Posted by Laree on November 4, 2004, at 15:57:10
In reply to What To Do Now? (anhedonia/dysthymia), posted by SFY on November 4, 2004, at 14:41:58
I have had chronic insomnia for years; however, my main problem is sleep onset. I tried Seroquel (an atypical AP) for a while. The degree to which it worked was actually a bit frightening. Soon after I took the nightly dose I literally felt I could NOT FIGHT FALLING ASLEEP! It was insane. I have been on many meds that are supposed to help with insomnia (Ambien, Sonata, Klonopin, Hydroxyzine, Elavil, Valium, Flexeril, Zanaflex, Oxazepam) and nothing has ever worked like Seroquel did; however, it's side effects were intolerable to me. I'd have the WORST hangovers in the morning. I felt like I just could not get up--sort of a "did I get run over by a train last night?" feeling. Also, weight gain (or potential for it) was an issue for me.
I don't think I'd ever touch this med again. In fact, I called the Astra-Zeneca about it & told them I could not believe it is not a scheduled med. I felt it was extremely potent (possibly to a dangerous degree). Anyway, a very low dose of Risperdal at night might be different. The same thing had been recommended to me before but I would not take it mainly due to the poss. of weight gain.
What other sleep meds could provide a safe interaction w/Parnate if you needed one, do you know? It is my belief that Ambien reacts with relatively few other meds--prob. Sonata as well, which is supposedly good for your type of insomnia.
Best,
L.
> My pdoc said that since my insomnia is obviously depression-related, a successful trial of Parnate might help resolve it. But if not we can always try the recommended dose of Risperdal or some other AP. I'm a little wary of taking an AP just for sleep but even more so after reading posts here that APs have caused anhedonia in some people (which would defeat the purpose of taking the Parnate in the first place). So I'm having problems making a decision (which is a problem anyway because of my dysthymia) about trying Parnate or something else.
>
> I just wanted to get other people's experiences, insights, recommendations on my course of action.
>
> Thanks!
poster:Laree
thread:411757
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041103/msgs/411789.html