Hey all,
I'm asking for my husband, who is deep in OCD crisis right now. Has anyone been treated with benzodiazepines for sleeplessness and managed to get off of them again? He is scared of addiction and won't take them, which means nights are not manageable for either of us.
Thanks for your help!
I have taken benzos and gotten off them, but I recommend Trazodone instead (Desyrel). It's a safer drug and gives you more normal sleep. Tell him to ask his doctor. Good luck!!
That must be so hard. Insomnia is bad enough on your own, but if you have a partner it can mean disrupted sleep for two people!
To be honest, I don't blame your husband for not wanting to take sleeping pills. Benzodiazepines are highly addictive and though I've not been addicted to them myself, I've heard something of the struggles that people have coming off them.
Is he already on medication for OCD, such as SSRI antidepressants? It's important to check any further medication in case it interacts with what he's already taking.
Insomnia is difficult to treat, but there are things you and he can do. Keeping the bedroom on the cool side, going to bed at the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning, and not eating for a few hours before bed - these can all help.
There are also CBT techniques that can help with insomnia. The organization Sleepio have a helpful website with useful articles and tips.
Click on 'articles' and you will find a lot that could help.
Good sleep is essential for good physical and mental health, and though it won't cure your husband's OCD it should make it easier to deal with.
It can be very hard and you have to titrate off slowly, using one with a longer half life like klonopin. But there’s a mushroom called Amanita Muscaria as well as herbs like L Theanine, Passionflower, Valerian that may help. I will likely take them for my whole life as it is the one thing that stops the OCD and i haven’t had severe reactions to coming off yet at least I don’t think, but I also haven’t gone for a months without them. There is the Ashton method to come off I beleive, and some use Gabapentin.
been on clonazapine since 2015. ctd when pancreatitis 2015. for me they cause burning hell eating anything . I was given an a d so.probably stopped shakes etc 18 months different symptoms . all for sleep. ended up back on never knew anything about them or realised . tried off tapering since 2020 hell again burning all in back eating every day .depressed . went up..Been kindled ..GP good but fed up with my endless letters I write explaining . now on 10ng Diaz from 0.5 clon to try taper but at 73 I am too scared . and on 10mg I.no.lomger wake anxious attacks or unable to keep still in bed and no longer go high chatty eating carbs .instead now just flat no interest lonely.lost friends upset last one as she wasn't honest to say things to my face and now gp says she doesn't want me on them but my stomach feels bit better. and the horror stories are just awful . I've had gastritis and pain looking back 6 years since no gb and since on off them and it's on the list of things it can cause which the leaflet doesn't mention but Wikipedia et cx
Hi MonikaAlicia. I am usually on benzos when I have an OCD episode. Just like your husband, I cannot sleep, eat or function in any ways during this period. Thank GOD for the benzos because I wouldn't have a minute of sleep if it wasn't for them. With that being said I never had issues getting off them. The longest I've been on them is about 8 months. Tell him to focus on getting better now. Benzos are his last problem.
Just fyi you are an amazing person for being here because of your husband.
This is so helpful, thank you so much!
Hydroxyzine Pam often works for me. Its basically an anti histamine used off label for anxiety / insomnia. You can ask your doctor about it. I have benzos / low dose as well. But use very conservatively. I generally will try the hydroxyzine first for sleep. As others have mentioned, good sleep hygiene makes a world of difference. Winding down early, no caffeine, no tv/computer, etc. i hope he (and you) get some rest soon. The lack of sleep (for me) makes things 1000x worse.
They should not be taken regularly for more than two weeks. Also, never quit them cold turkey.
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