Trying to get of meds

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Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total)
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  • #29752
    Sleeplessinri
    ✘ Not a client

      i have had insomnia for 10+ year, first I used Natural remedies after those failed I went to OTC’s and after a few years using those I ended up on clonazapam. Which I am currently trying to tapper of off, after the failed to help and I wouldn’t wanna increase the dosage because of the high addiction rate. Anyone went thru the same thing and has come out the tunnel on the other site please share your experience!

      #29767
      gsdmom
      ✘ Not a client

        I am trying to get off of Ambien now. I have been taking Ambien since the middle of March 2019, with a break for a week now and then. Supposed to take 5mg but many times took 10mg. Last week did not take it for one night and the next day I felt like I was in withdrawal. Trying half pill 2.5mg the last 3 nights and tonight, it feels good not to feel drugged in the morning, although the sleep issue hasn’t changed much. Soon I will do 1/4 pill. Three weeks ago I started acupuncture 2x week for insomnia, 7 sessions so far. The night of the 2nd and 7th session I did get better sleep, about 6.5 hours. I am also going to try late afternoon water aerobics class since the weather is getting better, hoping that will tire me out.

        Sorry I didn’t really answer your question since I am not through it yet, but maybe we can share our experiences as we go along and get through it together. My most difficult issue is patience, wanting to do this too quickly.

        #29768
        Sleeplessinri
        ✘ Not a client

          Thank you it is always great to know that you are not alone.

          Do you think acupuncture did help you a lot?

          The first time i tried to go off to fast and it didn’t work out well, i cut it down but didn’t get completely off yet. It is definitely easier to get if a lower dose

          #29772
          Steve
          ✓ Client

            How many hours asleep on average are both of you getting now?

            #29773
            gsdmom
            ✘ Not a client

              The acupuncture has not helped a lot, I’ve read a person typically needs 6-12 sessions, I’ve done 7 so far,but I feel two of the sessions had some value.

              #29774
              gsdmom
              ✘ Not a client

                Except for the one glorious night of 6.5 hours, I average 3.5 hours of sleep per night for the last week.

                #29775
                Sleeplessinri
                ✘ Not a client

                  That’s intense, and you are still on some Ambien

                  #29776
                  Sleeplessinri
                  ✘ Not a client

                    Maybe combine 4 hr

                    #29777
                    frozensun
                    ✘ Not a client

                      I’ve been on klonopin for a year.When i stopped taking it,in few days I ended with seizures.

                      Imho dangerous drugs,very.

                      Tried to tapper off but gives huge anxiety,nervous breakdowns and I can’t remember what else.

                      It’s the only drug which gives me the sleep,but I’d say bad sleep because I wake up tired,exhausted,not fresh at all,and groggy.

                      So far it’s the only pill that gives me sleep,so I’m still using it,and I’m not at the big dosage,1mg in the evening.

                      How long you take it,and what dossage?

                      #29786
                      Sleeplessinri
                      ✘ Not a client

                        I used to be in 1mg I have been taking it for over a year now and them I tried to get off it like you did, but I had bad side effects. So I cut it by half 0.5mg and was on that for the last 6 month and am now tapering off it now, I’m down to 0.25 mg now. Not sure how my sleep will be, but I’m not happy with the drug and the long term side effects.

                        I hope that helps.

                        I’m trying Cbt now .

                        Its so awful not just to be able to lay down and sleep 🙁

                        #29911
                        Martin Reed
                        ★ Admin

                          Glad to hear that you’re trying CBT, sleepless. Are you doing CBT specifically for insomnia? Are you seeing a therapist face-to-face?

                          It can be very difficult to get rid of the sleeping pills if you aren’t taking steps to address the root cause of insomnia at the same time. Since sleeping pills don’t cure insomnia, as soon as you stop taking them, insomnia will normally return — because nothing has been done to address the underlying cause of your insomnia.

                          So, it can be very helpful to at least start a course of CBT-I before attempting to taper-off sleeping medication — and even then, you should only change your medication regimen with the approval of your prescribing doctor.

                          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.

                          #29942
                          Sleeplessinri
                          ✘ Not a client

                            Thank you yes I have been seeing a CBT-I person for insomnia in my area!

                            #29972
                            frozensun
                            ✘ Not a client

                              Is there an online course for CBT-I because there is no such therapist in my local country and near it?

                            Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total)

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