sleepless nights

[Cokopops]

I’m so very tired all the time and yet I have problems sleeping. Is it due to hydroxycarbamide? Dosage of 6000 a week now. Not functioning well with sleepless nights. Any tips?

[Mostew]

We are respond differently to meds. Have you always slept well till now?

Maybe indirect consequence of Hydroxycarbamide, worry?, stress? Etc..

Try relaxation techniques. Do t aim to fall asleep . We can benefit just as much from

Relaxing in bed . Hopefully sleep will happen naturally.........

If they fail get up for a nice warm drink and a read .

Good luck

[Mostew]

Ps should have read. don't ....

[Cokopops in reply to Mostew]

Thank you for your reply. I had no problems sleeping before taking this hydroxy. Have lot of pain in my foot ( neuropathy) so I was prescribed amitriptyline. It helped. My GP prescribed zopiclone for sleeping. I sleep like a baby with that. But he said not to take it every night. At my age of 79 does it really matter?? It’s the lowest dose. I panic that he won’t renew this prescription.. So I take it 3 times a week… The rest of the time I have very bad night. Tried camomile, hot milk, relaxation of all sorts.. I’m positive it’s the hydroxy that’s keeping me awake. I’m hoping that the haematologist will lower the dosage after next blood tests. Platelets has been going down slowly but going up again the last two months, hence the increase. Sorry for going on and on… Again thank you for caring.

[Meatloaf9 in reply to Cokopops]

I guess we really are all different in our response to medications. Before I started on HU two years ago it took me hours to fall asleep each night. Since being on HU as soon as my head hits the pillow I am out within 5 minutes. Is it the HU or the PV, I don't know. Best

[Mostew in reply to Cokopops]

You arnt going on .. it's horrible not sleeping isn't it

[Mirror368]

I see a cardiologist for AFib. I do take blood pressure medication. As I described the headaches I was having taking Hydroxyurea, he added 25 mg Metoprolol Succinate to my BP regime. Interestingly, I sleep much better now…rarely need to take anything to sleep. I do take it around 9:00 PM.

Eileen

[hunter5582]

It is a bit hard to say what is going on. HU can cause fatigue and daytime drowsiness. Some have reported sleep issues as well. Insomnia can also be caused by the MPN, stress, or for other reasons. Given the timing if when this began, it would be reasonable to suspect the HU.

It is worth noting that HU can also cause peripheral neuropathy. Depending on when the PN began, you may need to consider the cause.

If you are certain that the HU is the cause of the insomnia, then it is worth considering a change to another medication. Chronic insomnia causes significant health issues and should be considered to be a significant adverse effect.

I also experience severe chronic insomnia. I have tried drugs like zopiclone, but they did not work well. Unfortunately, this class of medication can knock you out but at the same time deregulate sleep architecture, reducing the quality of sleep. There is a newer class of sleep medications called dual action orexin agonists (e.g., Belsomra). These medications are effective and allow for a more natural restful sleep. This has been an enormous benefit for my quality of life and health. Not all GPs are as aware of the options for managing insomnia. It may be worth checking with a sleep specialist. Note that long-term medications should be the last resort for insomnia.

It is definitely worth reviewing this issue with you hematologist. Medication-induced insomnia is both a quality of life and significant health issue. It may be that you would respond better to another medication option.

ALl the best and restful nights.

[Cokopops in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you so very much. Will have a word with both haematologist and GP.