[Mrivers322]

Hi Everyone!

Newbie here, first post.

I dont know why I am just now Googling “Insomnia”. Well, I guess I do. I’m running out of options and have seen so many doctors, tried so many medications.

Under the care of a specialist I was heavily medicated by opiates for 8 years. It’s been 4 years since I came off of them. While I was in them (and before) I slept ALL THE TIME. The week that i came off of my last tapered dose, the insomnia hit. I have been a victim ever since.

I dont have a pattern, or maybe I do, I just havent recorded it yet. But some nights I can sleep peacefully for 10 hours. Of course this is with the help of Lunesta/Ambien. Some nights I wake up after 2 hours and cant sleep the rest if the night. More commonly though, I will go sometimes 3 nights without one minute. This is happening a lot.

I’ve tried Melatonin, Valerian root, Trazadone, Lunesta, Ambien, Benadryl, etc. You name it I’ve tried it. After 4 years the only thing that helps me maybe twice a week is Lunesta.

I have become desperate as these days without sleeping us messing with my mental health, home life, wirj life. EVERYTHING.

I went to see my PCP last week and she suggested a low dose of Seroquel (an antipsychotic…) She told me that in low doses it helps significantly with Insomnia. I was concerned at first to go this route. An antipsychotic?? I did my research all night (you know, since I dont sleep anyway).

Two days later I went back to her and said yes, I’ll try it. Low dose right? Yes.

Over the course of the next week, the dose was doubled, tripled, changed from immediate release to extended release then BOOM. Total psychotic break from reality. It was awful and scary. Today I’m feeling a little more normal. I have had to take off (without prior notice) the entire week due to side effects from the medication and the side effects from not sleeping the last 4 nights. This is the longest I’ve gone. I’m at a breaking point. I feel like I’m going crazy. Of course the Seroquel didnt help…

I was so excited because I kept reading how people got the best sleep of their lives on it, at low dosages too. Why not me? Who do I turn to next? Is there a sleep study that can be performed to give me an official diagnosis? I’ve tried all the medication, what’s left to do?

[Martin Reed]

Welcome to the forum, Mrivers322, and I am so sorry to hear that it seems the only “solutions” you have been offered for your insomnia have been medications and supplements. Have you been diagnosed with a medical condition other than chronic insomnia?

The best treatment for chronic insomnia is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). I know you have tried a lot of things to improve your sleep. Is CBT-I something you have tried?

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The content of this post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, disorder, or medical condition. It should never replace any advice given to you by your physician or any other licensed healthcare provider. Insomnia Coach LLC offers coaching services only and does not provide therapy, counseling, medical advice, or medical treatment. All content is provided “as is” and without warranties, either express or implied.

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