restoril, I have been takin it since Jan. and been tryn to wean off of it since May, the 1st time I tried to stop takin it I was up for 4 days and took tylenol PM instead but T.PM stop workin so I started workin and I needed to get to sleep so of course I started takin restoril again. I really want to come off of it so I called my doc.and she prescribed me Sinequan 10mg QHS to help me sleep I have been takin it since sunday and it is not helping at all, I have been workin all wk and still cannot go to sleep. Is there any resolution for makin my body nondependent of this med.? How do I wean off of it? I have been up for 3 days already and T.PM is not even workin, what else can I try taking that is not addictive??
2007-07-11 17:42:35 · 9 answers · asked by *sexy mocha* 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
May I add that SSRI'S SUCK!!!!!
2007-07-11 17:45:09 · update #1
I recently weaned off a rx sleep aide that i had been on for 3 yrs. My doctor instructed me to cut my dose in half for a few nights, then go every other for a few. He also directed me to a web site about cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. Basically, try to go to bed at same time every night. Only go to bed to sleep or have sex. Cut back on caffeine and sugar. Exercise regularly. If you start to panic about not being able to sleep, tell yourself it will be okay and you will sleep at some point.
I just stopped. I also stopped taking naps during the day (boohoo). I stopped drinking coffee after 6 pm and no sugar after 9pm. I try not to eat after 10 pm, which is hard cause I work evenings. I started exercising. I've done pretty well. Yes, I've had some sleepless nights. But no more pills and that feels good.
good luck. Just know, you WILL sleep again at some point.
2007-07-11 18:15:26 · answer #1 · answered by goodcook 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really sounds like you just need to come off the medication. I hear they can be in your system for like 5 to 7 days. Maybe you could do some old fashion things like hot bath, sleepy time tea, and read a book. My college text book put me out.... Do not do anything stimulating, like talk on phone, computer, listen to music, etc.
I am not a doc, but trying another sleeping pill sounds like a bad idea. Can you break the restoril in to half doses and smaller and slowly wean your way off that way? I don't really know but consult your doc first. Also have you always had trouble sleeping or is this a new thing in life for you? Just be aware you are working on little sleep!!
2007-07-11 17:59:25 · answer #2 · answered by Miss Chievous 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh my homie. Sounds like your are a little shot. I know this may sound a little premature but sometimes you need to just wear your body down. Try this: wake up early say about 6:30 in the morning. Do something you like to do- watch television, eat something non-strnuous to get your day started or if you are a 8 to 5 then you are getting ready and just need some extra alert time doing something that makes you feel busy like :After dinner grab up a friend or two and run to the mall walk around chit chat get a few snacks. When you are tired of that go home take a bath, listen to some music, do some undone chores and watch your favorite show and if you want snacking never hurts. But relax. Then power up. Eat a lunch that is is good to you. It is not quite heavy but it includes something heavy with light foods and a nice beverage. After 5 have a heavy dinner. Have what you consider to be heavy...pork chops, steak, potatoes ,green beens, lemon-pepper chicken...Watch Racheal Ray for recipes. Have a alcohol tottie..Only if you are old enough...While you wait for sleep relaxed, chill, but relaxed. Since I have been working this akward shift I have to stay busy until I just get tired like a little kid. Wean yourself by just staying up and working through it. You can do it. Just work through instead of those meds. The only way to get back to the natural way of falling asleep is to do what you do naturally when you cannot go to sleep to get you to sleep or busy yourself. I hope you find a way that works for you.
2007-07-12 08:12:34 · answer #3 · answered by mississippidiamond 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
doctors push whatever poison the drug companies are selling - nearly all mental illness is the result of insomnia or nutritional deficiencies. - how to sleep - ideas. I've gotten to the point where I"m sleeping daily without sleep meds - take these ideas to your doctor - and the drugs they are giving you aren't helping you. They give you some other drug - but it doesn't help you sleep - not really.
1) exercise - I sleep much better when I exercise daily - I do at least 40 minutes of aerobic activity a day.
2) melatonin - a natural supplement - I cleared this with my doctor - 3 mg a day - I get this at a health food store - and it made a big difference in helping me sleep.
3) lavender - you smell it - not eat it - I get some of the lavender petals - crush some each day and smell before I go to bed - it helps me sleep every time.
4) bedtime activity - the last few hours should be spent winding down and helping you relax - blue light from TV and computer has been proven to interrupt sleep cycles - no caffeine after morning hours, late night eating makes you stay up later than normal. etc. This is very important.
5) relaxation/stretching exercises.
I've gone from taking sleep meds every day and not getting sleep - to getting sleep daily with no sleep meds.
your doctor won't tell you this stuff - you have to ask them. these meds are harmful long term. but you have to work with your doctor to get off. all your doctor cares is that you get sleep daily - they don't care how you do it. If you aren't getting sleep they will drug you to get it. It's a high priority.
2007-07-11 18:00:35 · answer #4 · answered by art_flood 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
STOP the restoril. JUST STOP IT. COLD TURKEY.
Over time it will wear off and get out of your system and you will be able to sleep. See a different doctor. NO MORE PERSCRIPTIONS. Why were you on it to begin with?
When I can't sleep, I drink a glass of warmed milk and it puts me right to sleep. Also relaxing my body starting with my toes and before I get to my head I'm asleep.
Worth a try. BUT GET OFF THE MEDS !!!!
2007-07-11 17:53:53 · answer #5 · answered by MELANIE 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Read page 2 at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris about tapering off, and see the antidepressant, and "the road back" websites. Insomnia treatments is on page 3. Now you know why I advise people to avoid these medications.
2007-07-11 19:02:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insomnia (sleeplessness) is due to stress,
dietary and medical problems. By making
small lifestyle changes like having a fixed
daily routine, relaxing and eating properly,
insomnia can be cured. I found the information
at http://www.nosleep.in/insomniacause.html
2007-07-12 05:10:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
k, this is what i do. i go lay in bed for 10 minuets, get up walk around for ten minuetes. after that get back in bed. you'll sleep like a baby
2007-07-11 17:50:40 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
tell your parents. so maybe you can go to the doctor
2007-07-11 17:52:09 · answer #9 · answered by Imani H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋