Severe insomnia / sleeping pill addiction ! (Page 1)
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I have had severe insomnia for years. It runs in my family. I tolerated it for several years until I finally started taking meds to sleep. Needless to say, I became addicted. I had a horrible addiction to Ambien that just about destroyed my life because I would sleep walk, amongst other things and then not remember anything later. One serious problem was that I would apparently take more Ambien while I was sleep walking, so I would end up taking enormous amounts of meds without realizing it. I am a single parent, barely making enough money to support myself and child. Going to rehab is simply not a possibility. There is no money and no one to care for my child while I would be gone. I have managed to completely get myself off of Ambien, which was no small task. It was sheer hell. I went through awful withdrawls, and went for weeks with hardly any sleep but I did it. However,I eventually had to start taking other things for sleep. Otherwise, I will literally go days even weeks with either not sleeping or only sleeping 2 or 3 hours. I get so exhausted. Adding to this, I had about 2 years where I was having gran-mal siezures, which seem to be under control now, but I have been warned that going without sleep for too long puts me at risk of another siezure. At this point I am taking several different benzodiazapines, and am slowly having to take more and more to go to sleep so I so that I have traded on addiction for another! (FYI, I don't get a "High" from these, at this point my tolerence is too high for that, I just simply want to sleep!) I have tried many of the lessor meds, like Trazadone, Lunesta, Remoron, etc and they do nothing. It is like I haven't taken anything. I have searched the internet high and low for information on how to kick this, and can not find any answers! There is all sorts of info on prescription pill addiction, but no info on how to deal with it once you have the problem. Unless, of course, you have the money and resources to go to rehab, which I don't. Also, I tried about a year ago to tell both my family doctor and my neurologist that I felt like I had an addiction and needed their help. Their response was to drop me as a patient! So what can I do??? I do not want to be an addict, but as a human being with a lot of responsibilities and a very high stress, high activity job, I have to be able to sleep! Any suggestions???
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First Helper TriedEverything
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You must quit sleeping pills, they are only short term solution. Get yourself into a strict routine and Best wishes and kind regards,
Jonjune
Jonjune
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I can relate to sleeping issues. Mine are associated with a rotating work schedule and the fact that sometimes I can't shut my mind off at bedtime. I actually hate going to bed no matter how tired i am but I take anti-anxiety meds for that. Have you ever had a sleep study performed? They might be able to help you. Have you ever tried an anti-seizure med like NEURONTIN for the seizures? I hear they also make you sleepy. Again, I know that you are trying to get off of meds but if you are stressed out, try taking some anit-depressants if your doctor agrees with it such as Celexa. I took it years ago but got off of it because it made me want to sleep too much... See your doctor about it and discuss other meds that you are taking. It would be better than taking those sleeping pills. I have a high tolerance to meds to. If you just simply want to fall asleep without any aids what so ever, try waking up early in the morning and maybe you will be tired enough to fall asleep on your own at night... try reading before bedtime.. it helps my mom. I hope you find a resolution soon...
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I have the same problem as you with the insomnia. It's only been a year but I can't sleep without the Ambien. Sometimes the Ambien doesn't put me to sleep. I was also sleepwalking with it or not remembering what I did after I took it. I was thinking too of doing a sleep study. I would like to know what help they give you during a sleep study.
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I to have a horible time sleeping. I take ambien only when I have gone for a few nights with very little sleep. My husband and children say I do some crazy things when I take it. They do seem to do a deal on my memory if I take them more than one night at a time. Makes me gittery and I go off on anybody whose around. That is the only way I can get any sleep though sometimes so I give it and take 100 mg ambien and sleep like a baby for about 7-8 hours.
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I have had sleep studies done and they have come up with the fact that I have severe insomnia. Duhhhh. I have tried ambien, lunestra, melatonim, rezarem. I dont drink anything that has cafeine and I don't eat any chocolate past 1pm.
I sleep an avearage of abt 12 hours a week if that.
My dr wanted to put me on sequial and it made me nervous as I have heard horrible things abt that.
I sleep an avearage of abt 12 hours a week if that.
My dr wanted to put me on sequial and it made me nervous as I have heard horrible things abt that.
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Yeah, I've taken Seroquil. It did nothing for me. That's why I don't want to get a sleep study done. They are just going to tell me what I already know. Ambien doesn't even work for me anymore. I feel tired but just can't fall asleep. It's horrible!
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Ambien!!
I started Ambien two weeks ago and it makes me feel horrible during the day. I was wondering if any of you are having the same symptoms as I do: headache, fatigue, being very tired, somtimes tingling in the left hand and arm, and confusion.
I stoped it for one day and my symptoms improved. I only started having sleeping problems about two months ago.
I stoped it for one day and my symptoms improved. I only started having sleeping problems about two months ago.
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Hi,
I stopped taking the Ambien a few weeks ago. It was doing a job on my memory and I just wasn't myself. I started taking Xanax before bed and that really worked for me. After one year of struggling with this insomnia it is finally gone! You see, my father was very ill for quite some time and the family was very stressed. My father passed away last Thursday morning and for some reason I've been sleeping like a baby at night. I think in my mind I know he no longer has to suffer and the stress lifted off my shoulders allowing me to sleep. If none of the meds are helping you sleep, take a good look at the stress in your life. It certainly could be the reason. I didn't know how stressed I was over my father's illness.
I stopped taking the Ambien a few weeks ago. It was doing a job on my memory and I just wasn't myself. I started taking Xanax before bed and that really worked for me. After one year of struggling with this insomnia it is finally gone! You see, my father was very ill for quite some time and the family was very stressed. My father passed away last Thursday morning and for some reason I've been sleeping like a baby at night. I think in my mind I know he no longer has to suffer and the stress lifted off my shoulders allowing me to sleep. If none of the meds are helping you sleep, take a good look at the stress in your life. It certainly could be the reason. I didn't know how stressed I was over my father's illness.
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Ok every one this is going to be your day of change, i have had this problem & stumbled upon the fix accidentally treating another issue. you are all probably calcium deficient, before wanting to sleep take a calcium suppliment with a co mineral of magnesium a ratio of 2:1 or lower magnesium you will sleep better first night, it will also help with the anxiety & stress but you can help these further by having a complete B vitamin in the morning, a good one of these will have also calcium & magnesium in them, if you feel lethargic through the day it probably wouldn't hurt to take another so long as it is not any closer than 6hrs before you want to sleep. I would love to hear feed back or to be able to help any who would be willing to reply & learn!
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Thank you.
I have had insomnia my whole life but it has been particularly severe over the past 8 years. I was on seroquel for 6 which did help but eventually caused unbearable side effects. For the past three months that I have been off it, I have hardly slept at all, going 5 days at a time without closing my eyes. I have had sleep studies, gone from doctor to doctor, taken various forms of medication, etc.
I came across your post desperately seeking a solution. When I read it, I thought that is just too simple, but then reconsidered. I realized first that I am probably malnourished as I am a very picky vegetarian with a low appetitite. I don't take any vitamins.
3 nights ago, I decided to start taking a multi and a calcium/magnesium/D supplement, and a B complex. The first night I slept a restless 3 hours, the second a better 4 and last night an even better 6. I haven't slept 6 hours in over 20 years!
I don't know yet if this is a coincidence but I bet not. I will let you know in a few weeks.
Again thank you so much.
I have had insomnia my whole life but it has been particularly severe over the past 8 years. I was on seroquel for 6 which did help but eventually caused unbearable side effects. For the past three months that I have been off it, I have hardly slept at all, going 5 days at a time without closing my eyes. I have had sleep studies, gone from doctor to doctor, taken various forms of medication, etc.
I came across your post desperately seeking a solution. When I read it, I thought that is just too simple, but then reconsidered. I realized first that I am probably malnourished as I am a very picky vegetarian with a low appetitite. I don't take any vitamins.
3 nights ago, I decided to start taking a multi and a calcium/magnesium/D supplement, and a B complex. The first night I slept a restless 3 hours, the second a better 4 and last night an even better 6. I haven't slept 6 hours in over 20 years!
I don't know yet if this is a coincidence but I bet not. I will let you know in a few weeks.
Again thank you so much.
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Hi Timeisshort-
Can you give me specific amount of calcium/mag & multi B to take? I fear my heart is going to stop because I cannot sleep. Ambien is the only thing that sometimes works and that's not very often. Please help. Thnx.
Can you give me specific amount of calcium/mag & multi B to take? I fear my heart is going to stop because I cannot sleep. Ambien is the only thing that sometimes works and that's not very often. Please help. Thnx.
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Magnesium and Insomnia
Just bought magnesium 250mg and calcium 500mg for my sister who has this insomnia for 4 months now. She took the supplements with vit b complex after lunch today. I hope a miracle will happen tonight. Please give some more info re: this supplements and how it help others in their sleeping problems. Thanks
Phil Torres
Phil Torres
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I am sorry for you loss "wendyrs" but I am glad at the same time that you can sleep better now. I have some stress in my life but nothing really changed in the last few months that make not being able to sleep in the last few weeks.
Thank you "timeisshort". I will try both the calcium suppliment and B vitamin and let you know.
Thank you "timeisshort". I will try both the calcium suppliment and B vitamin and let you know.
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Ditch the sleep med or simply take a shotgun to your face. Insomnia has ruined every chance I have ever had to live a normal life, hypnotics have simply made me insane. You're better off living on 3 hours of sleep a night and speaking in riddles than shitting yourself and walking through glass doors.
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a shotgun is not a good idea and i really dont know what is.this seems to be a vicious circle.you need one thing to cancell out another and whos to say wot is best.i have lost all faith in doctors as they dont seem to give a !**@!.i think what we need is to realise that this is a problem wich you already have its just hard trying to get rid of the physical side effects wich we can not controll.at least you have people to talk to and i really wish you good luck.i myself am adicted to zopiclone and keeping the physical effects from my familly are becoming increasingly hard and i run my own business and at the minute am running it into the ground.the sheer feeling of dispair added to responsibilities like kids,bills etc.it is so hard but we can do it.from lisa
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Sleeping Drug
We used G-Monster Saturday night; I used one serving and so did my girlfriend. My girlfriend got totally different effects from the product than I did. I just got relaxed and chill; as I do when I did a cap of scoop, but my girlfriend said it was too trippy for her, if we were at a club I think she would have wigged out. Should she cut down the dosage or do women feel different effects from some products than men?
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i guess you depended on the sleeping pills. you should have stop it and practicing sleeping without pills. using the techniques, like listening to music. do not totally depend on it. its all mental. ambien is very effective but all drugs has its own harmful effects.
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I have taken Ambien for about 5 days... or 6? yikes. It only gets me 4-6 hrs of sleep. I used to get and need about 8 or 9 easy. But the insomnia I have now has me waking up with panic/anxiety. Ambien works and so far I have not done anything weird that I know of. But then again what i''ve tried is half (5mg) a whole (10) and one time I did half/half - meaning when I wake up at like 4 or 5am I take the second half. Overall I don''t know what to think. It would appear straight forward for me, but I''m wondering if its causing depression. A couple times I seemed to be shakey in the morning (shakey legs)too. I''m just not sure though. Perhaps that stuff would happen from a lack of sleep anyways. My memory is garbage this week, but I think it was like that before taking it anyways (thanks to sleep dep).
The drug puts me on edge. I never thought I would take it, ever.
In any case Ambien (and i suppose other sleep meds) are really only supposed to be taken for 7-10 days at the max you actually need in order to "break the cycle". 3 weeks is supposed to be max. After that your probably asking for dependency. The problem as we know is its not really easy to just break a cycle. Otherwise Melatonin would just work for us
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I keep wondering if Ambien sleep is "real sleep". I might sleep for 4 hours, no dreams. Then I snap awake. Then fall asleep about 2 more times each with vivid and jacked up dreams and possibly anxiety issues. Strange.
The drug puts me on edge. I never thought I would take it, ever.
In any case Ambien (and i suppose other sleep meds) are really only supposed to be taken for 7-10 days at the max you actually need in order to "break the cycle". 3 weeks is supposed to be max. After that your probably asking for dependency. The problem as we know is its not really easy to just break a cycle. Otherwise Melatonin would just work for us
.
I keep wondering if Ambien sleep is "real sleep". I might sleep for 4 hours, no dreams. Then I snap awake. Then fall asleep about 2 more times each with vivid and jacked up dreams and possibly anxiety issues. Strange.
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Can't sleep after sleeping tablets
I've been taking alderom, stilnox cr and a whole
Packet of mersyndol night for the pst 5 years and now
I get tired sleep for an hour and thats it.. I'm
So tired I have headaches and so cranky, I've seen a sleep disorder specialist and he's given me medopar and it helps get tired but still only a two hour sleep it's driving me nuts, I really heed help any suggestions??? I'm in Australia Melbourne and need to see the best, I've do. Hypno and nothing, baths, green rea and they all don't work. I'm scared I will fal asleep behind the wheel and have lost so many jobs cos
I couldn't function during the day my vision would go and then my body would
Shake... Help me
Packet of mersyndol night for the pst 5 years and now
I get tired sleep for an hour and thats it.. I'm
So tired I have headaches and so cranky, I've seen a sleep disorder specialist and he's given me medopar and it helps get tired but still only a two hour sleep it's driving me nuts, I really heed help any suggestions??? I'm in Australia Melbourne and need to see the best, I've do. Hypno and nothing, baths, green rea and they all don't work. I'm scared I will fal asleep behind the wheel and have lost so many jobs cos
I couldn't function during the day my vision would go and then my body would
Shake... Help me
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nothing worked for me in the past 2 yrs. last week they put me on anafril, two tabs a night with clonopin and i sleep soundly until morning. good luck, i went months and months of no sleep.
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nothing worked for me in the past 2 yrs. last week they put me on anafril, two tabs a night with clonopin and i sleep soundly until morning. good luck, i went months and months of no sleep.
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I need help. For about the last 5-6 months, I have been having sleep issues. I never know why type of night I am going to have. For the most part I can get to sleep but then I will jerk awake. Sometimes it is less than an hour after I go to sleep. When I will wake up, I feel like my insides are shaking. I fell very anxious. I will try to close my eyes and sleep and they pop right back open. I feel that there is a vibrator in my body that keeps going off. When this happens I am usually up for most of the night. I usually fall asleep about an hour or so before the alarm goes off to get up for work. I have been tested for sleep apnea, have had multiple blood test, MRI, CT scan , a 24 hour heart monitor and also a 30 day heart monitor and nothing has shown up. My doctor gave me Xanax and if I take a full pill I usually sleep without waking up but wake up in the morning and feel horrible, tired and just have trouble functioning . I have even tried taking a half dose which let's me sleep. I wake ip but but can fall right back to sleep. The Xanax works for a couple nights and then I have a bad night. I am at my wits end. I have a great fear that there is something seriously wrong with me and I am going to die in my sleep when this happens. It is starting to affect my marriage and my life. I need answers. Can anyone help me??
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hey has any one tried amitriptyline. i suffered tru insomnia for several years. i first started on 25mg then worked my way up to 100mg. i no longer need to up my dosage and is no longer suffering from the day drowziness. we all know these pills are bad for us but we also know how bad it is to go weeks somtimes months w/o sleeping, so its like choosing your poisen. ive chosen mine and now sleep like a baby. I feel whatever happens (as far as long term side effects)happens.i feel everybodies misery here.sleeping is a necessity to life, but why so difficult if it is. It makes you wonder. It also makes you wonder wether enough research is given to the subject. you would think so given the amount of profits drug companies wold stand to gain. anyways good luck to all.
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| Tags: sleeping, sleep, Addiction, addict, Sleep Disorders, sleep walking, prescription, amounts, Stress, rehab | ||
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This page was last updated on Jun 19, 2013.
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