Posted by Lucia Francisca on November 19, 2005, at 12:56:14
In reply to Almost Functional, posted by spierson1253 on November 19, 2005, at 5:19:44
Hi spierson1253. I'm so sorry you aren't able to sleep. I know that's one of the things I suffer from the most--not being able to sleep all night, and then I have racing, very negative thoughts. It's awful.
I took Xanax a few years ago for sleep, and it helped me get a full night's sleep, but yes it's only short-term; it is addictive. I didn't really like Ambien; it only helped me sleep a couple of hours. I used Amitryptyline along with Celexa for my depression for a while; the Amitryptyline did help me get a good night's sleep, with the help of the Celexa too. I've also used Trazodone with Lexapro (I had to switch from the Celexa when I started not sleeping again) and the Trazadone did help sometimes, though sometimes I still couldn't sleep. Now, I've been on Seroquel for 2 weeks, and since Seroquel is a sedative, that's been really good for my sleep. (I'm taking Seroquel for my new dx of bipolar II).
May I ask what your diagnosis is, if you don't mind? Perhaps you need a medication to address the underlying condition that might be causing you not to be able to sleep?
Also, I know when I can't sleep or am just feeling icky in general, exercise can help; sometimes I have to exercise twice in 1 day.
Warmly, Lucia
> I do not know what's going on. Was doing great for awhile. Feeling rested and 'alert' during the day, sleeping 4-8 hours at night. But, I was taking Xanax at night, it's highly addictive, and I asked to be taken off it. Instead, we are trying the new Ambien CR. It's time-released, and most chemicals only give me 2 hours sleep and then I'm awake the rest of the night. Took it last night. Slept two hours BUT was really stressed over the assassination of a CHP officer friend that day. Okay, so I'm giving it a try tonight. It's 3:14am PST, and I'm awake and watching some stupid show called elimiDATE where women so who can out-slut each other. Wow. What fun. I've been warned that Ambien acts fast and to be near the bed. Um . . . how fast is fast? Well, I am very stressed today also. Sat here and sobbed for about 45 min. Eyes burn like heck, but feel "unburdened". (I'm so glad I'm a girl and it's okay to cry.) Now, to be fair, the doctor did recommend 1-2 5mg tabs *as needed*. I've only taken one each night to give it a fair trial. Will try two -- geez, that would be tonight as it's in the wee hours of today -- provided I don't pass out from exhaustion before then.
>
> And why am I crying? I was having anger issues again so we added 37.5mg at night to the 75mg I take in the morning. I'm not acting out anger, now my eyes look like I was in a bar fight.
>
> Think I'll channel-surf for awhile. Oh, please anything but elimiDATE.
poster:Lucia Francisca
thread:580345
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051119/msgs/580397.html