sleep meds

[Walkswim]

hi

prior to HF diagnosis I was taking quetiapine and half a zopiclone for sleep plus I have chronic back pain and take a tramadol and two Panadol to help me keep going with my walking

now I’m on entresto and avorastatin and Metropol and I’ve continued with the sleep and pain relief meds BUT my GP is pressuring me to give all those up and just take heart meds

I’m tired of him banging on about those meds not being good as the only way I can feel well and continue with my exercise and get enough sleep is with the meds

there is no real quality of life without sleep and exercise so I’m wondering if anyone has these issues

If I get sleep and have good mental health through exercise and doing my life well then I have way less stress and cope really well

surely this outweighs any side effects or risk factors of sleep and pain relief meds

Look forward to your comments

my GP is stressing me out as he’s constantly on my case

I have my CT assisted angiogram this Friday and I’m going to ask my heart specialist and my heart nurse what they think

[scentedgardener]

I can empathise with you about doctors nagging to stop pain meds, I've never had anything to help me sleep, just had to live with not enough sleep, but as you say it's not good for you, especially long term.I've been on the maximum dose of my painkillers for about 20 years, they're still effective, and about the only thing I can tolerate. Even the pain managment clinic doctor said they probably couldn't help with the pain, the worst area is my spine but they can't operate on it as there isn't a clear enough target so the risks outweigh any potential benefit.

Have you considerec any of the patches like Gabapentin, if they are appropriate for you, I understand they deliver a lower dose. Good luck.

[Mollie223]

Hi I would be interested to know what the heart specialist says I am waiting for stents and also have multiple sclerosis so have been on tramadol for 12 years !I also take half a zopiclone most nights like you say how can we function with pain and no sleep. I must say my doctor has never mentioned me stopping them the tramadol was asked for by neurologist and after trying an assortment of other meds I find they are the only ones that stop the pain. I have 2 slow realise tramadol a day according to how much pain I take either one 150 and one 100mg or if it is not so bad I take 2 x 100mg. It does get confusing though as now wondering if some of my pain is angina rather than the MS let me know how you get on

[wischo]

If they are potentially addictive as in Opiates, Diazapam or Z drugs(sleeping pills) they will always come down on them like a ton of bricks. If they are not causing any harm to you, or can not offer an alternative viable substitute I would ignore them to be honest.

[Wanderinglady]

I take half a Zopiclone at night quite often. I only get 4 -5 hours sleep without them because of severe spinal pain. I find the nights that I take them and have longer sleep, I have less Afib symptoms. Good Sleep is so important to well-being, even more so with heart conditions.

[Clipperkid]

I think perhaps you have answered your own question! Ask the professionals, they have the experience z& knowledge of drug interactions

[Walkswim]

Thank you I’ll let you know what the specialist says