Posted by dlevine on October 6, 2002, at 21:47:33
In reply to Re: Nardil veterans...how do you sleep? » dlevine, posted by SLS on October 4, 2002, at 12:16:25
> > > I don't think Klonopin is as effective a hypnotic as these other drugs. Are you sure you need it to treat your SP?
I don't need Klonopin for treatment of SP. Nardil works great on the SP. It's just the inability that sleep that requires me to take Klonopin on a nightly basis (with Trazadone). This combo is becoming less effective after taking it for several years, which is why I'm now looking for alternatives.
> ? Do you think substituting Ativan for Klonopin and adding one of the short-acting drugs might be worth considering?
Ativan might be very helpful as a hypnotic. But with the short half-life I am concerned with the greater potential for dependence, as well as short-term memory problems that long-term use of all benzos may cause.
> I think the half-life of Klonopin (clonazepam) is far too long to be used routinely as a hypnotic to treat insomnia. It stays with you all day long.
Right, Klonopin has a half-life of around 30 to 40 hours. For this reason it seems to hold less addictive potential than some of the shorter lasting benzos that you mentioned. That and memory loss is a major concern for me...although I'm not sure how much it is based on scientific studies as much as my own worries. I will need to get to sleep somewhow...
>This is why I questioned as to whether it was a critical component to your SP treatment. Being in your position a few times, I have favored using either Ativan (lorazepam), which also has significant anxiolytic properties, or Restoril (temazepam). Both have medium half-lives.
These are interesting suggestions.
> I'm pretty sure you'll be able to improve your sleep somehow. I think it might be worth trying Neurontin (gabapentin). It can be a great help for sleep and is often very helpful for social anxiety.
Thanks, I was considering Neurontin. But the cost (I have no insurance) is a little daunting.
Thanks again for all the info and advice.
-DL
poster:dlevine
thread:121735
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021006/msgs/122585.html