Sallyman

[Sallyman]

Hi everyone, Sallyman here again, I am looking for some advice on sleep problems . My GP prescribed Zimovane 7.5mg which I am on for the past 18 months ( I know that you should only take them for a short while) but now I only get 4 to 5 hours sleep and some nights less, apart from the nightmares.

I am on several other medications for heart problems and high blood pressure.

Has anyone got experience of above.?

I would like to give it up because of the side effects , but then could I resume any pattern of normal sleep again?

[PadThaiNoodles]

The info on the nonbenzodiazepines (colloquially known as "Z-drugs") is, in my experience, a mine field. Everything I've found says not to take them for more than a few weeks, and that they stop working after prolonged use.

Be that as it may, I've been taking zolpidem for at least 4 years. If I forget a dose I'm reminded of that because I'm still awake at 3am. If I don't forget, then I sleep well.

So while that's different from your experience, I wouldn't necessarily take everything you read about them as gospel. 🤷‍♂️

[Identiy in reply to PadThaiNoodles]

A friend who had insomnia was given low dose mirtazapine (1/4 of a 30 mg tablet) and found it gave him a good nights sleep due apparently to the powerful antihistamine effect. Taking a larger dose does not work as other effects which are stimulating start to kick in. - same as medication mentioned below

It is not an addictive drug and works on the same principle as an FDA approved sleeping medication sold in the USA which is in fact a non addictive low dose antidepressant

AI states the following about this;

"The FDA-approved medication sold as 3 mg and 6 mg tablets for sleep is doxepin, marketed under brand names such as Silenor. These doses are considered "low-dose" doxepin and are specifically indicated for the treatment of insomnia, particularly for difficulties with sleep maintenance (staying asleep).

At these low doses, doxepin works primarily as an antagonist of histamine H1 receptors, which promotes sedation. This is distinct from its effects at higher doses, where it is used as an antidepressant and acts on additional neurotransmitter systems."

Talk to your GP re both of these and see if there are no interaction with other medication

[readyabout]

I would never use a drug to help me sleep. You may have issues which are causing this; worries, too much caffeine, late eating, late tv etc. I use Lime Flower tea, best the herb itself, but you can get teabags, also known as Linden Tea. Also meditation, and relaxing music ('New Age' genre)

[Sallyman in reply to readyabout]

Thanks very much..

[Sallyman]

Thanks very much for that advice