Posted by gardenergirl on January 16, 2007, at 2:01:55
In reply to Re: Provigil poop-out or Lithium lethargy? » gardenergirl, posted by ronaldo on January 12, 2007, at 10:28:11
> How are you sleeping at night? Do you get enough? Do you sleep all the way through? How many hours of sleep do you get at night?
Thanks for your reply. I generally get a good night's sleep. In fact, I've been able to wean myself down to half or less of Ambien. I don't wake up unless there is a disturbance (the dog or something similar). I average 7-8 hours per night and wake up feeling rested. (Tonight is an exception, though. I'm not usually up this late.)
> While only taking Lithium, 900 mg or 800 mg I can't remember which, I used to experience extreme drowsiness after eating a fairly substantial lunch. I just could not stay awake.
Hmmmm, I get drowsy right after dinner, though it seems to start around 4 or 5 and get worse after eating.
> But I was also sleeping badly due to a noisy air conditioning unit in my room. This was the only time in 20 odd years of taking lithium that I experienced this problem and I put it down to not sleeping well at night.
That makes sense. As far as I know I'm sleeping well. Last week I had some rather vivid dreams, though none were scary. I used to dream all the time, but that's really gone away with Nardil and the other stuff.
>
> Could there be something of which you are not aware which is disturbing your sleep at night without you knowing it?That's always a possibility. My dog has chronic allergic bronchitis, and she's not taking a steroid anymore since it was doing more damage than good. So she coughs and hacks at times. It seems like I wake up when she does that, usually less than one time a night. But maybe she's doing it at a low enough level that I don't really wake all the way up. Otherwise, no idea.
>
> The problem you describe does not seem to be lithium related. Provigil is supposed to keep you awake. What dose are you taking? And is that a low dose or average/high? Could the lithium be interacting with the provigil to make the latter less effective. I don't know. Maybe someone with more knowledge could tell you.I'm taking 200 mg Provigil, which is what I'd call a standard dose. I think you can go up to 400, though I'm not sure pdoc would feel comfortable with that and Nardil. Lithium didn't used to make me tired. It may still not be, but something sure is going on.
>
> When you feel most drowsy perhaps you could try going for a walk. The exercise may make you feel more tired at night and lead to a better night's sleep. Better sleep at night = less naps during the day. Just a thought.Those are good ideas. Thanks for brainstorming. :)
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:721607
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070113/msgs/722781.html