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its so frustrating because my doctor will ask about what time do yo u fall asleep around 3 am or 4 am? im like i dont fall asleep i havent been able to fall asleep in 8 weeks, unless i take ambien. but i dont know what kind this is i been searching online and other insomniacs i talk to say they eventually fall asleep or they wake up throught the night, i wish i even had that. im awake the whole night if i dont take medication. i dont ever drift off to sleep, i even had to go on medical leave on my job becuase i could not function i was fatigued in the morning. whats wrong with me i cant sleep anymore not even for 5 minutes.
Did anything happen 8 weeks ago to trigger your insomnia?
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This sounds like me I just lie there and I guess I must be resting, because I don't get tired. I'm taking Zolpedem (Ambien I think). If I don't take it I don't sleep.
I was recently diagnosed with Paradoxical Insomnia. Basically, your body cannot tell when/if you sleep or not, and as a result you feel sleep deprived and fatigued constantly. The textbook definition fit me perfectly. Had I been diagnosed earlier, I most likely wouldn't have the depression and anxiety as a result. I also have to use intermittant FMLA at work so I dont lose my job.
I think that a lot of the insomnia that people suffer from has some underlying depression. I know that is true with me. The medical establishment needs to do a better job with this problem. The are so bullied by the laws that regulate Rx's. This forum is great for us that go without sleep. How we function at all is a mystery to me. There are times when I am afraid to drive. I cannot visit my family because it is a 400 mile drive and I can't do it if I havn't slept. My roomies asked me to go to the coast for a little RxR, at first I said yes, but now that I think about it, it is not a good idea. If I can't sleep, I will keep them awake, not good. So again I am being a prisoner of my insomnia.
So have you taken an ambien every night for the last 8 weeks? Or did you actually stay up all night and all the next day any time during that period?
I love this forum. Who else that you talk to can understand your situation. As I have stated before; the medical establishment needs to take this more seriouly. It is a threat to everyone, not just the sufferer. The trouble I found with sleeping pills is that they seem to lose their effectiveness. I have been using Marijuana now for about 7-8 weeks and it is a blessing. I sleep from 7 1/2 to 8 hours every night. It is good sound sleep, I wake up refreshed and no after effects. I do not know if it will work for everyone, but it is truly life changing for me. I wish all of you well and I know exactly what yoou are going through, and it is the pits.
Good sleep for all
Yvonne
My doctor continued to prescribe Zolpidem last year and I stopped worrying about it as even when I didn't sleep I was functioning okay the next day and I was obviously rested. I had been ok since December 2012 sleeping a few hours without Zolpidem. Although I woke usually about 4 a m. After about 3 months of this insomnia has returned. I have another month's supply of Zolpidem. I'm very happy at the moment and not worrying about anything, so once again I'm putting the insomnia down to change of season as the clocks are about to go forward for spring.
The only thing that works for me on a consistent basis, is what I have dubbed, “Satanax” (Xanax). It silences the noise and chatter that keeps my mind racing. Ambien gave me nightmares and had me sleepwalking. Lunesta was fine, but, if you missed the peak of it working (I could tell when I had a metallic taste in my mouth), you missed the chance to sleep, and then you were stuck.
Pros with the Xanax: works perfectly, works fast, works consistently
Cons: Once you are on it, you are on it. If you happen to miss a dose or two, or run out of it, the withdrawal symptoms are a B!TCH. I would wish that kind of withdrawal on ANYONE. And it doesn't take much. If you take 0.5 mg every night for a year, and you miss 1 or 2 days, guess what? You are going to go into withdrawal within a DAY.
I've decided rather than play with multiple sleep meds, multiple teas, etc, I'll stick with Satanax. It works.
Yvonne – I know some folks in the states where Medical Marijuana is prescribed and legal and have heard great things about it working for insomnia. There are no withdrawal symptoms like there are with the benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, etc), and no residual “grogginess”.
'rusty wrote:How are you getting on Helen? Are you still on the zolpidem?
I've been ok for about 3 months, but now it's back, but not as bad. I was prescribed Zolpidem last month and only take it when I'm desperate.
I had to go through withdrawal with Halcion, maybe even a little rebound. But I am past that now. I have been using Marijuana now for 7 months with no side effects or problems. I also use a topical for some chronic pain and it works beautifully. I know others who side with me on this topic. Some have been taken off heavy duty meds and were left no alternatives. I am happy with my solution and will continue to use it, but only at night for sleep.
I wish you well.
Yvonne
I have heard that research has concluded that weed doesn't really help sleep but I have also heard from many people that claim it works very well. Could you describe how you use it and also what kind you use. Many Thanks
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