Posted by Tony P on November 16, 2001, at 2:37:17
In reply to Re: seroquel withdrawal syndromes?, posted by ttt on November 14, 2001, at 19:52:40
> Does anyone know how zyprexa or seroquel work on the brain chemical to cause sleep and when we stop it, we get chronic insomnia?
> Or is it caused by some other condition or illnesses.
> I did not have insomnia before zyprexa. If insomnia is caused by other illnesses then does this mean that zyprexa somehow activate or transform the illness?
> How do I get out of this zyprexa/seroquel hidden dependency? I'm getting desperate now.I am not familiar with zyprexa or seroquel myself, but have had a lot of drug- and anxiety-induced insomnia.
What you may need, and what I'm also trying to find, is one or meds that will replace what you've been taking - but then be easier to withdraw from without as much insomnia rebound.
Trazodone (Desyrel) is effective for many people, very safe, and reasonably easy to taper off from I believe. It works slowly, and can last quite a while for some people - I find I'm still dopey next morning after 50 mg. But worth a try.
Zopiclone (Imovane (sp?)) is the opposite - works very quickly, but wears off quickly - with it alone I wake up about 4 or 5 AM. Also said to have easier withdrawal than most other sleeping meds.
I take the two together some of the time, and am now trying to taper off, as I also reduce other meds, some of which were causing the insomnia.
Kava-kava works for some people - I find it tends to excite me first for an hour or so, so it's not ideal. But also, no withdrawal problems.
There are also other herbal remedies and many non-medical ways of coping with insomnia - plenty of books and articles on the web are available. But my experience has been that if your insomnia has been severe and drug-induced, you will need medical help.
Good luck!
Tony P.
poster:Tony P
thread:84158
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011113/msgs/84385.html