![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by blondemomints on December 2, 2001, at 11:24:57
My current cocktail is .50 mg in a.m. of Risperdal (taken at night makes me wired) and 10 mg in a.m. of Prozac.
My problem is insomnia! I have tried almost everything including Ambien (too short acting and after 3-4 days it does nada for me at all). Most recently I tried Restoril (30 mg) and it was like I hadn't taken anything at all!
I can take Xanax and it will calm me down but doesn't really put me to sleep and keep me asleep. I'm going to call my pdoc tomorrow to see what else I can try.
Any suggestions on a good sleeping pill that is gonna knock me out for a good 8 hours????? (I don't do caffeine or drink, etc. so those things are not factors).
Thanks for any input!
Robin
Posted by JohnX2 on December 2, 2001, at 15:57:39
In reply to Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed?!?, posted by blondemomints on December 2, 2001, at 11:24:57
This is a more novel approach.
How about a large dose of Zanaflex (tizanidine)?
Main side effect is drowsiness, but
that is about it. Knocked me off my feet as
a side effect. But I'm taking it for something
else. Will wear off before you wake up due to its
short 1/2 life (time to eliminate in your
body).Other stadbys are Serzone or Trazadone.
Klonopin works well too.regards,
john
> My current cocktail is .50 mg in a.m. of Risperdal (taken at night makes me wired) and 10 mg in a.m. of Prozac.
>
> My problem is insomnia! I have tried almost everything including Ambien (too short acting and after 3-4 days it does nada for me at all). Most recently I tried Restoril (30 mg) and it was like I hadn't taken anything at all!
>
> I can take Xanax and it will calm me down but doesn't really put me to sleep and keep me asleep. I'm going to call my pdoc tomorrow to see what else I can try.
>
> Any suggestions on a good sleeping pill that is gonna knock me out for a good 8 hours????? (I don't do caffeine or drink, etc. so those things are not factors).
>
> Thanks for any input!
> Robin
Posted by janejj on December 2, 2001, at 21:04:17
In reply to Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed?!?, posted by blondemomints on December 2, 2001, at 11:24:57
Hi,
i take Ativan (lorazepam) about 45 mins before i go to bed, it makes me feel really calm and then eventually knocks me out and i always get a good nights sleep.
Sometimes I'll take Nytol or Benedryl which are both Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride. However I have found that these can have a hangover effect and i think they may intefere with how effective the prozac is ! I always seem to feel really down the next day.
Anyway good luck, prozac has given me so many sleepless nights, so I know how frustrating this is for you.
Regards
Janejj
My current cocktail is .50 mg in a.m. of Risperdal (taken at night makes me wired) and 10 mg in a.m. of Prozac.
>
> My problem is insomnia! I have tried almost everything including Ambien (too short acting and after 3-4 days it does nada for me at all). Most recently I tried Restoril (30 mg) and it was like I hadn't taken anything at all!
>
> I can take Xanax and it will calm me down but doesn't really put me to sleep and keep me asleep. I'm going to call my pdoc tomorrow to see what else I can try.
>
> Any suggestions on a good sleeping pill that is gonna knock me out for a good 8 hours????? (I don't do caffeine or drink, etc. so those things are not factors).
>
> Thanks for any input!
> Robin
Posted by AnneL on December 3, 2001, at 0:26:52
In reply to Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed?!?, posted by blondemomints on December 2, 2001, at 11:24:57
Hi Robin,
I am not familiar with Risperidal, but do know that Prozac can cause insomnia. Have you spoken with your physician about trying something that will help you sleep besides Restoril and Ambien?
I do not know if Trazadone or Remeron can be taken with your current mix, but I understand that both are very sedating. I, myself take Klonopin 1 mg. 9 times out of 10 I sleep all the way to the morning with minimal hangover effect.
Check with your doctor about Remeron, Trazadone or Klonopin. Good Luck, :) AnneL
Posted by Pamela Lynn on December 3, 2001, at 15:49:51
In reply to Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed?!?, posted by blondemomints on December 2, 2001, at 11:24:57
Oh Man!!! You sound like I feel!!
I too suffer with insomnia and have tried MANY things, including the Ambien (put me to sleep, but like all other meds., just couldn't 'keep' me there!!).
If you DO find a good med. that keeps you asleep for a good 6hrs, at the very least, PLEASE, OH PLEASE let me know.....
Thanks alot!!
P.L.
> My current cocktail is .50 mg in a.m. of Risperdal (taken at night makes me wired) and 10 mg in a.m. of Prozac.
>
> My problem is insomnia! I have tried almost everything including Ambien (too short acting and after 3-4 days it does nada for me at all). Most recently I tried Restoril (30 mg) and it was like I hadn't taken anything at all!
>
> I can take Xanax and it will calm me down but doesn't really put me to sleep and keep me asleep. I'm going to call my pdoc tomorrow to see what else I can try.
>
> Any suggestions on a good sleeping pill that is gonna knock me out for a good 8 hours????? (I don't do caffeine or drink, etc. so those things are not factors).
>
> Thanks for any input!
> Robin
Posted by Else on December 4, 2001, at 12:59:00
In reply to Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed?!?, posted by blondemomints on December 2, 2001, at 11:24:57
I think it depends a lot on your own biochemestry. I have a very high tolerance for benzos and I can take Restoril in the middle of the day and not feel sleepy at all. I take Remeron at night but I find it looses it's sedative effect after a couple of weeks. There are a few things that have worked for me however. Trazodone was effective but caused headaches and nausea and I still felt half-asleep the following day. The most effective drug I have ever tried was promethazine (Phenergan) but it worked for too long and I couldn't function until late in the afternoon the next day.
Maybe combining a low-dose antihistamine with a benzo would do the trick. It's probably OK if it's done under medical supervision.
Another thing is, I don't know whether you are male or female but, I have noticed that NSAIDs like Anaprox work wonders for PMS-related insomnia. Nothing else works but this does. I have no idea why because these drugs are not sedative at all.
Good Luck
> My current cocktail is .50 mg in a.m. of Risperdal (taken at night makes me wired) and 10 mg in a.m. of Prozac.
>
> My problem is insomnia! I have tried almost everything including Ambien (too short acting and after 3-4 days it does nada for me at all). Most recently I tried Restoril (30 mg) and it was like I hadn't taken anything at all!
>
> I can take Xanax and it will calm me down but doesn't really put me to sleep and keep me asleep. I'm going to call my pdoc tomorrow to see what else I can try.
>
> Any suggestions on a good sleeping pill that is gonna knock me out for a good 8 hours????? (I don't do caffeine or drink, etc. so those things are not factors).
>
> Thanks for any input!
> Robin
Posted by gilbert on December 4, 2001, at 22:55:50
In reply to Re: Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed?!? » blondemomints, posted by Else on December 4, 2001, at 12:59:00
You guys and gals,
Be carefull I just left my docs today and he is taking me off xaxax. He says it is 5 times more likey to cause sleep apnea, especially for long time users like me. I was waking up about 4 a.m. with pounding heart and just figured it was night panics but had 3 episodes in the last month ever since my xanax dose was raised. He said xanax and other benzos screw up rem and cause sleep disorders. I was prescribed a beta blocker and I am on the long tedious task of coming off xanax after 3 years of use.........Yuk. Wish me luck I hate to head into the Holidays coming off xanax.
Gil
Posted by Daveman on December 5, 2001, at 0:46:23
In reply to Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed?!?, posted by blondemomints on December 2, 2001, at 11:24:57
Hi Robin:
I've said it here before and I'll say it again: Remeron is the best sleep med I've ever taken. If you haven't tried it yet, you owe it to yourself to do so if it can be done safely with your current meds. I take it with Celexa so I don't see why you couldn't take it with Prozac; but as for Risperdal, I have no clue (thankfully that's a med that's never been indicated for me).
Good luck!
Dave
Posted by blondemomints on December 5, 2001, at 17:48:33
In reply to Re: Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed?!? » blondemomints, posted by Pamela Lynn on December 3, 2001, at 15:49:51
Hiya Pamela,
My pdoc gave me Seroquel and man did it ever knock me on my feet! We started out with 100 mg (he knew I needed a good nights sleep, haha), but it was WAY too much for me, I could've slept for days. Then we tried 50 mg, still a bit too much of a hangover/zombie effect. Tonight I am going to try 25 mg and hopefully it will help me sleep but not so much hungover.
I might think about trying Remeron if this doesn't work, geez I am running outta options, too!
Best of luck to you as well and thanks for all the replies :-)
Robin (for the person who wasn't sure, I am female but don't have monthly problems since I had a hysterectomy last year, just a new set of problems now!)
Posted by Pamela Lynn on December 5, 2001, at 19:18:12
In reply to Re: Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed....UPDATE!, posted by blondemomints on December 5, 2001, at 17:48:33
I WAS on Remeron...the 'Sol Tabs' that you melted in your mouth...Ya know? It never made me tired!! Just shows you how different people can be on meds.
P.L.
> Hiya Pamela,
>
> My pdoc gave me Seroquel and man did it ever knock me on my feet! We started out with 100 mg (he knew I needed a good nights sleep, haha), but it was WAY too much for me, I could've slept for days. Then we tried 50 mg, still a bit too much of a hangover/zombie effect. Tonight I am going to try 25 mg and hopefully it will help me sleep but not so much hungover.
>
> I might think about trying Remeron if this doesn't work, geez I am running outta options, too!
>
> Best of luck to you as well and thanks for all the replies :-)
>
> Robin (for the person who wasn't sure, I am female but don't have monthly problems since I had a hysterectomy last year, just a new set of problems now!)
Posted by svevo1922 on December 6, 2001, at 10:42:57
In reply to Re: Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed....UPDATE! » blondemomints, posted by Pamela Lynn on December 5, 2001, at 19:18:12
Other suggestions: Sonata, Ambien and Estazolam.
The first two were too mild for me; the third too sedating. Currently, I take a small dose of lorazepam (ativan), a benzodiazepam with anafranil (clomipramine). This a.m., I've had about four cups of coffee with milk and still feel kind of groggy.
> I WAS on Remeron...the 'Sol Tabs' that you melted in your mouth...Ya know? It never made me tired!! Just shows you how different people can be on meds.
>
> P.L.
>
> > Hiya Pamela,
> >
> > My pdoc gave me Seroquel and man did it ever knock me on my feet! We started out with 100 mg (he knew I needed a good nights sleep, haha), but it was WAY too much for me, I could've slept for days. Then we tried 50 mg, still a bit too much of a hangover/zombie effect. Tonight I am going to try 25 mg and hopefully it will help me sleep but not so much hungover.
> >
> > I might think about trying Remeron if this doesn't work, geez I am running outta options, too!
> >
> > Best of luck to you as well and thanks for all the replies :-)
> >
> > Robin (for the person who wasn't sure, I am female but don't have monthly problems since I had a hysterectomy last year, just a new set of problems now!)
Posted by Pamela Lynn on December 6, 2001, at 10:49:44
In reply to Re: Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed....UPDATE! » Pamela Lynn, posted by svevo1922 on December 6, 2001, at 10:42:57
I've tried the Ambien and the Sonata...neither worked well for me, but thank you so much for the suggestions..I will look into the Estazolam.
P.L.
> Other suggestions: Sonata, Ambien and Estazolam.
>
> The first two were too mild for me; the third too sedating. Currently, I take a small dose of lorazepam (ativan), a benzodiazepam with anafranil (clomipramine). This a.m., I've had about four cups of coffee with milk and still feel kind of groggy.
>
> > I WAS on Remeron...the 'Sol Tabs' that you melted in your mouth...Ya know? It never made me tired!! Just shows you how different people can be on meds.
> >
> > P.L.
> >
> > > Hiya Pamela,
> > >
> > > My pdoc gave me Seroquel and man did it ever knock me on my feet! We started out with 100 mg (he knew I needed a good nights sleep, haha), but it was WAY too much for me, I could've slept for days. Then we tried 50 mg, still a bit too much of a hangover/zombie effect. Tonight I am going to try 25 mg and hopefully it will help me sleep but not so much hungover.
> > >
> > > I might think about trying Remeron if this doesn't work, geez I am running outta options, too!
> > >
> > > Best of luck to you as well and thanks for all the replies :-)
> > >
> > > Robin (for the person who wasn't sure, I am female but don't have monthly problems since I had a hysterectomy last year, just a new set of problems now!)
Posted by gilbert on December 6, 2001, at 16:12:21
In reply to Re: Sleeping Agent, Strong One Needed....UPDATE! » svevo1922, posted by Pamela Lynn on December 6, 2001, at 10:49:44
I know you said you tried reneron did you ever try trazadone....the stuff knocked me out but it was weird made me very dizzzzzzy.
Good Luck
Gil
Posted by Pamela Lynn on December 8, 2001, at 2:20:30
In reply to Re: Sleeping Agent, P.L., posted by gilbert on December 6, 2001, at 16:12:21
I sure have tried the Trazadone...the problem with it, like everything else for me (darn it!!!) is that it knocks me out for a few hours then I am right back up (like I am now at 3:30am).
Thanks so much for your thoughts and opinions...the support that is given on this site, in the threads, is awesome.
P.L.
> I know you said you tried reneron did you ever try trazadone....the stuff knocked me out but it was weird made me very dizzzzzzy.
>
> Good Luck
>
> Gil
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.