I'm having MAJOR sleep issues. I'm currently taking 75 mg of Amitriptyline and 75 mg of Neurotin.

[Writer]

My neuro doesn't want to up my Amitrityline...has anyone used meds that work for them?

[shall1019]

I found a mixture of meds that work for me with my special issues. At bedtime I take Klonopin, (restless legs), Mirabegron (incontinence), CataplexG (B vitamin - relaxation), Melatonin (sleep).

This combo has helped me sleep for every night for the past few years.

[TL500 in reply to shall1019]

are there any side effect on this any of these or of the mixture?

[Norton1]

Writer

Please tell us a little more about your sleep difficulties and medications you are taking for Parkinson's eg. Type, dosage and timings.

As your name indicates, you are a writer (author?) does that mean that you write and carry out much research? Do you keep regular hours for this activity? Are you writing on a computer screen right up until bedtime?

How many cups of tea and coffee do you drink and what time is your last drink?

Do you get to sleep straight away or does it take a long time to get off? How much sleep do you get most nights?

You GP is quite right about not giving you anymore Amitriptyline, for normally the upper limit prescribed for sleep purposes is 50mg.

Regards

Norton

[etterus]

I have had sleep issues for years. I started taking ambien/zolpidem intermittently ten years ago. Overtime I increased to 5 mg 4 times a night. I was seen by a sleep neurologist who performed a overnight study. He recommended remeron at bedtime and I cut the ambien in half.

The doctor reasoned that although ambien is addictive sleep essential for neurotransmitter replenishment. Furthermore, pwp are likely to be dependent on meds till the end.

[soccertese]

I sleep pretty well even after 12 years after diagnosis but i read on another board that 200mg ibuprofen helped, i tried it and it does. i probably take it once a week after i wake up. i also have tried an herbal mix called SILENT NIGHT from NATURE'S WAY. Has valerian, hops and skullcap. Works but causes really vivid dreams, I assume by the valerian. Cammomile tea also helps. Have tried melatonin but wake up too drowsy.

[Writer]

Thx everyone for your suggestions. Norton, I also take 3 mg of ropinirole at night too. During the day I take 2 25/100 mg of Simenet every 4 hrs.

I'm on disability so am not working. It takes forever to fall asleep and then I sleep for an hour or so. I'm miserable!! Thx for your suggestions.

[Norton1 in reply to Writer]

Hello Writer

Thank you for your sleep details. Have you considered sleep restriction as a means to concentrating your sleep time? You don't say, but it wouldn't surprise me if, after a poor nights sleep that you have a lay-in most mornings. Sleep restriction means that you go to bed late (say 2 am) and get up at 6 am whether you sleep or not. Do this routinely Seven days a week and then bring going to bed 15 minutes earlier once you have achieved a 4 hour sleep core time and so on.

I make this suggestion because Amitriptyline is not working for you although there may be other drug medications that may help, many of us would prefer to cut down on drugs, because of side effects. I realise that many of us want an instant solution that works the same night, but 'sleep restriction' is well worth a try, if this is something you want to try, please discuss it with your GP first as it may involve a readjustment the timings you take the Parkinson's medications.

Regards

Norton

[Annie81963]

I have trouble sleeping too. Tried all kinds of meds, Ativan seems to do the trick. I use it only when I need it.

[Hidden]

I don't sleep well and have frightening nightmare's when I do. I recently went to tinnitus therapy and she said broken sleep is fine, as long as you get about 6 to 8 hours over 24 hours. She said the important thing is not to lie there longer than 20 mins awake in bed but to get up and do something then go back to bed. So I do this, 5am is a popular time for me to get up, I stay up for a couple of hours and then go back to sleep later, I live in a busy household so this is a quite time for me to have to myself. I appreciate if you are working its not possible but it works for me and gives me peace of mind x

[rustjudge]

I take a combination of Trazodone (either 100 or 200 mg ) plus mirtazapine 15 mg--usually half a tablet--and clonazepam--either .5 mg or 1 mg. They work for me and do not seem to be "addictive" as I periodically stop them or some of them. I have taken LDN 4.5 mg for 1 1/2 years as well-- it helps some people sleep but I take it to thwart the PD. Hope this helps.

[PatV]

klonopin plus valerian plus melatonin with a big cup of herbal tea, sleepytime, peppermint or the like. Takes an hour of reading. Then I sleep 5 to 7 hours depending on digestive discomfort. I also have IBS with PD.

[Writer]

Thanks everyone, this will give me some options to discuss with my neuro on my next visit.

[Jocee]

2 ibroprophen usually gets me to sleep. I sleep 3 to 4 hrs on average. Then I take 2 one hour naps during the day.

[Parkiewife]

Good thing your doc didn't increase Amitryptyline! That's a powerful anti-depressant. You need to do self-awareness. Do you drink coffee at night? Drink a beer or two? Sleep during the day? Worry will keep you up as well.

[Writer]

Hi Parkiewife, I guess I'm going to have to deprive myself of sleep during the day in hopes it will keep me asleep at night...I don't drink coffee or drink alcohol....bleh! I guess there are no magic answers for this. Thanks for your input.

[JohnPepper]

I am very wary of becoming dependent upon drugs, any drugs. Have you ever given any thought to your body's natural ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Exercise is the best way to deal with many health issues. It helps to overcome depression and it sertainly helps to overcome Pd. If you are still able to walk then start a walking program, with the goal of walking for one hour, three times a week, with one day's rest in between each walk.

I know that many people hate the idea of walking but when your health is suffering and you don't know what else to do, then give it a try.

Start by walking a short distance every second day. Then after two weeks, add a little more distance or time. Every second week, keep adding a little more time until you get to that magic one hour. Keep a record of your distance and the time taken to do it. When you reach one hour, keep trying to go further until you cannot go any faster. You will find that you will feel a great deal better, physically and mentally. The improved distance and speed will give you a new lease on life and you can get away from being drug-dependent.

Give it a try!

John