sleeping aid help?
 

Hi probably like many...I have insomnia perhaps 3-4 hours of sleep has been tops...since my accident 7 weeks ago..my Dr. perscribed 10mg. dose of Apo Nortriptyline before bed but it is not doing a darn thing...is any one taking any sleep aid that helps that is not a heavy anti depressant?

Thanks a million...
Goale48

Hi, I had nortriptyline in a very small dose at one stage - apparently in a lighter dose it is meant to be like a relaxant - not for anti depressant purposes. My psychologist has suggested that I don't have any caffiene after 2.30pm - and I love diet coke so will have to find something else to enjoy drinking - have given up alcohol as if just gives me major headaches wine especially.

I also took mersyndol for a while - my daughter was using it for migraines and it has a "sleepy" component - I used that for about 6 months - it is an off the shelf medication, my doctor suggested that I stop taking it as it has a codeine base apparently and can be slightly addictive.

At the moment I am having 25mg dothiepin approx 2 hours before going to bed which can make me drowsy - and only works if I take immediate action when I feel drowsey - like straight to bed and don't read. I think that is another drug which can be used for depression but again in smaller doses it can help you relax and sleep.

I am very anti drug so don't intend using it for much longer. Have tried several homeopathic medications without much luck. When I manage to have sleep in the afternoon and not become too tired I find that I sleep a lot better at night. Though I think about 5 hours would be about my best.

Lynlee

Hi,
My son took 6mg or 2 tabs of Mellatonin for many months after his injury and this helped him alot. You can just buy it in any drugstore. It is a natural sleep aid. He just this past month stopped taking it after weaning down to 1 tab for a few months and is now sleeping withiot help. Good luck! The rest is very important.
Nancy

My Neurologist prescribed a low dose of Seroquel (75mg before bed). Works like a charm for me.

I hope you find relief! I know how awful it is to not get enough sleep!

~Lori

Thanks, I'm seeing my Neurologist next week, (my Conc DoC) lol...I'm going to mention these ideas, at least I decided when I cant sleep I'll get some work done until i feel dizzy enough to slumber thanks

Having been fed a significant number of meds - all of which didn't work or had side effects, I found two good over-the-counter alternatives :-
Tylenol PM - when the evening is accompanied by the usual headaches.
Melatonin - when there are no headaches.

I have had PCS for 20 months now, so had ample time to find out what does & doesn't work !!

Tylenol PM
 

I learned that benedryl is the active 'sleep' ingredient in Tylenol PM- so if you don't have a headache or other aches and pains, you can take benedryl to help you sleep too.

For sleep at night Trazadone has saved me. I hope you find some thing that can help.

GOALE.... wondering if you've found anything to help your insomnia??

I too have had major sleep problems and over the years have tried many things--OTC, RX, herbs, supplements, etc.

I still have NOT found anything that helps or works well for me. The meds that did help w/ sleep had adverse or undesirable side effects (like feeling drugged for days, increased headaches and other exaccerbation of other problems.

Most recently sleep specialist /pulmonologist prescribed Rozerum. Worked first nite but that awful drugged feeling, then after few nites just didn't seem to work as insomnia continues. So not worth that "hang over"...
I did ask this DR about Melatonin--he said the biggest problem is Not knowing what or how much actual Melatonin you are getting--can vary or not be as stated , as occurs w/ many vitamins & supplements.

I've tried Ambien & similar sleep meds; help me fall asleep but not to stay asleep (even the extended release forms)

I've not had luck w/ antidepressants either. Had allergic or adverse reactions.

Some muscle relaxants have helped me. Valium was best but it too was not w/out issues & concerns...

Kava, brewed as herbal tea Polynisian style, was most helpful herb as was cannabis but issues w/ accessing & legalities (w/ latter herb)
will look into getting Kava again... used to grow it ... but don't live in that climate now...wish I did!! don't like cold & other winter elements ....like ice storm forecast to hit w/ deep freeze and more snow...

anyway, hope you find something that helps. Not sleeping --well or enough or at all-- is Not good....