Sleeping meds...

I have been on the klonopin for 2 years at the same dose, and it still works exactly the same.

Previous to the klonopin, I was on Ativan for 7+ years at the same dose, and it took that long for the Ativan to become slightly less effective (hence the switch to the klonopin).

I have been on the Trazodone for about 6 years - works the same now as it did back then.

I have heard of some people who have trouble with sleeping meds becoming ineffective, but I have really not had that problem. If I take my meds I sleep well. If I forget to take them I can't fall asleep, and if I do fall asleep by some miracle I have the most horrible, restless, unrefreshing sleep ever... most of my sleep problems do seem to stem for the anxiety that I have, but also from the pain and other physical stuff.

So, for me, I think bedtime meds are necessary for life.

I spoke recently with a physician who has "chronic EBV" and symptoms we all know . Anyhow, part of his treatment is to use Klonipine to help sleep at night -- he said he is dependent on it, and was not worried by it. I think we tend to shy away from "addictive" meds because they make us think of heroin addicts. Dependence is a better term -- kind of like diabetics are "dependent" on insulin.
Hope you get the help you need.

Hi Idealist -- I suffer with a myraid of autoimmune problems as well. I was diagnosed with mono at 15, again at 18 (with liver complications), and again at 21. Each time I had new antibodies. I was then told I had EBV. At 22, I gave birth to my twins, and did much better overall. At around 35, I began having abdominal pain, sometimes I would be doubled over. My OB/GYN said I was fine. I kept telling my PCP that I was having to get up several times a night to pee, and he told me "don't drink so much pop." I only drank one soda a day, and no coffee. After complaining several times (gotta love that HMO) he finally referred me to a urologist, who said I had symptoms IC (interstitial cystitis). He performed a test on my bladder (out-patient, non-invasive surgical) and diagnosed me. I wish I could say I don't have any more pain, but at least I know what it is. And I was able to cut down on the severity by watching my diet and cutting out caffeine completely. Have you ever been checked for this, or do you need to urinate often? Also, my sister suffered for years with endemetriosis, which was misdiagnosed time and time again. Just some thoughts...