Getting off sleep meds?

Question

Has anyone ever been able to get off meds that help them sleep? I am on psych meds & have been for over a year. I hate the side effects (I am bipolar). I so badly want to get off sleep meds. Anyone had any success & how?

Answer 1

omg, dude. that is the worst to get off of. i did it but i didnt sleep for sh i t for like 2 weeks. but i still take 2 benedryl every night, which honestly does work. but i took amitryptlene and ambien, and i wish i never started. try reading, that helped me. or try working out like around 7 or 8 pm. that might tire you out a little. good luck!!

Answer 2

I found avoing products with caffiene and sugar past 4pm helped with sleeping. Eating a large meal can sometimes keep you up. Eat small healthy meals and you will feel much better. Regular exercise also helps your body and will make you get a more regular sleeping schedule.
Slowly taper off the sleep meds.. usually going down in incriments of 5mg, then 10mg, then 20mg, then 40mg etc.. Stay at each stage for about a week. It takes a long time but you will slowly wean yourself off of them. It worked quite well for me.

Answer 3

My husband did, he started to wean himself off by cutting it to one every other night, after a week he went to 3 a week, he experienced some insomnia but he persisted, now he's off them about a month. Some nights are bad, but I decided to give him a glass of red wine when he thinks he can't sleep. That happens about once a week. He's trying to keep a schedule, go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time, even on weekends, that seems to help more than anything.

Answer 4

hi,
I am Bipolar as well and if it weren't for the sleep meds, I would and did have major insomnia problems. I wish you had mentioned the side effects... if they help you sleep, I'm wondering why you want off them. In any case, you need to speak to your Doctor about the proper wean off that particular drug, that dose you are on. Don't try and wean yourself!
And don't stop them "cold turkey".