Posted by Cam W. on April 5, 2000, at 10:57:54
In reply to Re: Need advice on sleep meds., posted by Cindy W on April 5, 2000, at 8:30:40
DC - Kava kava is a decent anxiolytic/hypnotic, although it may not be strong enough for you. Also, you should use it longer than a couple of months in a row or you risk getting this freaky kind of rash.Perhaps, depending on what other medication you are taking, a gram or two of Tryptophan may work. It is available here in Canada on prescription and I have seen it work in some people who have had difficulty in getting to sleep. One problem with it is that, in some people who are taking SSRIs or other drugs affecting serotonin, Tryptophan can cause serotonin syndrome, which has led to hypertensive crisis leading to death in a few people. This is why it was taken off the OTC market in the U.S. People were taking massive doses with their Prozac and had heart attacks..
The more common hypnotics are the benzodiazepines (Temazepam, Nitrazepam, Triazolam, etc.). I do not recommend the Triazolam, unless you like throwing up in the lap of the Japanese prime minister (1/2 a tablet my ass, George). Anyway, the benzos can be addicting and you can build tolerance to them, but as long as you do not go raising the dose, these short-acting ones are fairly safe and effective. They give you a restful night's sleep, usually with no hangover effect (unless you take too large a dose). Hope this helps - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:28925
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000401/msgs/28944.html