Getting off sleep meds

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  • #67993
    sbcohen99
    ✘ Not a client

      Looking for any input getting off sleep medication. I take gabapentin and Lunesta every night, sleep ok, but typically wake up 2-4 times a night, able to fall back to sleep most of the time. But really need to get off the meds. It will be tough. Any advice from others that made it through this would be helpful.

      #68055
      Martin Reed
      ★ Admin

        Have you discussed this with your doctor? If so, did they give you any suggestions?

        If you are ready to stop struggling with insomnia you can enroll in the online insomnia coaching course right now! If you would prefer ongoing phone or video coaching calls as part of a powerful three month program that will help you reclaim your life from insomnia, consider applying for the Insomnia Mastery program.

        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.

        #68173
        hiker
        ✓ Client

          Hi sbcohen99, I found that sleep meds could provide a short-term solution, but that inevitably I would build up a tolerance. So I can understand you’re wanting to move beyond them.

          For myself, it seemed like doctors just wanted to write another prescription, because they could, and didn’t feel all that comfortable discussing what was driving the insomnia in the first place.

          As for getting off meds, I also found that pharmacists know more about side effects, half-lifes (i.e. how long it stays in your system, and whether you need to taper off a particular medication). And that they are glad to share what they know.

          As for root causes of insomnia, I hope you stay with the forum and read other people’s comments. I would also recommend Martin’s materials, such as podcasts and consider taking his course. And even when you make progress, know that nobody sleeps great every night. So don’t panic if you have a setback.

          It does get better.

          #68295
          Spindledog
          ✓ Client

            If you get the medical ok to get off the meds, go for it, but have somebody or a support system ready to be there for you. Don’t try to do it alone. I recommend Martins program as he’s an expert and experienced, otherwise people will not be sympathetic to you and that’s frustrating. My doctor said to me once: you don’t need to do this insomnia recovery alone. And you shouldn’t.

          Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)

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