
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP, posted by clint878 on November 16, 2006, at 16:09:15
> I had all sorts of sleeping problems until recently. I tried Trazodone, Ambien, Lunesta, and other sleeping aids. Finally, Remeron worked. Only a quarter pill is enough for me to sleep ten hours if I wanted to.
>
> It also has the positive side effect (for me) of increasing appetite. I didn't realize how much weight I lost until recently because I hadn't been hungry due to other medications.
>
> It really is striking how well the Remeron works compared to the other medications.Remeron I believe helps REM sleep to an extent and at least I tripped the light fantastic so to speak in dreaming, at least at first, the sleep to wake cycle was really out of this world. Don't knock the increasing weight -- be glad you can fill out a nice figure :0 -- because I can tell you I filled out and then some, as a majority of people do on Remeron unfortunately because it is actually a very good antidepressant otherwise. I hope your weight remains steady, as it is notorious for emptying your refrigerator.
Best wishes
-- Jay
Posted by clint878 on November 17, 2006, at 19:03:36
In reply to Re: Help!!! I CANT SLEEP » clint878, posted by yxibow on November 17, 2006, at 3:00:59
Well, actually, I tried a stint of Remeron in August, when I was misdiagnosed as being depressed. The Remeron exacerbated the mania, but while I was on it, I found myself extremely hungry.
Then I started taking Lamictal, and re-added Remeron. This seems to be the magic combination. The Remeron gets rid of the Lamictal insomnia, and also counteracts the weight loss from the Lamictal. Over the past two weeks alone, my HAM-D score has decreased from 36 to 24 with this combination, and YMRS from 7 to 2.
Interestingly, though, some people have questioned that Remeron really is an antidepressant. They say, instead, that Remeron's proven "effectiveness" in depression is due to its effects on sleep. Because the HAM-D scale is used in most medication studies, and because 6 points of it involve sleep, one can prove "effectiveness" simply because Remeron is a sleep aid.
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