I am taking Lexapro, which is causing me to arise every single morning at 2 am. (no matter what time I go to be). He gave me xanax to help me sleep, but it doesn't last long. My doc is very in tune to listening to suggestions and then nays or yays them. Any ideas for me? I go to him this Thursday.
Thanks
2006-10-23 05:46:50 · 25 answers · asked by Kay M 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Get off the Xanax.
Ask your doctor about Trazodone. It's classified as an antidepressant---but in small doses (50-100mgs) it is a wonderful sleeping pill that is NOT addictive. You can stop it anytime. I would start out at 50mgs. and see how that goes.
FDA recently approved Rozerem, which is not supposed to be addictive either. But because it is so new and takes a while for adverse effects to be reported--I really recommend the Trazodone.
2006-10-23 05:51:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Kava kava is a big DON'T USE if on SSRI's like Lexapro. Most of the over the counter sleep aides are addictive and over time require higher dosages to work. They're okay for infrequent use, but otherwise, not a good alternative. Anti-anxiety meds are also addictive, so you should talk to you doc about what's up with the Xanax. I'd switch to a different one before I agreed to up the dose.
Ask your doctor what natural, non-addictive alternatives that won't conflict with your meds are available. I've heard that melatonin can help, but don't know much about it. If you've been on Lex for a couple months at the same dose, it might be time to talk to your doc about trying another AD. I had the same experience with Prozac, and any minimal depression benefit seemed more than off-set by lousy sleep.
PS - my experience on Prozac doesn't mean you'd have the same. Unless you've got major or chronic depression, your doc may have over-prescribed with the Lexapro. Back to your original question... go to a health food or nutrition store and talk to someone there who's knowledgeable. That'll probably give you the best list of alternatives to take back to your doc. It's where I'm about to go for pretty much the same reason!
2006-10-23 06:06:13 · answer #2 · answered by Alex62 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Trazodone is a useful medicine - it is a sedating, non adictive antidepressant that has several advantages over medicines like xanax (benzodiazepines)
In addition to being non-addictive, it also does not suppress REM sleep, and increases stage 4 sleep (the deep, restful sleep)
Insomnia from SSRI's like lexapro often gets better by itself after 4-6 weeks, so if it hasn't been that long, I might even wait.
Exercise, a cup of warm milk, and chamomile are good adjuncts. Valerian, if you don't mind the smell, is something you can use as a herbal sedative.
I would avoid Ambien/Ambien CR and similar meds - they only work for a short while.
Good Luck
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2006-10-23 06:30:19 · answer #3 · answered by Swami S 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Exercise daily before 6 pm--if you hate exercising, just go for a brisk walk around the block 2 times. Eliminate caffeine from your diet, substituting non-caffeinated herbal teas (Lipton makes a great chamomile!). You may have to get off the caffeine slowly to avoid headache. No caffeine after 6 pm. Drink a glass of milk or eat some yogurt prior to bedtime.
You may need to "'reset" your sleep/wake cycle. You do this by staying up all night one night and going to bed at the time you want to the next night. The third day will be hell but keep on going to bed at the same time. Then keep your sleep time as consistent as possible.
Why does he have you on Xanax as a sleep aid? Xanax is an antidepressant PLUS anti-anxiety drug. You are already taking an anti-anxiety drug, Lexapro. So I wouldn't think two anti-anxiety drugs are all that great for you. Get off one and try a healthier lifestyle.
2006-10-23 05:59:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good to see other people have mentioned Valerian. I've suffered personally with insomnia (first as a side-effect of medications, then later on just from life circumstances). Valerian is the best solution by far. Capsules don't work as well, but if that's all you can find it's better than anything else. The best way I've found to take it is you just soak the dried plant as long as possible (up to 24 hours) in water, then you bring it to a boil, simmer for at least 5 minutes (at least 10 if you haven't had time to soak it). Proportion is 1 tablespoon of plant to 2 and a half cups of water. Strain, sweeten if desired, and just let the sleep come! I've never known it to fail, but if it does, I'd try it again, just make it stronger. I've never experienced any side effects with this, in fact if something comes up that you need to attend to I'd say you'll be just fine. You could even drive if you had to. You won't have any after-effects (like a hangover), won't have trouble getting up next morning, nothing. Depending on how sleep-deprived you are and how long your insomnia's been going on, it may take a while for you to get caught up on your sleep and back into a regular rhythm, but I've had nothing but good results from this tea!
Try to get sunshine and exercise in the early part of your day. Good luck and sweet dreams!
2006-10-23 06:05:15 · answer #5 · answered by jen 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Desyrel is the official antidepressant of Sleepy-bye Land. It is rarely prescribed as monotherapy these days. Hell, Desyrel is rarely prescribed at all, the generic trazodone is what is in all those bottles. It's mostly an add-on antidepressant in case you have insomnia combined with your depression and/or anxiety. If you respond well to SSRIs and you're not sleeping, trazodone is a good addition to your cocktail to make sure you sleep. And sleep. And sleep. If you're going for the combination of antipsychotic and antidepressant, don't mix Desyrel with Seroquel if you want to wake up any time this week. We've come across one person actually taking this combination and she has one hell of a time getting up every morning.
2006-10-23 07:35:36 · answer #6 · answered by Altruist 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Red Wine. There is a chemical in red wine called Polyphenols (the skin of the grape that is left on, unlike with white wine) and this is not only good for your arteries and heart (if you drink in moderation! - ie, between 4-7 oz per day), it also makes most people a little tired.
Don't drink too much or, of course, you'll get addicted! I drink a glass of red wine each night and I find it to be very relaxing and sleep-welcoming!
2006-10-23 06:10:49 · answer #7 · answered by Falina T. Rayon 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Be careful with the Xanax. Withdrawel is brutal. I use an over the counter sleep aid from Wal-Mart. Knocks me out every time.
2006-10-23 05:50:29 · answer #8 · answered by tumbleweed1954 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Melatonin is available without a prescription.
There is a new drug based on melatonin that you need a prescription for--forgot the name-- but your doctor should know it. It came out about two months ago, so should be in drug stores now.
Be careful withdrawing from drugs like Xanax and Valium, i had a lot of trouble.
2006-10-23 05:50:55 · answer #9 · answered by robert2020 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My Grandpa always said "If you can't sleep, you ain't working hard enough."
Now, I'm not advocating you get a job on a chain gang for 12 hours a day, but think about it.
A healthy balanced body and healthy balanced mind will allow you to get normal sleep.
If you don't exercise to the point where it makes you tired, maybe you should try.
Cut out all caffeine and sugar in your diet. You will be amazed at how different you feel in just one week.
Hey, sex is a good suggestion too. Do it every night before bedtime, with a partner or just yourself.
Also, mental stress needs to be dealt with. Stop being a 'victim with a disease' and take charge and responsibility of your life.
Peace and a good night's sleep come to those who are balanced in their body, mind and spiritual souls.
2006-10-23 06:03:24 · answer #10 · answered by DJ 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋