[Nikko]

I am so full of anxiety, my sleep or lack of has changed.

I take my meds, but I am staying up later and later, then it takes awhile to fall asleep and I still wake up early!

I know it is because of my upcoming colonoscopy procedure (which they are putting me under for) because I am 50 now, plus because I was in the hospital with the bowel obstruction, then a week later my MAJOR back surgery.

My p-doc even gave me Valium to take 3x a day, but I don't, I just take maybe one a day,then at night, guess I should take them 3x a day for anxiety, maybe that will help.

This happened before my other surgeries too. Dirk said are you on speed or something, as a joke, but that is how I appear.

I think it is everything that has been on my mind, plus all the upcoming things, it's just all getting to me. I don't feel depressed, the wellbutrin SR takes care of that, I take that in the AM.

At night I take, Trazadone, Lamictal and now Valium instead of the Klonapin, I tried even taking the Klonpin instead of the Valium, it doesn't matter.

I had no problem taking my meds at these times before.

OH, and my p-doc added a low dose of Cymbalta to take in the AM, but I was flying when I took that along with my Wellbutrin, so I just take the Wellbutrin, have to call her about that.

My pain med Vicoden, is another rev up, but not bad, it used to make me sleep, I am trying not to take them, I can take 3 per day, but I never ever do. Afraid of constipation and not being able to sleep.

OK.........any suggestions? Or do you agree it is all nerves and anxiety, as I think it is?

Nikko

[Curious]

I agree.

Try relaxing things, like quite music in the evening. No tv shows or movies that are action packed. Give yourself more time to unwind.

Bubble bath with candles. Lavender scents are relaxing.

Reading.

[Mari]

Hi,
Have you changed your Wellbutrin dose or the type of pill it is (SR or so on)?
Is it possible that the Vicodin can be effecting sleep?

I always look at the meds first when I have an issue.
Much of the time, it is the meds.

I hope that you feel better.

M.

[befuddled2]

I noticed after my mom passed I had anxiety about going to sleep. The pain of grief seemed worse when going to bed so I started to avoid going to bed. Now I enjoy not going to bed. It could be anything or a combination of things I believe.

barbara

[Mari]

Dear Nikko,

A spoon full of olive oil would help with constipation. So would some magnesium. But you prob already have home remedies.

Regarding trying to relax:
My tdoc told me to try to meditate for five minutes a few times a day. Sit still, focus on breathing, and clear your head or think of something nice.
(Sort of like that)

Anyway, I hope that you can relax a bit.

The surgery is going to help.

Maybe think about what a good thing you are doing for yourself.

M.

[Nikko]

Thanks all.....I am in such a rut - slump........I guess it is a combo of things, if I listed everything that has transpired since my mom died, but you already know, and prior to her death, and now and in the near future. I am going nuts slowly.

It's like I am awake, yet not motivated to do anything. Plus the quitting smoking is driving me up a wall, even with the Nicotrol inhaler.

I never leave the house, and it's in the 70's now. I am self-talking to myself, trying hard to change this pattern I am in, and then the grief.

I will survive, got this far, eh? Have a nice weekend.

Hugs, Nikko

[bizi]

you have quit smoking?
wow that is really tough.
they say that is the hardest thing to do so I admire you for this.
when is your back surgery?
sending warm thoughts your way along with some magic pixie dust oh where or where is our PJ?
beth

[waves]

Hi there.

Yes, i am going to fuss a bit here. Please humor me and read through, and take this to heart as i only have your wellbeing in mind.


Regarding the Valium vs. Klonopin. Both are anxiolytics but they are different meds, even if they are the same class. They have different pharmacokinetics and different potency.

Valium is about 3-4 times as long acting as Klonopin - it takes a while to build up in the system. A few weeks to come up to steady state. While you might notice some immediate effect from a single dose, your overall anxiety is not going to be properly addressed if you only take 1/3 of the prescribed daily amount.

Klonopin is 20x as potent as Valium, i.e. 1mg Klonopin is "as strong" as 20 mg of Valium as far as benzodiazepine equivalency goes. Klonopin takes a bit less time to build up to steady state and is more vulnerable to peaks and troughs.

Especially with the surgical procedures you have coming up, i would ask you pleeeeeese to take the medication you were prescribed, as prescribed. I.e. do not take Klonopin if they have asked you to stop that but DO take all of the Valium doses, whether or not you "feel" you need one at the time or not. If you are not sure whether you are allowed to take Klonopin too, "as needed," please call your pdoc and ask, to be quite certain. i kinda doubt the intent is for you to take both.

I stress, it is important to take all the doses of Valium. Taking it in three doses should have a very gentle effect on you, that you would not notice right away... perhaps after a few days you would start to notice it.

Also, consider this: Valium is often used in detox processes when removing other benzodiazepines also, so, if you had been taking Klonopin before, and have now stopped but are not keeping up the prescribed Valium regime some of your agitation could be benzo withdrawal, which is the LAST thing you need, on top of the natural anxiety and nervousness due to the upcoming events.

Please take care and be punctilious with your meds right now. If you experience excessive sedation or agitation or anything not right, then call your pdoc right away. do indeed inform her of the effect of the Cymbalta, and that you stopped it, just to keep her appraised.

You need to look after yourself, but also help your doctors look after you by following the scripts and/or giving them immediate feedback if there are problems, in particular at this delicate time.

the stopping smoking is going to make you nervous too... nicotral or not, as there is a heavy psychological component to smoking. you are doing a great job holding up there.

i wish you calmer days and i hope the Vicodin helps.





~ waves ~ the medical mother hen *squawk squawk*

[Nikko]

Thanks so much.
The colonscopy test is Friday Feb 6th at 11am - my time. I will be put under.
The back surgery is Thursday Feb. 12th 9:30 am - my time. I will be in the hospital a few days. They are giving me a new disc, plus two rods and screws in my lower lumbar.

I am to take the Valium 3x day and to quit the Klonapin.

The Vicoden is like a bandaid for my back pain. It's the pits.

That's what I have to look forward to at the moment.

Oh, plus the AZ Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl !!!!

Nikko

[waves]

Hey Nikko... jes' thinkin' 'boutcha.

how are you doing???

Hope you are feeling a bit better!

Drop us a line if/when you are up to it.



~ waves ~