Hi, I get hypnic jerks at night. I took Lorazepam one night and didn't taper it off in April 2013. I then took it on and off over two months. On average a small amount three times a week. Moved onto Remeron (mitrazapine) in September 2013. I am on melatonin (2mg). I had no sleep problems before I took the Lorazepam.

*admin edit*
I was doing ok on a small amount of melatonin with magnesium (Calm 1g), but recently I came off of the magnesium (I think I was taking too much and it affected my blood pressure) and now the hypnic jerks have come back and now having to take 2mg of melatonin. However, I am waking up and now cant get back to sleep from the jerks.

I would be very interested if anyone knew of any alternative ways to treat these hypnic jerks (vitamin D?). I would take a bath with epsom salts (but I don't have one).

Thanks a lot,
Brian.

Welcome Brian Briggs.

Someone will be along to help.

Hello Brian,
Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups.

Regarding the epsom salt baths... I recall mrsD suggesting that if you didn't have a bath you could use a foot soak and that would work as well. I will try to find what she told me about that and repost if I find it.

Yah, I can't find it specifically but I do know that there are lots of posts about epsom salt baths on the
Peripheral Neuropathy Forum
They also mention a lotion and that might be of interest to you.

In the meantime you could try reposting over on the
Sleep Apnea & Sleep Disorders Forum

There is also the Forum Seach Feature

If you type in keywords e.g. hypnic jerks, you'll find a lot of older posts.

There's also the Vitamins, Nutrients, Herbs and Supplements Forum

and the

Medications & Treatments Forum

All the best to you,
I hope you get it all sorted out.

I just tried a foot bath this evening but it had no effect.

Thanks a lot Lara. I will look at those links.


I made a recent discovery tonight actually. I didn't take the Calm magnesium tonight (just 2mg of melatonin) and the jerks have kept me awake, proving that it was the Calm magnesium that was 'calming' the jerks.

Had to stop taking the Calm magnesium as it was too much for my heart (it was giving me low blood pressure symptoms with a weak heartbeat and palpitations).
Was taking 2g fine for the last 5 months.

Any further help would be appreciated. I have hardly slept this week and I am desperate.

If I can find a way of taking the large doses of Calm magnesium in a different form that maybe might help? I tried the spray a while back but I did not notice any difference in the jerks.

Thanks again.

Brian,

It is great to have youcome and be with us. There are a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your condition. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Wow, thankyou Darlene!