![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2005, at 19:46:51
It always works and I'd even cut back. But knowing I have to get up early makes me wake up about an hour later. And even taking more did no good. Only about three hours last night. Worry worry worry. I can't stop! When things are going well no problem at all. thanks, Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by RobertDavid on December 6, 2005, at 21:59:23
In reply to Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2005, at 19:46:51
I too have trouble sleeping. I've tried just about everything. Benadryl keeps me from sleeping good and I'm tired in the morning. No help with Ambien either. What has been working is Lunesta 3mg.
My doc says it's non narcotic and can be used on a regular basis if needed. Who knows. If you haven't tried it, I'd give it a shot.......
Posted by vbAgent on December 6, 2005, at 23:41:39
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by RobertDavid on December 6, 2005, at 21:59:23
I would definitely give Lunesta a trial run. It should help you get a full 8-hours of sleep. Also, like RobertDavid stated, it is apparently safe to take long-term. As I'm sure you already know too well, don't put this off b/c unabated insomnia will cause havoc on your life.
Posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2005, at 23:44:34
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by vbAgent on December 6, 2005, at 23:41:39
Hey I still have a script for two free 3mg lunesta tabs in my car. At least I can try them right? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by RobertDavid on December 7, 2005, at 0:04:17
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep! » vbAgent, posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2005, at 23:44:34
I'd go for it Phillipa. Lunesta has worked well for me when just about all other meds I've tried do nothing or just give me side effects. For me it's just a gentle falling asleep. Real smooth. I don't wake up tired even if I wake up 6 or 7 hours after taking it (they generally say to make sure you have 8 hours to sleep after taking).
If I take it several days in a row then skip a day or two my insomnia is no worse than before. In my opinion this is was one of the best new drugs to come out in any catagory. Has lived up to it's hype, at least for me.
I'd give it a try! Good luck!
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on December 7, 2005, at 1:02:52
In reply to Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2005, at 19:46:51
Dearest Phillipi:
Sometimes you will take a med (let's say Benadryl) and it will make you sleep like a dream. Then two months later, you will take the same med and it will have the opposite effect. I think the X factor is to see if you are accompanying it with different meds.
Say for example, if you take a Benadryl and nothing it may make you sleepy, but it you take a Benadryl and medicine X, the mixture may have the reverse effect. Hope you get some sleep!
Posted by vbAgent on December 7, 2005, at 1:17:17
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep! » vbAgent, posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2005, at 23:44:34
> Hey I still have a script for two free 3mg lunesta tabs in my car. At least I can try them right? Fondly, Phillipa
If we never try, we never fail. Just do it! Grab that script and fill it, Phillipa. Although your insomnia will hate you in the morning, tomorrow will thank you.
Wow, that sounded cheesy beyond retribution, didn't it?
Posted by med_empowered on December 7, 2005, at 5:58:58
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep! » Phillipa, posted by vbAgent on December 7, 2005, at 1:17:17
hey phillipa! yeah, id try the free lunesta. Its approved for long-term use and..its free. Long-term, Lunesta may or may not be the thing to do. But...the important thing *right now* is to get some sleep. Whatever you can get that's safe and effective, I'd grab it.
Posted by Phillipa on December 7, 2005, at 18:07:47
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep! » Phillipa, posted by vbAgent on December 7, 2005, at 1:17:17
Didn't work. I posted a Thread below on what happened but basically the script was written in April. Took it to the pharmacy and since the script was over six months old would not fill. They said it was a controlled med. How can that be if it's nonaddictive? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by vbAgent on December 7, 2005, at 23:50:27
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by Phillipa on December 7, 2005, at 18:07:47
Hi Phillipa,
That really blows! :-(
Pharmacies know their controlled drugs. Lunesta is a Schedule IV controlled substance. All of the newer non-benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotics fall into that controlled drug schedule.
When is your next doc appt.? If it's more than two weeks from today reschedule for as soon as possible, Phillipa.
Take care...
Posted by Phillipa on December 7, 2005, at 23:57:23
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by vbAgent on December 7, 2005, at 23:50:27
vbAgent it just doesn't make any sense to me. Advertised as nonaddictive but controlled anyway. Did you see my Post about lunesta further down? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by vbAgent on December 8, 2005, at 23:48:28
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep! » vbAgent, posted by Phillipa on December 7, 2005, at 23:57:23
>> vbAgent it just doesn't make any sense to me. Advertised as nonaddictive but controlled anyway. Did you see my Post about lunesta further down? Fondly, Phillipa
Yes, I read your other post and everyone's response.
It doesn't make a lot of sense to me either. The newer non-benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotics (Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta) fall into that controlled drug schedule simply because they *are* sedative/hypnotics. They have a higher abuse potential than, say, Remeron and Benedryl. It's a control mechanism.
What med_empowered said about anxiety is exactly right. Patterns of self-medication (alcohol, marijuana, unnecessary dose escalation, etc) is a reason that psychiatrists are cautious about prescribing controlled medication to their anxiety patients. Although this isn't fair to those who use their prescription (or not-otherwise-prescribed drugs like alcohol and marijuana) drugs *responsibly*, they are helping us avoid the possibility of detrimental, self-destructive behavior.
I take Adderall and Ambien CR. Like others have experienced, my pdoc is comfortable (as far as I can tell) prescribing both. She hasn't even uttered the word "benzo" despite that anxiety is a major contributor to my difficulty sleeping. The social worker I talk to every month would like to see the doctor prescribe a benzo.
Anyhow...Phillipa, I do the same thing as you when meds stop working, especially a sleep med! I start to panic, which just makes it worse! This is normal for most people.
Take care... :-)
Posted by Paulbwell on December 10, 2005, at 0:28:28
In reply to Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by Phillipa on December 6, 2005, at 19:46:51
> It always works and I'd even cut back. But knowing I have to get up early makes me wake up about an hour later. And even taking more did no good. Only about three hours last night. Worry worry worry. I can't stop! When things are going well no problem at all. thanks, Fondly, Phillipa
Ha! bring back Seconal ha?
I have to take 10 of thoes yellow things, with a few drinks, for sleep.
30mgs Ritalin often helps more.
Cheers
Posted by Phillipa on December 10, 2005, at 0:49:24
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by Paulbwell on December 10, 2005, at 0:28:28
Paul it's working again. It was the thought of having to get up early that kept me awake. Stress is mightier than the med in my case. Those nights a thousand mg of any med wouldn't have put me to sleep. Love your friend, Phillipa
Posted by corafree on December 21, 2005, at 13:27:33
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep! » Paulbwell, posted by Phillipa on December 10, 2005, at 0:49:24
My State mental health program doesn't have any Lunesta or 'good' sleeping pills on its formulary.
They do have Restoril but would not allow me to have it.
So, I had to go back to an AD sleeper, trazodone. It works, but to me it's a 'dirty sleep med.'
Wish my State program would 'see the light'; .. they're goal should be to help us get better, not 'mess us up more!'
For me, 10mg Valium would not give me a full night's rest; maybe when I was much younger and had not been through so much trauma, and all the other benzos.
I'm all for the straight, clean, sleepers Phillipa. Hope you can get refills if they work as well as sounded above.
Quick subject chg pls - Anyone ever hear about LIBRIUM these days?
ho ho hopetheseholidaysareoversoon cf
Posted by ed_uk on December 21, 2005, at 15:08:20
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep! » Phillipa, posted by corafree on December 21, 2005, at 13:27:33
Hi cf,
>Anyone ever hear about LIBRIUM these days?
Chlordiazepoxide. What about it?
Ed x
Posted by corafree on December 21, 2005, at 16:39:37
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep! » corafree, posted by ed_uk on December 21, 2005, at 15:08:20
Hey Ed X (or ukxyz, just kiddin, ha)!
Chlordiazepoxide - Librium.
Well, to answer your question, see following:
I've been thinking about the different benzodiazepines lately.
When I was younger and had my first panic attack, a P prescribed Librium.
It worked wonders, but when my boyfriend found them, he made me flush them down the toilet.
Librium not only zapped anxiety, but also helped w/ resultant depression.
I recall it taking away that 'feeling bad about my life and behavior' and 'worrying about what other people thought about me.'
I made mere mention of it once here w/ a State P, and it threw up a real 'red flag' in my chart. So, the next P I saw (w/o ever meeting before), prejudged me, and his first words to me were 'I'd like to d.c. any benzodiazepines.'
Of course, I asked WHY?
One of his reasons (he told me) was because of my asking for Librium.
I hadn't even asked for it. I kind of even chuckled when I mentioned it. The professionals usually never write down 'your demeanor' when speaking a word or sentence, just the word or sentence. Therefore, anyone can misinterpret your statements. It's like you need to say, 'please write down the work LAUGH in parentheses .. when you do say something in jest because maybe you know a P well. Not enough time for the meanings behind the words I guess. It is very important though as misinterpretation of what you have said can lead to trouble.
I think it is a benzodiazepine. I think it is stronger than Valium, yet not for sleep.
I wonder why it is never talked about and no one I know is on it.
I should have looked up info re: net, but being 'the needy person' I've become (Yuch! See! I worry too much about what others think of me! I worry I ask for more than I give.)
I took the shortcut by asking for you all there for your time spent researching or learning about Librium. I apologize, but I'll prob' do it again. My memory and stick-to-it-ness are slipping.
I have a million things TO DO in the next 2-1/2 days and am feeling agoraphobic and isolated in my new uncozy home. Excuses, excuses, right?
I am use Valium daytime .. doesn't make me sleepy .. tho after 9mos may need a boost in dosage -or- a stronger benzo, as have had some break-through panic.
My dx is NOW GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), but for some reason (probably mind and body are so used to it) cannot go w/o an AD .. back on Eff-XR after Prozac failed.
I cannot sleep w/ Valium and was denied the only thing on the formulary, Restoril. So, had to add another AD (Didn't/don't like that!), good ole' trazodone, which knocks me out after two puffs of a cig, so have to be careful if have a smoke.
Do you know anyone who takes Librium Ed?
Do you know if it is still prescribed, and for what symptoms or dx?
Just anything you may know or have heard about it - would appreciate.
Good to hear from you - Have a Good Ho Ho Holiday!
bestwishes, cf
Posted by corafree on December 21, 2005, at 16:44:34
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by corafree on December 21, 2005, at 16:39:37
This is just a, I forgot to check ...
'notify you of later follow-ups to this thread'
... waste of everyone's time, but mine.
Tks & sorry, cf
Posted by ed_uk on December 21, 2005, at 17:21:17
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by corafree on December 21, 2005, at 16:39:37
Hi cf
>I think it is a benzodiazepine. I think it is stronger than Valium, yet not for sleep.
Yes, it's a benzo, the very first benzo in fact.
>I wonder why it is never talked about and no one I know is on it.
American doctors like new drugs, they don't like old ones. No offence but it's a fact LOL. Librium is a very old drug, it's basically just out of fashion. Newer benzos like Klonopin get prescribed instead. There's nothing specifically wrong with Librium.
>Valium
What's your dose?
Ed x
Posted by Paulbwell on December 22, 2005, at 3:01:38
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep!, posted by corafree on December 21, 2005, at 16:39:37
> Hey Ed X (or ukxyz, just kiddin, ha)!
>
> Chlordiazepoxide - Librium.
>
> Well, to answer your question, see following:
>
> I've been thinking about the different benzodiazepines lately.
>
> When I was younger and had my first panic attack, a P prescribed Librium.
>
> It worked wonders, but when my boyfriend found them, he made me flush them down the toilet.
>
> Librium not only zapped anxiety, but also helped w/ resultant depression.
>
> I recall it taking away that 'feeling bad about my life and behavior' and 'worrying about what other people thought about me.'
>
> I made mere mention of it once here w/ a State P, and it threw up a real 'red flag' in my chart. So, the next P I saw (w/o ever meeting before), prejudged me, and his first words to me were 'I'd like to d.c. any benzodiazepines.'
>
> Of course, I asked WHY?
>
> One of his reasons (he told me) was because of my asking for Librium.
>
> I hadn't even asked for it. I kind of even chuckled when I mentioned it. The professionals usually never write down 'your demeanor' when speaking a word or sentence, just the word or sentence. Therefore, anyone can misinterpret your statements. It's like you need to say, 'please write down the work LAUGH in parentheses .. when you do say something in jest because maybe you know a P well. Not enough time for the meanings behind the words I guess. It is very important though as misinterpretation of what you have said can lead to trouble.
>
> I think it is a benzodiazepine. I think it is stronger than Valium, yet not for sleep.
>
> I wonder why it is never talked about and no one I know is on it.
>
> I should have looked up info re: net, but being 'the needy person' I've become (Yuch! See! I worry too much about what others think of me! I worry I ask for more than I give.)
>
> I took the shortcut by asking for you all there for your time spent researching or learning about Librium. I apologize, but I'll prob' do it again. My memory and stick-to-it-ness are slipping.
>
> I have a million things TO DO in the next 2-1/2 days and am feeling agoraphobic and isolated in my new uncozy home. Excuses, excuses, right?
>
> I am use Valium daytime .. doesn't make me sleepy .. tho after 9mos may need a boost in dosage -or- a stronger benzo, as have had some break-through panic.
>
> My dx is NOW GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), but for some reason (probably mind and body are so used to it) cannot go w/o an AD .. back on Eff-XR after Prozac failed.
>
> I cannot sleep w/ Valium and was denied the only thing on the formulary, Restoril. So, had to add another AD (Didn't/don't like that!), good ole' trazodone, which knocks me out after two puffs of a cig, so have to be careful if have a smoke.
>
> Do you know anyone who takes Librium Ed?
>
> Do you know if it is still prescribed, and for what symptoms or dx?
>
> Just anything you may know or have heard about it - would appreciate.
>
> Good to hear from you - Have a Good Ho Ho Holiday!
>
> bestwishes, cf
>
>
LIbrium- (Chlordiazpoxide) is given to alkies to wine off of alcohol, in 5mmg or 25mgmg caps,Good luck
Posted by corafree on December 22, 2005, at 12:59:31
In reply to Re: Help My Valium Won't Help With Sleep! » corafree, posted by ed_uk on December 21, 2005, at 17:21:17
Valium dose is 10mg 3x a day. best wishes, cf
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.