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Q: Insomnia treatment alternatives
asked by: DoctorQuestion on December 15th, 2007
I can't go to sleep before 4-7am, sometimes going 30 hours without sleep or fatigue.
What can i do other then go to my doctor for more scripts?...which I'm convinced also wont work.
And also what other medications would be "right" for me?


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Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on January 14th, 2008
Sleep Disorders Answer A3503
Before treating insomnia, you should first determine the real cause for it. Insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep, can be due to either a mental or organic disease. Treating the primary disorder can help a person overcome the case of insomnia. In your case, your primary mental disorder (ADHD) could cause insomnia. In addition, some medications can have a hypnotic effect and act directly on insomnia. There are several groups of medications used to treat insomnia:
1. Benzodiazepines: temazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, flurazepam, nitrazepam, midazolam etc.;
2. Nonbenzodiazepines: zolpidem and zopiclone;
3. Antidepressants such as mirtazapine, trazodone and doxepin;
4. Antihistamines: hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine…;
5. Atypical antipsychotics: quetiapine (Seroquel);
6. Melatonin and its agonists including Ramelteon (Rozerem)
7. Herbs such as valerian, chamomile, lavender, hops, and passion-flower, cannabis…

Other treatment methods include:
1. Cognitive behavior therapy;
2. Aromatherapy;
3. Relaxation techniques such as meditation;
4. Traditional Chinese medicine etc.

You can consult a mental health doctor about your primary mental condition and for guidance in treating the current case of insomnia.





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