Posted by greenwillow on August 2, 2004, at 23:42:04
In reply to Re: Sonata+Ambien problems, need chemistry types input, posted by KaraS on August 2, 2004, at 16:58:20
> Forgive me for barging in here but have you ever considered some alternative means of sleep enhancement? I haven't read the rest of your posts so I don't know anything about what you're taking or what you've tried for sleep in the past. In that case I don't know what would be contraindicated for you but I just thought I'd mention some alternative treaments that have helped others get some sleep such as:
>
> Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
> Tryptophan or 5-htp
> Valerian
> GABA
> Taurine
> Melatonin (in small amount)
>
> I've known of people who alternate several different things on different nights. It seems to work for them and prevent tolerance to any one substance.
> Hope you find something that works for you.
>
Of these meds, Benadryl 50 mg. does absolutely nothing for me, Valarian hypes me way up!, GABA makes my face feel stiff even at 100 mg. Have not tried 5-htp or Taurine. I used to take melatonin, but developed an auto-immune illness (tests presently being done to id) while on the melatonin, and the sleep doctor thinks that taking melatonin may actually have precipitated it. Also, my cortisol levels were recently high, and if I understand right from the web, that just shuts off your ability to sleep and puts down the gland that normally secretes melatonin. (Anyone?) It is like I am wired to stay awake, and feeling more unwell every day. Among my present dxs are Sjogren's syndrome and atrial fib., so alot of meds are containdicated because of side effects. Extreme sensitivity to benzos. Trazadone, Doxipin, and Remeron are among the drugs with too many side effects and most likely paradoxical outcome. Flexeril used to work but is no longer effective, and is too drying. Hope someone has a suggestion. Regarding the hallucinating idea about the z-meds, no, I am actually up doing things in my sleep such as writing checks, etc. which we find in the morning. Last night it happened on straight Ambien with no Sonata. Help! I need sleep so badly. Greenwillow
poster:greenwillow
thread:373021
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040730/msgs/373441.html