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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 47. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fayeroe on February 22, 2004, at 11:46:59
After taking other ADs, I'm back on Prozac and it works pretty well for my depression. HOWEVER, I cannot sleep more than about 4 hours and I'm wide awake!! Does anyone know of something safe that I can take so I can get a good night's sleep? I would appreciate any and ALL suggestions. Thanks, Pat
Posted by Sooshi on February 22, 2004, at 13:28:20
In reply to Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid???, posted by fayeroe on February 22, 2004, at 11:46:59
Hi fayeroe,
All I take for sleep is Valerian Root, and it really puts me out. I have no idea about any interactions with any drugs, so you would want to check that out...I take Effexor and Topamax and have no problem. I take it (valerian) in tea and capsule form. One tea bag in some hot water at night really helps me. And I'm not a light weight when it comes to meds and herbs either - I ususally have to max out on something to get any response! Anyway, you might give it a try.Sooshi
Posted by fayeroe on February 22, 2004, at 13:42:48
In reply to Re: Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid??? » fayeroe, posted by Sooshi on February 22, 2004, at 13:28:20
Thanks a lot! I knew about Valerian but did not know anyone who takes it. I'm also a heavyweight when it comes to drugs.....so I'm going to the healthfood store right now! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Posted by Jai Narayan on February 24, 2004, at 21:50:42
In reply to Re: Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid??? » Sooshi, posted by fayeroe on February 22, 2004, at 13:42:48
Okay there are so many choices:
1. Future Biotics Relax and Sleep:
it has herbs and calcium....
2. Valerian extract
3. Gaia Sound Sleep: combination of GABA, L-Glycine, kava, and herbs
5. Gaba
6. L-Glycine
7. Natures Way Silent Night: all herbs
8. New Chapter Tranquility: very strong herbs very cleanly done
9. Source Naturals Night Rest: with GABA and herbs and some Melatonin
10. Meletonin
11. Hylands Calms Forte: a homeopathic that seems to work for folks.
12. hypnosis...it seems to be working for a dear friend. She listens to a tape that puts her to sleep for the whole night. Glory!
Oh my gosh....so many choices and so little time. I have laid awake so many years and sometimes cried....with frustration. I have finally ended up with Ambien...such a little pill that does so much. I take 5mg per night and get 6 hours. I love it. Sleep sweet sleep.
Posted by Simus on February 25, 2004, at 1:09:46
In reply to sleep sweet sleep, posted by Jai Narayan on February 24, 2004, at 21:50:42
Do you mind if I ask what other drugs you take besides Ambien? For some reason, my Pdoc won't prescribe Ambien for me (20mg Lexapro, 0.5mg Xanax). I have no history of drug abuse, but I have a life-long history of sleep difficulties. I long for a full night of sweet sleep...
Posted by Jai Narayan on February 25, 2004, at 21:56:40
In reply to Re: sleep sweet sleep » Jai Narayan, posted by Simus on February 25, 2004, at 1:09:46
> Do you mind if I ask what other drugs you take besides Ambien? For some reason, my Pdoc won't prescribe Ambien for me (20mg Lexapro, 0.5mg Xanax). I have no history of drug abuse, but I have a life-long history of sleep difficulties. I long for a full night of sweet sleep...
*I take no other drugs. I am aware that Ambien is addictive....go figure.
A good nights sleep is addictive.
I don't have an addictive personality...what ever that means.
So I am safe for taking this med.
I love the fact I sleep. It's no guarntee that I will have good dreams. There's no corner on that. I have had nightmares lately. Ruins the sleep.
Posted by joebob on February 26, 2004, at 10:09:42
In reply to sleep sweet sleep, posted by Jai Narayan on February 24, 2004, at 21:50:42
Posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2004, at 6:12:54
In reply to Re: Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid??? » fayeroe, posted by Sooshi on February 22, 2004, at 13:28:20
> Hi fayeroe,
> All I take for sleep is Valerian Root, and it really puts me out. I have no idea about any interactions with any drugs, so you would want to check that out...I take Effexor and Topamax and have no problem. I take it (valerian) in tea and capsule form. One tea bag in some hot water at night really helps me. And I'm not a light weight when it comes to meds and herbs either - I ususally have to max out on something to get any response! Anyway, you might give it a try.
>
> Sooshi
Has it ever given you headaches? My head is killing me and I took my first last night. BUT I'm under so much stress right now that the headache could be a gift from the stress god...just wondering.......thanks, Pat
Posted by Sooshi on February 27, 2004, at 11:32:01
In reply to Re: Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid??? » Sooshi, posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2004, at 6:12:54
Wow, not that I can recall...just really sound sleep. Hope you're not having some kind of reaction. Check the ingredients...make sure there's nothing else in there that you're sensitive to. Even though it possibly gave you a headache, did it help you sleep? Maybe you could switch brands???
Posted by Margit on February 27, 2004, at 14:04:00
In reply to Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid???, posted by fayeroe on February 22, 2004, at 11:46:59
Posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2004, at 17:25:38
In reply to Re: Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid??? » fayeroe, posted by Sooshi on February 27, 2004, at 11:32:01
valerian update: ingredients: total carbohydrates???700 mg, calcium 40 mg and valerian 1 g (1000mg). today was one of the most miserable days ever....and i didn't sleep all that well. kept waking up....but today my head ached and i felt nauseated most of the day?????
i am not taking it tonight. will go back to store manana. thanks, pat
Posted by Jai Narayan on February 28, 2004, at 16:58:24
In reply to Re: Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid??? » Sooshi, posted by fayeroe on February 27, 2004, at 17:25:38
> valerian update: ingredients: total carbohydrates???700 mg, calcium 40 mg and valerian 1 g (1000mg). today was one of the most miserable days ever....and i didn't sleep all that well. kept waking up....but today my head ached and i felt nauseated most of the day?????
> i am not taking it tonight. will go back to store manana. thanks, patwhat's with all the carbohydrates???
I have never had good luck with Valerian. Maybe you are allergic???
The luck I have had is with Benadryl, Tylenol night, and obviously Ambien.
I have stayed awake many a night with Valerian, and other herbs....no good with homeopathics either.
I have used Melatonin too. The kind you put under your tongue and let it melt. Source Naturals....the kind you swallow doesn't work for me????
Oh Pat, be careful. It sounds like you may have reverse reactions to herbs. One's that are supposed to make you sleepy are stimulants. I really don't understand it but some of us are in that camp.
Herbs for sleep keep me awake.
Lots of luck....I would be real careful and do one thing at a time and keep a diary...
Posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2004, at 19:47:53
In reply to You reaction sounds bad, posted by Jai Narayan on February 28, 2004, at 16:58:24
Thanks~~~~I'm going to be very careful. Benadryl keeps me up too! Be assured that I'll proceed slowly. I'll check on the melatonin....and as soon as the weather lets up, I'm going back to walking 3 a day!! Pat
Posted by Sooshi on February 28, 2004, at 20:21:09
In reply to Re: You reaction sounds bad » Jai Narayan, posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2004, at 19:47:53
Oh man, I don't know what all those carbs are for either! Those would definately not help you to sleep! Did you get the valerian in tea form? Maybe I should have just suggested that...that's how I take it.
Benedryl also keeps me wide awake! Any sort of OTC sleep aid does too. That's why I had to turn to herbal remedies. Melatonin just wasn't strong enough, but it just might work for you. You could also try chamomille tea...works for me too. Also, a good meditation/relaxation cd to listen to while your're in bed (especially one that can run on and on...) really helps. Might have mentioned this already...sorry if i have...
Sorry you had such a bad experience with the valerian :( Hope the next trick works better!
Sooshi
Posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2004, at 20:38:08
In reply to Re: You reaction sounds bad » fayeroe, posted by Sooshi on February 28, 2004, at 20:21:09
Swooshie Sooshie! You just gave me an idea. I used to have a "sound" machine that did things like rainstorms, thunder, ocean waves, etc. I'll try one of those. It worked back then! Might work now! Thanks!
Posted by Sooshi on February 29, 2004, at 15:37:46
In reply to Re: You reaction sounds bad » Sooshi, posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2004, at 20:38:08
I use my sound machine every nite! Sweet Dreams!
Posted by Jai Narayan on February 29, 2004, at 20:54:25
In reply to Re: You reaction sounds bad » fayeroe, posted by Sooshi on February 29, 2004, at 15:37:46
I have a fan that runs all night to level the traffic noise I have to deal with.
A friend of mine has gone to a hypnotherapist for her sleep problems. The woman therapist made a personal tape for my friend to use when she was going to sleep. It worked like a charm. where she used to stay awake for days on end she puts on the tape now and a good nights sleep follows. I am almost convinced to do the same but I need a CD.
Posted by fayeroe on March 1, 2004, at 5:50:36
In reply to ambient sound, posted by Jai Narayan on February 29, 2004, at 20:54:25
I am going to try the hypnotist.....I've never heard of that but anything would be better than waking up at 2:00 a.m...........and staying awake. Thanks!!
Posted by Jai Narayan on March 1, 2004, at 18:49:27
In reply to Re: ambient sound » Jai Narayan, posted by fayeroe on March 1, 2004, at 5:50:36
> I am going to try the hypnotist.....I've never heard of that but anything would be better than waking up at 2:00 a.m...........and staying awake. Thanks!!
*So this happens every night? When do you go to sleep? I hope this works for you.
Have you tired Ambien?
It's only a short term fix. I was going to try Trazodone but at a low dose of 50 to 100mg it didn't work for me.
I am still searching for the perfect thing.
Posted by fayeroe on March 1, 2004, at 19:13:20
In reply to I have spent many a night exasperated, posted by Jai Narayan on March 1, 2004, at 18:49:27
> > I am going to try the hypnotist.....I've never heard of that but anything would be better than waking up at 2:00 a.m...........and staying awake. Thanks!!
> *So this happens every night? When do you go to sleep? I hope this works for you.I usually am asleep by 10:00 as I go to work at 7:30 a.m. A lot of nights I keep my four year old granddaughter and it takes some work to get her ready and the beasties fed. So, I have to be in bed by then.....waking up at 2 means I'm not getting much rest!!!! As I've said before, the doctors here won't let you try anything for sleep. When I move back to the ranch I'll have a doctor there that will work with me. Hope you find something that works well..it's the pits, not sleeping........
>
Posted by Jai Narayan on March 2, 2004, at 18:16:29
In reply to Re: I have spent many a night exasperated, posted by fayeroe on March 1, 2004, at 19:13:20
> I usually am asleep by 10:00 as I go to work at 7:30 a.m. A lot of nights I keep my four year old granddaughter and it takes some work to get her ready and the beasties fed. So, I have to be in bed by then.....waking up at 2 means I'm not getting much rest!!!!
*Two things that will make it harder are animals and children. You have them both.
As I've said before, the doctors here won't let you try anything for sleep. When I move back to the ranch I'll have a doctor there that will work with me. Hope you find something that works well..it's the pits, not sleeping........*Thank you so much I will always be looking for a better method.
Posted by rainyday on March 8, 2004, at 9:14:22
In reply to Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid???, posted by fayeroe on February 22, 2004, at 11:46:59
I put on a new age cd of recorded natural sounds (I have oceans, wolves, loons, tropical rainforest, lakes and even Niagara Falls). At even low volume they help to put me out. I prefer these to recordings with talking on them because you don't have to concentrate.
Posted by fayeroe on March 8, 2004, at 17:42:00
In reply to Re: Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid??? » fayeroe, posted by rainyday on March 8, 2004, at 9:14:22
> I put on a new age cd of recorded natural sounds (I have oceans, wolves, loons, tropical rainforest, lakes and even Niagara Falls). At even low volume they help to put me out. I prefer these to recordings with talking on them because you don't have to concentrate.
I'm going to try that. The sleep machine wasn't in so I'm waiting~~~~~~~~I'll go find a CD!! Thanks! Pat p.s. today I purchased melantonin and will try it tonight also.......
Posted by LynneDa on March 16, 2004, at 17:25:17
In reply to Re: Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid??? » rainyday, posted by fayeroe on March 8, 2004, at 17:42:00
Pat - Has anything worked for you yet? I am so tired of being tired! I have had sleep problems for years, but after being on Lex for 5 months now, it is true insomnia. I frequently take 3mg melatonin & fall asleep just fine - but wake up a few hours later, stay awake til about 6 - then sleep for an hour very soundly! I'm just awake - not so wired like I was before, not anxious, not worried - just awake!
I've tried soft music, lavender essential oils and linen sprays (very nice actually, but didn't keep me asleep all night), chamomile tea, Ambien (loved it, but coming off of it after a week on it was H*@@! P-doc didn't want me on it too long, said it should re-train my body. It did for about a week, then I was back to my old pattern.), Motrin PMS, Benadryl, cough syrup, an herbal mix with kava kava in it (not good - made my heart race and felt wired), calcium supplements, sleeping on a different mattress, a variety of relaxation techniques, feng shui-ing my bedroom, meditation & praying to anyone listening to help me sleep :-)
Hoping you are sleeping better and have found a wondrous solution!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> I'm going to try that. The sleep machine wasn't in so I'm waiting~~~~~~~~I'll go find a CD!! Thanks! Pat p.s. today I purchased melantonin and will try it tonight also.......
>
>
Posted by fayeroe on March 16, 2004, at 18:28:26
In reply to Re: Is there such an animal as a safe sleep aid??? » fayeroe, posted by LynneDa on March 16, 2004, at 17:25:17
> Pat - Has anything worked for you yet? I am so tired of being tired! I have had sleep problems for years, but after being on Lex for 5 months now, it is true insomnia. I frequently take 3mg melatonin & fall asleep just fine - but wake up a few hours later, stay awake til about 6 - then sleep for an hour very soundly! I'm just awake - not so wired like I was before, not anxious, not worried - just awake!
>
> I've tried soft music, lavender essential oils and linen sprays (very nice actually, but didn't keep me asleep all night), chamomile tea, Ambien (loved it, but coming off of it after a week on it was H*@@! P-doc didn't want me on it too long, said it should re-train my body. It did for about a week, then I was back to my old pattern.), Motrin PMS, Benadryl, cough syrup, an herbal mix with kava kava in it (not good - made my heart race and felt wired), calcium supplements, sleeping on a different mattress, a variety of relaxation techniques, feng shui-ing my bedroom, meditation & praying to anyone listening to help me sleep :-)
>
> Hoping you are sleeping better and have found a wondrous solution!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
> >
> > I'm going to try that. The sleep machine wasn't in so I'm waiting~~~~~~~~I'll go find a CD!! Thanks! Pat p.s. today I purchased melantonin and will try it tonight also.......Alas, so far I'm still adrift. Last night I tried something like TylenolPM. I got 5 hours. And for me that's pretty good. But it isn't a peaceful quiet sleep. I dream weird *--* and become very anxious when I awake. I'm going to try to get elavil and take 50mm a night. It's so difficult to get a doc here to prescribe something for sleep. The old bible belt. I guess we are supposed to flog ourselves or something at bedtime.......I've tried that too.:-) One has to be resourceful! Pat p.s did you have vivid dreams with the melantonin?????
> >
> >
>
>
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