Can anyone suggest what I can do?

[Layman23]

Has anyone on here had similar problems to me with insomnia. It is killing me! I just can't sleep at all without pills and even now if I stick to the correct dose I manage about 3 hours if I'm lucky. After a few health scares and a relationship breakup, I am permanently in a high state of anxiety and have been prescribed Zopiclone tablets. I am struggling even typing due to shaking hands, I have muscle spasms, presumably because of the tablets, and I feel suicidal. I have also now been prescribed Sertraline in addition to the sleeping tablets. I have been taking a 7.5 tablet of the Zopiclone for 6 weeks and I need to get off it. Only then, I probably would struggle to get any sleep.

[Pam34]

Hi

You certainly sound like you are having it tough. This is the restless legs forum and our reasons for not sleeping are a whole lot different than yours.

Unless you suffer from RLS (and if so please give more details) you would be best posting your query on a forum that deals with your issues. And I’d get back to your doctor and tell how you feel ASAP.

Good luck, Pam

[Layman23 in reply to Pam34]

Thanks Pam, yes I thought I may have posted in the wrong section, thank you for your response anyway.

[Pam34 in reply to Layman23]

I’ve just checked and there are other forums for sleep support and others for anxiety and depression. I’m sure they’d be much more able to give advice.

Pam

[Layman23 in reply to Pam34]

I will have a look Pam, I did register with a couple of other forums yesterday and it does always help to know I am not the only person suffering.

[Graham3196]

I would suggest you see a different doctor to get a wider range of opinions and do it today. Lack of sleep is enough to make you feel suicidal but if you read the fine print there are dozens of respected drugs that can make you feel that way. It definitely sounds that you are on the wrong drugs. Make an appointment for tomorrow if you can!

[Layman23 in reply to Graham3196]

Thanks Graham, I hate having to be on any kind of drugs at all, especially the sleeping pills, but this thing has really taken me to the brink! I wonder if I should have at least given herbal remedies more of a try for the sleeping rather than accepting the doctor-prescribed Zopiclone too readily.

[Parminter]

Layman23 - Sertraline is an SSRI, and SSRIs are contra-indicated in RLS.

What you can use is Wellbutrin or Trazodone.

Do you take a medication specifically for RLS?

Benzodiazepines help in mild RLS, but they will not help with moderate to severe RLS - except when you take a high dose and wake up three hours later. (Been there, done that, wanted to die).

RlS has two co-equal aspects - dyskinesia and insomnia - the first is not necessarily the cause of the second. They are cause by two different but related aspects of brain chemistry in the RLS brain.

Please supply more information about your condition, and any other meds you take.

For a start, go back to today's postings and look carefully at the Medical Alert Card post.

[Layman23 in reply to Parminter]

Sorry Parminter, as I said earlier in response to Pam, I posted in the wrong category.

[Seehowyour]

Hi Layman, Insomnia has been a killer for me too. The Dr. Put me on Sonata, but I can only sleep about 2 to 3 hours. The best antidepressant for me is Trintellex. I've try antidepressants for years and this one is awesome. It's expensive, but good. I feel like me again!!!!

[Layman23]

Hi Seehowyour,

Yes, 2-3 hours seems to be my sleep pattern now too, that's after taking one 7.5 tablet. It leaves me feeling shattered next day but feeling too wound up to get back to sleep when I wake up. It's a horrible way to try and function. I will look into Trintellex, must admit I've not heard of it.

[Hidden]

I experience what you're experiencing, except I have RLS However, same problem!

I'm not sure what the cause of your problem is, but if it's depression and/or anxiety then dealing with that should help.

After 6 weeks on Zoplicone, it's probably ceased to be effective. Unfortunately, you probably have some dependency on it. My GP will only prescribe 10 tabs and instructions to only take one now and again.

If the cause is depression/anxiety, there is another Healthunlocked forum for this which I've found helpful.

For both anx/dep and insomnia, it would do no harm to try non-pharmacological remedies.

"Sleep hygiene" is a set of practices to promote better sleep. Sleep is a circadian rhythm. It includes things like -

Going to bed, getting up the same time every day.

Being exposed to as much natural light during the day as possible, (or use a "SADS" lamp.)

The 15 min rule - if after 15 mins from wakening, you're still awake, get up. Don't lie in bed awake.

Don't watch TV or look at anything backlit, (e.g.PC, smartphone etc.) 1 hour before going to bed and whilst it's dark.

Don't do anything in bed other than S and S. One S is sleep.I

Try relaxation techniques or meditation, including "mindfulness" meditation.

For anxiety, I took a course in Mindfulness CBT. This is now offered by some NHS trusts as an effective therapy for mild to moderate anxiety or depression.

I hope this helps, if you don't have RLS, these should work.

[Layman23 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Manerva,

I have heard about trying some of the things you have mentioned before. I have been on the NHS waiting list for CBT for ages and have received no communication from them. It is so frustrating. I have also tried several private therapists unsuccessfully, although I havn't had contact with anyone specialising in CBT. I fear you are right about dependency on the sleeping tablets and I wish I had never gone down that route. The advice about withdrawal seems to be very cautious in terms of how gradual you are supposed to do it too. I just want to get off the tabs and still get a bit of sleep.

[DJTP1962]

I too have been prescribed Sertraline for anxiety. But I also take 15mg of olanzapine at night which is amazing because it quiets my brain enough to allow me to sleep.

[Layman23 in reply to DJTP1962]

Hi DJTP1962

Any side-effects?

[LP557]

Try 'VALERINE ROOT EXTRACT CAPSUELS'

They are for anxiety, insomnia & a whole lot of other health benefits.

From ebay under £7 for one mnth supply.

Its all organic so no nasty additives.

Its awful when you cant sleep & affects the whole of your body & mind.

The company is called

'5greens superfoods'.

There ebay user name is

5greenssuk

Good Luck

.

[Hidden]

Withdrawal from any benzodiazepine is difficult and any SSRI, be very careful how you do it.

If you try Valerian whilst still on these check for contraindications beforehand.

You no doubt realise that long term, it would be best to deal with the underlying condition.

CBT is one thing, if you've not heard, try contacting them. I once waited for 10 months after being referred for psychotherapy. I found out that the person dealing with my referral had left my file under her desk when she left. Nobody had checked!

Mindfulness CBT is another thing. There are courses in Mindfulness "abounding" now, it's becoming very popular. They may not be CBT based, but may still be of benefit and they will be accessible for a fee. Typically this is £90 - £120. If you consider this, do check the qualifications of whoever is delivering it.

I did a six week course in Mindfulness CBT with a qualified Mindfulness CBT practitioner. It was delivered by a local charity and luckily, I was eligible to attend it, for free. It was truly amazing!

It also has the effect of making you more "resilient" i.e. able to deal with the ebbs and flows in life, that we all experience.