Tips for anxiety/med insomnia

[Jameshuh]

Hi all,

My anxiety disorder really flared after a stressful move overseas I am on the usual menu of xanax (tapering after 1 and a half months), zoloft (1 month) and a sleeping tablet (stilnox 3 weeks) to try get it under control. Has anyone had experience with a similar cocktail when it comes to insomnia (staying asleep in particular). How long did it last? and did anything help get it under control? Thanks in advance all.

[Rosa2019]

I take Celexa for depression and Xanax as needed for anxiety. I have had trouble sleeping and my doctor prescribed a small dose of Mirtazapine (7.5 mgs) at bedtime. It will help you sleep. It is rather expensive, but a good night’s sleep is worth it. I was a complete mess before I went on these medications, and now I am OK. Good luck and I hope you feel better soon.

[Jameshuh in reply to Rosa2019]

Thank you.

[FlamingoSiren]

it’s hard to relax when you’re tensed up, even taking all those meds. What helped me the most (F/55) was getting in a low dose blood pressure medication (clonidine 0.1) and that helped everything else to work. Everyone is different. I take it as needed now and I’m so glad i have it. Have this discussion with your medical provider.

[Jameshuh in reply to FlamingoSiren]

I was taking a bit of propranolol that certainly helped but it only seemed to work for a while. I am trying to incorporate things like walking/treadmilling which also seems to help.

[FlamingoSiren]

All the best to you!

[Mofro]

If insomnia is what's bothering you the most, I've found that Trazodone has worked well for me. It's not expensive and it's not addictive. I'm trying to titrate down now because I don't think I need it as much. For anxiety, I've found Xanax to be the most effective for me, but I try to limit the amount I take when I need it.

[Jameshuh in reply to Mofro]

Can you take Trazodone long term? I am attempting to taper off xanax, it is hard to know if it is effective for sleep i've heard that it isn't long term. I'm finding exercise helps. I will have to come off my sleeping tablets soon it good to know what alternatives are out there, thank you.

[Mofro in reply to Jameshuh]

I've been taking it for a little over 2 years now and it's still working for me. At one point I had to increase my dose from 50mg. to 100mg., but lately I've only been taking 50mg.. It's also prescribed for depression, but at higher doses than I'm taking. The main thing for me is that it isn't addictive like benzodiazepines can be.

[Jameshuh in reply to Mofro]

Yes that is huge plus, I'm continuing to taper off them and will be glad if I can get off them without any major issues. Glad you found something that worked. I had never heard of Trazodone it is good info to know just in case, thanks.