He has just been prescribed Zyprexa 5mg to help him sleep. He already takes 200mg Zoloft for his depression. He's been on the zoloft for about 2 years now and is still not sleeping very well. I'm trying to find out how long before he goes to bed he should take the Zyprexa for it to have the best effect. He's also going cold turkey off marijuanna at the moment (5 days so far) He's been using it way too much over the last few years to try to cope with life. I understand this works against his Zoloft and the doctor can't tell if his zoloft is working until he stays off the dope for a while.
I'm desperate to help him but don't know where to start.
2007-07-07 00:47:54 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I always wondered what was the motivation to answer all these questions on this site, and all the sudden I understand... One reason that your man may not be able to sleep is the zoloft! You might think, as I did, that because it calms you down overall that it would be good to take before bed, but the fact is, is that it has stimulant properties that can prevent sleep. So take it in the morning (I still had sleeping problems even then), or switching to another medication. After zoIoft I took lexapro, then started sleeping for like 14 hours a day... which became unacceptable in its own way, but quite a relief at first.
He really does need to stop smoking - I basically started taking anti-depressants to counteract the depression that smoking lots of weed brought on, though I wouldn't have acknowledged that cause and effect at the time. Weed helped me cope day to day, but overall its very harmful... You just get way too closed in on your thoughts.
Your doctor does have a point, but its negated by the fact that your boyfriend has been taking it for 2 years... only you man knows whether or not the drug is working, and that he would definitely know after 2 years. I recommend at least 3 weeks to get all the weed mentality baggage out of his way of thinking, then switching to another medication.
The best antidote I have found for depression is exercise and a low sugar diet that is full of whole grains, because sugar and white carbohydrates make you crash, and not smoking weed. 20 minutes of intensish cardio at the gym will work wonders even just after 2-3 weeks. Exercise and diet are essential, but in no way cure-alls.
2007-07-07 10:55:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I took Zyprexa and it did make me tired, but didn't help me sleep because of the stress from my depression. Zoloft is not a sleep aid, so that's obviously not going to help in that arena either. And, it's wonderful that he's getting off the weed, I've been off EVERYTHING for over 5 years and feel great in that sense. But, since it's only been about a week, he may still be detoxing and that can affect your sleep.
I'd say for best results take the Zyprexa up to 2 hours before he goes to sleep. That way you're sure it's in his system and he will definitely be tired. Also, he should try to get in some exercise during the day...walking, jogging, running, biking, basketball, soccer...anything that exerts physical energy and makes him sweat. Then, there's always the warm milk, a hot bath or shower and counting backwards from 100. You can also do breathing exercises, tighten your muscles starting from bottom to top and releasing them while laying in bed and cut out as much, if not all caffeine as possible. Also, don't eat for 2 hours before going to bed as this makes your body "work" by having to digest the food!
Hope that helps and I wish both of you luck!
2007-07-10 02:39:55 · answer #2 · answered by Primordial Soup 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pot isn't going to help. It will make it worse. Tell him for now take the Zyprexa. His next doctors appointment, I recommend he asks his doctor for something else. Everyone I know, including myself has gained a tremendous amount of weight on Zyprexa, fast. This is not going to help his self esteem. There are good alternatives. I refuse to take Zyprexa. He also needs to eat 6 small well balanced portions a day, exercise, Breath, get enough sleep (not to much, as he will feel worse) listen to cheerful or peppy music, watch a comedy, go outside and do something. Studying and applying positive thinking and improving self esteem will also help. People I know who were addicts, keep busy so they won't think about it. There are support groups out there. However, a lot of people don't believe pot is addictive. Please don't push him too hard. These things take time. He should take it one day at a time. GL
2007-07-07 01:21:19 · answer #3 · answered by Ann S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all that stuff is making him sleepless.
he must first get off drugs. Get him to AA, the 10 step process to get off of an addiction. Their steps are for alcoholics but will work on people who are addicted to drugs too. You get to the AA meetings too so that you can not be his enabler. Then you both see a psychologist together and work on your home problems together so he can learn to cope. Get him checked out by a general physician (blood test) and see what he's lacking and why the addiction. If he's on marajuana he would be jailed or fired from his job and his problems will be a heck of a lot worse. I've heard that Zoloft may not be good for all people...so try the other things I've suggested. He needs to learn some coping skills (that's what the psychologist is for).
2007-07-14 17:22:46 · answer #4 · answered by sophieb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's going good by quitting the pot. Now he needs to keep at it.
Since he is dealing with so much stuff all at once, he might need to actually check into a clinic that can help watch. Right now, there is no real way to see if the Zoloft will work or not, since you say the marajuana counters it. After two years, though, I would question whether the stuff really is working at all.
Good food, plenty of water, plenty of sunshine, and a good exercise regime do a lot toward dealing with most forms of depression and addiction recovery. Go with him to his doctor and ask about that.
Good luck!
2007-07-07 01:14:59 · answer #5 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have 2 start by having him off marijuanna first & since he has the problem of chronic depression, this has 2 b done in a proper clinic. Once he is off marijuanna, he must see a senior psychiatrist 4 his depression.
2007-07-07 00:58:06 · answer #6 · answered by ahsan a 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aw, i'm feeling terribly sorry for you.
I'd really love to help you..
But i think the bestest way to help is to enjoy life.
Laugh more!
I'd once read a book about Laughters and it stated that if u laugh on the correct stuff, it will help to produce more happy cells to kill those bad ones.
Perhaps renting some comedies and walk in the nature for a long period.
I really hope that helps. :)
2007-07-07 00:58:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Everything takes time. Withdrawl takes time - n 4 the meds 2 build up in his system takes time. Ull notice results of both in about a mth. (if he stays on med n stays off pot) It is very painful - I admit. Been there - patience n support. Its worth the struggle.
Best Wishes. =)
2007-07-07 01:28:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tylenol makes a pill called simply sleep that is non habit forming and works really well. Some vitamin stores sell Tryptophan which is the amino acid in turkey that makes us sleepy at Thanksgiving, it works pretty well too!
2016-03-15 00:14:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Massage can help him sleep well. But, what he really needed is your love. Love is the most powerful medicine to cure smoking, alcohol, or drug problems; doctors only can help symptoms. I know you love him; if you do not love him, you would not ask this question at first place. The question is did he knew that you love him. Make sure he know you love him is where you should start.
2007-07-07 01:57:47 · answer #10 · answered by nobody 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋