Posted by Phidippus on December 11, 2011, at 18:15:25
In reply to Bipolar and insomnia, posted by Solstice on December 7, 2011, at 20:43:00
How old is your daughter? Is she also diagnosed with ADHD?
I don't see her prescribed a mood stabilizer, which is kind of essential in treating bipolar disorder. Lithium would be a good choice for her as it can help regulate sleep.
Geodon can be activating. Not only is it an antipsychotic, but it is an SNRI and norepinephrine reuptake can cause activation. Have you ever considered switching to Seroquel? Seroquel is a strong sedative and will help her sleep.
> The Trazadone was prescribed specifically to >help with the insomnia. her biggest complaint is >she believes it makes her feel sleepy during the >day.Trazadone can cause daytime sedation, however at a 25 mg dose there shouldn't be that much of an issue.
>She frequently doesn't fall asleep until 5am - >and is up an hour or two later to go to school.
This is unnacceptable, especially for someone with bipolar disorder. Sleep is essential for those with bipolar disorder and helps stabilize mood. What I wonder is if she may be hypomanic and that her insomnia is a manifestation of mania.
> We saw her psychiatrist the other day, and the psychiatrist said there wasn't much she could prescribe for her at her age.
Bah!
First of all, I think a mood stabilizer will help a lot.
Second, I think a switch to Seroquel would also benefit her.
> My daughter has heard about melatonin. Does anybody here think it's worth a try?I don't think it will help and you'll pay a lot out of pocket.
>Is there anything else about her med schedule >that might be exacerbating her insomnia? Any >ideas?
She's on an awful lot of stimulant. That may be working against her.
>I can't help but wonder if whatever brain >malfunction that's responsible for her autonomic >dysfunction also plays a role in her insomnia. >Any of you brilliant folks got any ideas?
Absolutely. But it doesn't change how the insomnia should be treated.
Here are some sleep meds you can bring up with your doctor. All have been studied as treatments for innsomnia.
Gabitril
Cyproheptadine
Clonidine
Rozerem
Atarax
Clonazepam
Oxazepam
Restoril
Lunesta
SeroquelPlease, take that list to your doctor and see what they say.
Eric
poster:Phidippus
thread:1004423
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20111208/msgs/1004723.html