Posted by myco on February 20, 2009, at 12:21:18
In reply to started Parnate many questions-need some help, posted by metamorphosis on February 20, 2009, at 10:58:07
Hey,
Since I'm not a parnate user (my crutch is nardil), I will only weigh in here on OTC/cheap forms of sleeping aids.
First off maoi induced insomnia is a very tough battle to fight without help (particularly without rx help) for most people - I fought a losing battle against it for almost 11 weeks. You may have better luck although you must know parnate is the maoi that is most likely to mess up your sleep (don't get discouraged though).
I was able to use a small set of cheap OTC chemicals, herbs and supplements to get varying degrees of sleep aid (but usually only 2-4h a night):
A canadian herbal tea we have called: "AdrenaTea"
-basically contains rhodiola root, licorice root and ginseng (all natural sedatives) plus other herbs.
-downing 2 of these 20 mins before bed was great to get to sleep but wouldnt keep me there (wake after 1 or 2 h)
-there are many american alternativesMelatonic capsules:
-3mg caps - open and dumped until 1/4 full (for me) - studies show 3mg is way to much for most people and will actually impair sleep.
-this would make me sleepy but not induce sleepValerian teas and capsules:
-mixed results here - would often induce relaxation but, depending on brand, would energize aswellSublingual herbal sleep tablets:
-my fav one: product name "Insomnia"
-american company 'Hylands'
-http://www.hylands.com/products/insomnia.php
-can't rave about this one enough as a herbal "BENZO"
-feels and acts exactly like a mild benzo
-for those that cant get a benzo or hate them
-works on the same receptors but effect is much milder
-this guy I use for times of waking in the night
-3-4 under my tongue and held until dissapear
-feels exactly like a mild klonipin (to me)
-problem: doesnt always keep me asleep more than an hourniacinamide (part of what makes vitB - make sure you dont get 'niacin' - thats a diff part):
-also works on the benzo receptor
-excellent sedative/muscle relaxant at 500 - 1000mg
-enough to relax you and induce sleep
-wont keep you there long thoughmagnesium (many forms...i use citrate capsule)
-studies suggest works on benzo receptor
-feels like milder niacinamide
-good muscle relaxant and sedative
-doesnt keep me asleep thoughdoxylamine (unisom-2):
-u mentioned diphenhydramine (yep ok with maoi)
-unisom makes diphen but also doxylamine (called unisom-2)
-dox is a better sleep med than diphen from studies (ok with maoi)
-restful wake but max 4h sleep for me on a good day - usually 2
so ya...you will need more than OTC stuff for parnate most likely. I reccommend u stick with klon and augment. perhaps take klon part of the week and add something else the others to avoid addiction.my doc gave me temazepam (couple days a week) then added tryptophan (a supplement with AD effect and sedative effects at as little as 500mg) plus encouraged me to exercise and keep to my herbals/supplement regime for the days when I dont use the benzo
hang in there dude...maoi's are excellent meds when they workmyco
poster:myco
thread:881299
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090213/msgs/881313.html