Sleep!

[GracieSimp]

Is nytol safe to take while on steroids?

[Marijo1951]

I hope so, well I'm fairly confident it's okay. There are two versions of Nytol, one is herbal and in my experience no use. The other contains an antihistamine, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, and I do find it effective. I actually use a cheaper version from Boots 'Sleepease'. I buy the 25 mg tablets and just take one which works for me, although 50 mg is the recommended dose. I believe Tesco also do their own version. I don't use it that often, just when I sense that I'm going to be wakeful. I should add that I am well over the regular insomnia that I had for the first few months of taking pred. By the way all these sleeping tablets that contain an antihistamine are kept behind the pharmacy counter rather than out on the open shelves.

[GracieSimp in reply to Marijo1951]

Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I know a few people who have used it to help them sleep. Sometimes you need to experiment a bit - some have said one sort works, another doesn't.

If you are ever really unsure, speak to your local pharmacist - not the counter staff, the qualified pharmacist.

[Mary63]

Some people who have trouble sleeping are prescribed amitryptilene by their doctor. (Sheffield Jane for one). And some get good results from using melatonin.

[Suet3942 in reply to Mary63]

Was on Amitriptyline for 4 years and then started to get an irregular heartbeat which kept me awake. Have now stopped taking it and my heart rate has gone back to normal. Shame, cos it does aid sleep. Apparently it can cause heart probs so be aware if you do take it.

[Mary63 in reply to Suet3942]

Thanks Sue . Really useful info.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

My GP recommended it. But not to take every night - about every 3rd or 4th night. Enough to give you a good sleep, but not enough to get reliant.

[GracieSimp]

Thank you all.

[survivalist]

I drink chamomile tea before I go to bed this seems to work

Helps with Diabetes, Reduces Inflammation, stimulate the activity of osteoblasts, the cells which build bones and a few other things as well

[GracieSimp in reply to survivalist]

No idea chamomile had all those benefits - been drinking it before bed for years but defo not helping me sleep at mo!

[Telian]

I took Amitriptyline 10mg at night, as I could only sleep for two hours, when first on pred. It worked a treat. Was able to come of it straight away when I got to 4mg. I'm back up a little now, 4.5/4mg but don't need anything to help me sleep. 5/6 hours is my max since starting pred without help. Have accepted that's me now.

[GracieSimp in reply to Telian]

Is it a prescription drug? 5/6 hrs wound be heaven as only get 2!

[Telian in reply to GracieSimp]

Yes - Rheumy prescribed mine but if you don’t have one ask your GP. You shouldn’t have any problem as you can’t manage on 2 hours every night - I was near euphoria Rheumy said.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Telian]

I take amitriptyline as an antidepressant but know people on the forum are prescribed a low dose to help them sleep and it seems to help quite a few it's a prescribed drug so you will need to see gpx

[Telian in reply to Yellowbluebell]

It is used for many different conditions - hubby takes it for trigeminal (spelling?) neuralgia and son takes for bad headaches.

[SnazzyD]

If I’m having trouble I use the strong antihistamine Phenergan which is used for this purpose and well as motion sickness.

[GracieSimp in reply to SnazzyD]

Ok thanks - assume pharmacist/doc approved to take with steroid medication

[SnazzyD in reply to GracieSimp]

GP

[Hidden in reply to GracieSimp]

Gracie, cross check with your Pharmacist first if you are on any other Medications & be aware Phenergan affects can be increased by alcohol!

Try & always use the same Pharmacy as then you have a record of your prescribed Meds then if you add anything in or are prescribed something new, ask Pharmacist to cross check for Contraindications.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to SnazzyD]

I had forgotten about phenergan so got some at boots this afternoon to give a try. We shall seexx

[SnazzyD in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I use the 10mg NOT 25mg as I’m sensitive to anything with sedative properties. Last time I could only get liquid form. That might be a better option for people worried about colourings on pills which are bright blue in the 10mg.

[Yellowbluebell]

I dont sleep for about 4/5 nights then crash. Doctor has now given me zopiclone but I try not to take it too often.