Posted by Torrey on May 7, 1999, at 2:29:18
In reply to Re: chronic pain, insomnia - advice?, posted by Elizabeth on May 2, 1999, at 1:42:07
Elizabeth, a few other things came to mind -
have you tried, or considered, GHB (gamma hydroxy butyrate)? GHB has been restricted in some areas, but there are legal substitutes which rapidly metabolize to GHB in the body. I have used one called SomatoPro with good results. Slept like a baby with one or two grams, and no hangover the next day. I know its been demonized in the press, but if you look at the chemistry, it seems pretty benign. Not sure if there would be a problem with your meds, though.
For pain, I've used an herb called Jamaican Dogwood, in the liquid extract. It was really nice - felt more like an opiate than an aspirin type drug. Like the pain is still there, but it doesn't matter anymore, ya know?Just another two cents...
Elizabeth wrote:
> Thanks for the ideas, but I've tried most of these. Melatonin, in particular, is a bad idea with the antidepressant I take (Parnate). Also, when I tried it (before I was taking Parnate), it exacerbated the insomnia. Tryptophan is risky (not absolutely contraindicated, but a poor choice) as well.
>
> None of the herbs you mentioned did anything for me when I tried them. (I did experiment with doses.)
>
> It's not safe to assume that something that doesn't interact with one antidepressant will not interact with others.
>
> BTW, doctors I've talked to about melatonin, as well as some people who take it themselves, have said that 3mg is probably higher than is usually necessary.
>
> If it weren't for the pain, Ambien and Parnate would be okay for me (taking all the Parnate before 3pm or so makes a big difference). I don't know of any effective "natural" drugs for pain other than morphine, codeine, etc. (which tend to have too many side effects).
poster:Torrey
thread:5249
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990501/msgs/5700.html