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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 cubbybear on August 24, 2004, at 0:41:52
I was wondering about a general consensus on which one--Klonopin or Xanax--would be best for INTERMITTENT insomnia (maybe once every couple of weeks), with dosing strictly AS NEEDED. Any experiences comparing the two in this regard? Thanks for your input.
cubbybear
Posted by ace on August 24, 2004, at 1:38:30
In reply to Klonopin or Xanax For Insomnia??, posted by cubbybear on August 24, 2004, at 0:41:52
I'd say neither, both are not classed as hypnotics. But ofcourse at higher doses they can certainly act as such.
I would try Nitrazepam (a benzo), or Seroquel (antipsychotic which tremendous histamine affinity) or Remeron (a sedating AD).
All of these would be OK in my opinion to use PRN, or even long term.
Even Seroquel at 25mg will help greatly and I can't see too many s/effects at that dose...except ofcourse for the desired one- hypnotic/sedative effect...
Best Of Luck
Ace
Posted by PamelaLynn on August 24, 2004, at 7:58:55
In reply to Re: cubby » cubbybear, posted by ace on August 24, 2004, at 1:38:30
> I'd say neither, both are not classed as hypnotics. But ofcourse at higher doses they can certainly act as such.
>
> I would try Nitrazepam (a benzo), or Seroquel (antipsychotic which tremendous histamine affinity) or Remeron (a sedating AD).
>
> All of these would be OK in my opinion to use PRN, or even long term.
>
> Even Seroquel at 25mg will help greatly and I can't see too many s/effects at that dose...except ofcourse for the desired one- hypnotic/sedative effect...
>
> Best Of Luck
>
> Ace
Xanax (if you are going the benzo rt. only for a sleep aid) is what I would go with....It takes hold quicker in your system and doesn't last as long (sedative wise) as does the Klonopin (Klonopin might make you feel effects the next morning/day after you take it). I, personally, like Ambien for my insomnia. I have taken Seroquel for it and many other meds. to treat the insomnia and Ambien has shown the best effects for me. If you do take the Ambien make sure you go right to bed after swallowing that little white pill...don't fight it and make sure you can get 6-8 hours of sleep.Everyone is different and will react differently to meds. That is why I say i've been on many different meds. to treat my VERY re-acurring insomnia....Some worked ok, some I woke up 2 hours later and felt all icky but yet couldn't sleep. Some were "hypnotics", some labeled (originally) anti-convulsants (Klonopin-a benzo but also an anti-convulsant med), taken Trazodone (anti-depressant) for the insomnia too. As of right now in my life, the Ambien is the best so far.
What does your doctor say?
Take care.
P.L.
Posted by cubbybear on August 24, 2004, at 9:34:58
In reply to Re: cubby » cubbybear, posted by ace on August 24, 2004, at 1:38:30
> I'd say neither, both are not classed as hypnotics. But ofcourse at higher doses they can certainly act as such.
For as long as I can remember, both of these benzos have served me well as hypnotics!
>
> I would try Nitrazepam (a benzo),Never heard of this one, is it new or hard to find?
or Seroquel (antipsychotic which tremendous histamine affinity) or Remeron (a sedating AD).
>
> All of these would be OK in my opinion to use PRN, or even long term.Ace,did you forget?I take Parnate,and wouldn't dare use an anti-psychotic or even Remeron with it.
>
Posted by cubbybear on August 24, 2004, at 9:42:20
In reply to Re: cubby, posted by PamelaLynn on August 24, 2004, at 7:58:55
>
>
> Xanax (if you are going the benzo rt. only for a sleep aid) is what I would go with....It takes hold quicker in your system and doesn't last as long (sedative wise) as does the Klonopin (Klonopin might make you feel effects the next morning/day after you take it).This is pretty much what my experience has been,so this sounds right to me. ..
I should have mentioned in my original post that I currently take MAOI Parnate on a continuing basis to keep depression in remission. To the best of my knowledge,the only "safe" sleeping aids that I can use with Parnate are the benzos,and perhaps Neurontin, which is primarily an analgesic that has sedating side effects.
> What does your doctor say?
>
I live and work overseas and can't speak with my pdoc readily. So that's why I'm using Psychobabble as the next best thing!
>
cubbybear
Posted by Sad Panda on August 24, 2004, at 10:22:05
In reply to Re: cubby » PamelaLynn, posted by cubbybear on August 24, 2004, at 9:42:20
> I should have mentioned in my original post that I currently take MAOI Parnate on a continuing basis to keep depression in remission. To the best of my knowledge,the only "safe" sleeping aids that I can use with Parnate are the benzos,and perhaps Neurontin, which is primarily an analgesic that has sedating side effects.
>
>I would get something like Doxepin, a TCA that isn't an SRI, and try it at a tiny dose like 5mg & see what your blood pressure does.
Do you cary anything to counter a hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome? Thorazine covers both problems.
Cheers,
Panda.
Posted by ace on August 24, 2004, at 22:49:32
In reply to Re: cubby » ace, posted by cubbybear on August 24, 2004, at 9:34:58
Ace,did you forget?I take Parnate,and wouldn't dare use an anti-psychotic or even Remeron with it.
Why not?...they are both perfectly safe...
Ace
Ps- Nitrazepam is a very long acting hypnotic called Mogadon...5-10mg will make you sleep like a baby!
Posted by gardenergirl on August 26, 2004, at 21:17:22
In reply to Re: cubby » ace » cubbybear, posted by ace on August 24, 2004, at 22:49:32
I'm on a trial of Gabitril for insomnia off label. My insomnia is early awakening rather than difficulty getting to sleep. It's an anticonvulsant and is pretty benign. Safe for MAOI users. So far at 4 mg the jury is still out. Research indicates 8 mg would be better, and that it is helpful in re-setting sleep structure. So I may titrate up to that. I don't know if you could use it intermittently or not. I can find out for you when I see my pdoc in a few weeks. Only SE I have is heartburn, even when I take it with food.
Good luck,
gg
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