Shown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by genelowery on February 22, 2002, at 11:48:25
I developed a problem with maintaining sleep. Sometimes I have trouble falling asleep or waking up and not being able to fall back to sleep. It has become so bad that I am now obsessing about my fears and I start to shudder when approaching the bedroom. I am currently on 20 mg of Celexa but this doesn't seem to help all that much.
Thanks,
Gene
Posted by JohnX2 on February 22, 2002, at 11:57:19
In reply to Help! Need advice on being afraid to go to sleep, posted by genelowery on February 22, 2002, at 11:48:25
I'm not sure about potential drug interactions with
Celexa (ask your doc),
but the medicines Remeron or Serzone are excellent
add-ons for improving sleep architecture.-John
> I developed a problem with maintaining sleep. Sometimes I have trouble falling asleep or waking up and not being able to fall back to sleep. It has become so bad that I am now obsessing about my fears and I start to shudder when approaching the bedroom. I am currently on 20 mg of Celexa but this doesn't seem to help all that much.
> Thanks,
> Gene
Posted by paulb on February 22, 2002, at 13:31:47
In reply to Help! Need advice on being afraid to go to sleep, posted by genelowery on February 22, 2002, at 11:48:25
It sounds to me that you have developed a problem with insomnia and consequently panic too. This is understandable I think considering what you wrote.
I think all the SSRI's can cause insomnia and sometimes they can cause hypersomnia. One important question is has the insomnia got worse since being on Celexa? If it is being used for depression or other mental health problem and causing insomnia perhaps you could suggest to your doctor augmetinmg with Serzone, a low dose of a Tricyclic AD or Mirtazapine The TCA's antidepressants have anti-histamine effects. Elavil is the most potent in the class of TCA's for its anti-histamine effects. Serzone blocks the serotonin receptors that cause insominia. Mirtazapine is a combination of both the beneficial effects Serzone and the TCA's have on sleep and I have read is effective for mixed anxiety and depression.Of course the benzodiazepines and the newer non-benzodiazepine hypnotics-Ambien, Zaleplon, are very effective but their is debate and controversy as to their addictive potential. I am not saying these medications are or not addictive. At this site there is mixed opinions. Certainly occasional use is commmon for transient insomnia and anxiety.
Caffeine, especially if you drink a lot can cause insomnia? Perhaps other aspects of your life-style are causing problems with sleep as anxiety and tension can be a problem and it sounds as if you have mixed anxiety and insomnia. Hope some of this advice helps you.
paulb
Posted by jimmygold70 on February 23, 2002, at 2:08:44
In reply to Help! Need advice on being afraid to go to sleep, posted by genelowery on February 22, 2002, at 11:48:25
Switch to Remeron taken before sleep. It will give you a good night's sleep with anti-anxiety properties.
Jimmy
> I developed a problem with maintaining sleep. Sometimes I have trouble falling asleep or waking up and not being able to fall back to sleep. It has become so bad that I am now obsessing about my fears and I start to shudder when approaching the bedroom. I am currently on 20 mg of Celexa but this doesn't seem to help all that much.
> Thanks,
> Gene
Posted by Simcha on February 24, 2002, at 14:07:03
In reply to Help! Need advice on being afraid to go to sleep, posted by genelowery on February 22, 2002, at 11:48:25
> I developed a problem with maintaining sleep. Sometimes I have trouble falling asleep or waking up and not being able to fall back to sleep. It has become so bad that I am now obsessing about my fears and I start to shudder when approaching the bedroom. I am currently on 20 mg of Celexa but this doesn't seem to help all that much.
> Thanks,
> Gene
Gene,When I was afraid of falling asleep it was because I had terrible nightmares. This caused severe, long-term insomnia. Things are much better today because I got to the root of the problem in psychotherapy.
I have read around here that sometimes it is best to start on the meds and immediately follow up with some sort of talk therapy. What I eventually had to face was that I was not "over" being sexually abused by a neighbor when I was four. And I was not "over" being physically, emotionally, and spiritually abused by my parents, teachers, and fellow students.
I'm still not "over" it. I had to go through all of the feelings associated with talking about all of it with a therapist I could trust. The only way I found was through it. It was a VERY rough ride without medication. I did not allow myself that help for at least a decade into the process. I believe that I suffered needlessly at times because I never addressed the chemical imbalance that I have.
I have progressed so much in a year since I started medication. It just makes everything run more smoothly. Therapy is much more productive too. I am able to get through things more like an adult than a cracked-four-year-old.
My suggestion would be to get the meds, certainly. AND do not ignore the issues that may be surrounding the pattern of being afraid to sleep. You might uncover some break-throughs. The meds might make that process a little easier to handle.
I'm on 40mg of Celexa/day, 100mg of WellbutrinSR/BID, and 1 mg of Klonopin at night before I go to bed. The Klonopin stops my teeth-grinding and it even helps me to put the troubles of the day away so that I fall asleep faster.
Take Care,
Remember, that these are only suggestions. Your mileage may vary.Simcha
Posted by Maisy on February 24, 2002, at 20:35:48
In reply to Help! Need advice on being afraid to go to sleep, posted by genelowery on February 22, 2002, at 11:48:25
My depressive episodes are always preceded by a period of high anxiety and insomnia. Effexor makes the insomnia worse initially so to help with the wait my doc gives me xanax for the anxiety and a sleep aid. From what I've read sleep aids should be taken for at least 7 nights to re-establish sleep patterns. Once my effexor kicks in then I stop the sleep aid and start to wean off the effexor. Talk to your doc about it- you don't want to develop a sleep anxiety syndrome. At first I didn't want to take all those meds, I was nibbling on a xanax all day because I didn't want to take the whole thing. LOL. Now I understand that I need to do what I need to do to get thru the rough parts. this is my humble opinion, hope it helps. At least be comforted that you are not alone.
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