Help with sleep

[Timetodance]

I have withdrawn from taking 2.5 mg of zyprexa 10 months ago and still have terrible sleeping problems. I still take 20mg of Prozac daily,started meditation and walk and go to the gym regularly. Can anyone recommend something to help me sleep. Don't want to take sleeping tablets regularly as they are addictive. I do take them a couple of times a week and Eve. If I take 1/4 or a 1/2 of a sleeping tablet this only gives me up to 2 hours deep sleep. Taking a full sleeping tablet gives me about 3 hours deep sleep . Was on 2.5 zyprexa for 16 years and tried many times to get off this horrible drug. Unfortunately dr put me on this when my young niece died of asthma attack and never told me anything about it being a phycotic drug. I have never been phycotic but have suffered anxiety & depression for many years. Anxiety has eased and am not depressed just want some decent sleep . Any advice would be appreciated. I am determined not to go back on zyprexa.

[Hidden]

There are some tea that can help, you can take a warm bath that relaxes you and exercising or walks can help too

[Timetodance in reply to Hidden]

Thanks callmedanielle. Yes every night I have a warm bath with Epsom salts, I walk regularly etc and have been doing meditation and don't watch tv after 7pm but since coming off 2.5 zyprexa 10 months ago my sleep is terrible. Don't know when it will get better but definately not going back on that terrible drug. Thank you

[Hidden in reply to Timetodance]

Aww I'm sorry i couldn't be of more help i didn't find anything online either 😔

[Hidden]

Medicinally speaking, I was moved from Klonopin to hydroxyzine HCl (there is also pamoate...it's basically the same thing) because it isn't addicting for sleep. It actually is used to help with both sleep issues and anxiety. It is an antihistamine and the worst that I've read is you can become tolerant of it but not addicted. The occasions I use it, it isn't a "knock out" feeling, but similar to the drowsiness one gets from antihistamines. I can attest it does help, but I occasionally wake feeling a little groggy and dry mouth. Out of everything I've tried this seemed the best so far.

Otherwise, I've read or tried chamomile teas, warm milk, melatonin, using aromatherapy sprays (chamomile or lavender), magnesium supplements, and reading as ways to relax the mind into heading towards sleep. Avoid television, promote a cool, dark room. I'm not sure how close to bed you're exercising, but I have read for some it's a knock out punch and for others, it can be stimulating. Just a bit of what of what I can think that comes to mind, hope it helps!

[Timetodance in reply to Hidden]

Thanks veritas9983,. Will look into hci & pamoate. Do U get it from doctor? Do a lot of the other things U recommend. Exercise in the morning, don't watch tv after 7pm, warm baths, commenced meditation, take magnesium. Thank you for your suggestions. I hope U are now sleeping well.

[Hidden in reply to Timetodance]

No problem and yes I believe you'll need a prescription for it. It might depend where you live of course. In the States you do, but they sell a very drowsy Benadryl over the counter so it's weird. If you haven't already, I had a sleep test done recently which showed some sleep apnea, so that is always worth looking into. Hope you're able to find some good strong sleep soon!

[Timetodance in reply to Hidden]

Thanks veritas9983. Getting sleep test done next week, although they do say coming off zyprexa U do have major sleep problems. I think my brain may need to learn to sleep again. All the best

[foxglove_pnw]

Hi TimeTodance ,

If you google withdraw problems with Zyprexa you will read hundreds of posts complaining of the same thing.

I don’t have an answer but I have a friend who is also struggling with sleep problems due to zyprexa .

Hang in there ! Try to find a doctor who believes in Zyprexa withdrawals and search for a community online where others are going through the same thing !

Good luck !

[Timetodance in reply to foxglove_pnw]

Thanks foxglove, yes have been on those sites. There really doesn't seem to be any success stories in them only stating that sleep is terrible for them. Will persevere with exercise & meditation. Best wishes to U and your friend . I hope she succeeds