[Jimmy15]

I'm Jim from CT and 3 months ago, in an instant, my life changed. I suddenly couldn't sleep. Trouble falling asleep and if I did, staying asleep. I was stressed out with a lot of little things, but nothing major. Nothing I hadn't dealt with before. I just turned 45 around that time. I tried Bederyl, Valerian Root with Xanax (bad mix don't do it but a Dr. told me it was ok), Seroquel which I got the best sleep from but woke up a zombie. I went to a psychiatrist who put me on Klonopin and Ambien. I slept ok, not through the night but would grab the necessary Zzzzzs to function. On May 22nd, I had a complete meltdown with an anxiety attack while at work after feeling depressed about the whole situation. We flirted with antidepressant talk but didn't do it. I felt cleansed from the attack emotionally, but still needed meds to fall asleep. Started laying down early with my kids and was able to fall asleep most nights for 1.5-4 hours before waking and needing to take meds. Started CBT and they frown on that as they want a strict sleep and wake time. So far, CBT not working but they said it gets harder before its gets better. I decided to start my sleep attempts with no meds, than just the Klonopin and when I rewoke, the Ambien to try and get at least 4-5 hours. Some nights I can fall back to sleep and get 6, 7 and sometimes 8 but all a result with taking meds. My job could potentially be at stake and my wife is frustrated with the situation but trying to be tough for me. After a very difficult father's day weekend slipping into a depression and crying a lot, I decided to give Lexapro a chance. 5mg for 10 days and I'm not on my 4th day at 10mg. Not feeling depressed but have that “chained to medicine” guilt. I want my life back. I don't want to go out. Socially I've shut everyone off and it's hard on my wife. Today I had blood work to see if I have any deficiencies. Checking Vitamin D, Thyroid and Testosterone. Not sure why my primary physician didn't order it initially. I'm hoping the Lexapro kicks in and helps regulate me and I can eventually taper off the other meds and then Lexapro some day. That's my story and I'm completely frustrated. If any of this sounds similar to you and you have any recommendations, please let me know.

[Martin Reed]

Hi Jim

Welcome to Insomnia Land. You sound as though you've had a tough time of it lately. At the very least, now you've found our community you know that you aren't suffering alone. There are others out there that know what you're going through.

I am interested in hearing more about your CBT – you mention that you're finding it difficult due to the strict sleep/wake times. Do you mean it's difficult as it's interfering with your family life/routine?

Have you managed to figure out what suddenly triggered your sleeplessness? From your description, it sounds as though it hit very suddenly.

You'll find plenty of advice and support in the forums; but you'll only get out of the community as much as you put into it. I look forward to reading more of your posts and getting to know you better.

—

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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.

[xdunlapx]

There is nothing wrong with taking meds. I take meds for Bipolar Disorder, Insomnia, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety, thyroid, pain and heart burn. Meds are there to make your life easier. I hope the lexapro works for you. I know how frustrating it is to not be able to get to sleep or stay asleep. My doctor put me on a muscle relaxor and doxepin to get me to sleep and to stay asleep. My psychiatrist wouldn't prescribe the muscle relaxer but my GP did. So I am usually able to get to sleep near when I want and stay asleep. Maybe try that route? I tried many “sleeping” pills and none helped me actually get to sleep. That is my main problem. Knowing that whenever I took a muscle relaxer I fell asleep easily I decided to ask my psychiatrist about it (he wouldn't prescribe it or klonipin or anything like that – he's a wuss) so I asked my GP and he reluctantly agreed to.

I hope you find something that helps. Good luck.

[Jimmy15]

Thanks for your responses. A couple weeks ago I went to a naturopathic doctor who discovered I was lacking in a lot a nutrients and that my adrenals were shot. He also gave me a natural sleep aid, Quietude. I've used it 4 nights. Last night I took it and slept a collection of 10 hours. I'm on vacation. No Ambien needed and I only took the kolonopin (at 4:30 am) because I have to. I feel things are slightly improving as I wait for lexapro to totally kick in. Every night seems like a roll of the dice though. Felt slightly depressed Monday and have occasional feelings of anxiety. Thanks again for your replies and concern.

[Jimmy15]

Martin, CBT is still on trial basis with me. The natural path has me feeling a little better. I was assured the supplements won't interact negatively with my meds. I had a coated tongue for months and scalp acne for years. Both are improving since beginning supplements.

[Roseleb]

I was on lexapro for years and didn't think it helped but now that I've been off of it for 1 yr, my sleep is much worse. Ive tried everything. Am Trying Sleeptracksright now, so far, 1 1/2 weeks it's not working either. I can sleep w trazedone and ambien. It feel drugged the next day. I was going to look into seeing a naturopathic dr myself as so far I've been to my regular dr, psychiatrist and a “sleep specialist” who was actually an ENT dr. Whose last advice was actually ” try Benadryl” .really?! Good luck. I've had all the blood work done too and nothing is wrong.

[Jimmy15]

Been using “Quietude” and it gets me to sleep for a few hours. And I can actually fall back to sleep many times on my own when I awake. I've been getting between 6-9 hours waking up 3-4 times a night. Still taking a 1mg Klonopin but haven't needed Ambien for 5 of last 6 nights!

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