Be careful with Periactin. My neurologist tried Periactin for my insomnia back in 1996. I took it for one day and had to stop. It instantly caused the worst depression that I have ever experienced. I was miserable. I recovered from the depression as quickly as it started just by stopping taking the Periactin. Altered thoughts is one of the listed side-effects of Periactin.

I deal with insomnia now by reducing all sensory stimuli. Soft clothes, soft sheets and blankets, soft sounds (music) etc. I also take 900 mgs of gabapentin (Neurontin) to help my mind slow down.

I just did some quick research. Periactin is still a prescription drug in the US. It appears that it is OTC in Canada.