Posted by 4WD on January 1, 2006, at 21:48:37
In reply to Re: What happens while you sleep that makes you scared, posted by blueberry on January 1, 2006, at 14:04:26
> I can relate. I had that problem with prozac. After much trial and error, thinking about it, and putting the clues together over months, I finally figured out what it was...norepinephrine activity during sleep. Prozac causes norepinephrine release, probably one reason it is so stimulating, but with its long half life it doesn't shut down at night. I would wake up in fear. Since then, I have discovered that the amino acids L-phenylalanine, dl-phenylalanine, and tyrosine all do the same thing to me. For me, it's norepinephrine causing the fear.
>
> My doctor is testing my cortisol/DHEA levels too. It's a 4 sample saliva test over a day, not very expensive. If cortisol levels are fluctuating improperly, especially if they are not right when you wake up, it can cause you to wake up in fear. Unfortunatley, most people with mood problems and incomplete responses or bad responses to medications are known to have cortisol problems. I don't know why doctors hardly ever look at the adrenal connection with our mood disorders. It is intricately linked to everything going on. Easy to fix though once it is pinpointed.
>
> Just some things to think about.I've seen a couple of endocrinologists but neither of them have suggested the salivary sample test. Maybe I should ask. You know, I've told them that's exactly what it feels like - like I wake up with way too much adrenaline coursing through me. I know my cortisol levels are 3-4 times normal. I've had some other tests and am waiting results.
The norepinephrine thing makes sense, too. Any NE enhancing drug makes me scared as all get out.
So what did you do about it?
Thanks,
Marsha
poster:4WD
thread:593859
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051231/msgs/594189.html