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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Betternow on January 19, 2009, at 22:45:46
I wish to utilize this combination to inprove my sleep. Has anyone had experience to describe.
My goal is to improve Slow Wave or Deep Sleep.
Any comments would be appreciated.
B
Posted by HappyGirl on January 20, 2009, at 8:57:42
In reply to Is anyone using Lyrica with Ambien?, posted by Betternow on January 19, 2009, at 22:45:46
Hi:
Not able to get deep-sleep has many, different reasons for. First, you need to pin-point what's causing it in the first place?You didn't mention what psychological issue you have? If you have depression or the like, it's most likely you need to get this issue under control, first. Otherwise, any sleep-aids are just wasteful.
In my case, when I started depression and then tumbled-down to Bipolar II after Zoloft, it was most challenging for me to fall sleep. Maybe, only 3-4 hours sleep that was like taking nap on the couch. For that reason, I lost all energy and interests that made me very frustrated, but nothing could be done because of my mental illness.
In my suggestion, first talk to your doc., preferrably a good psychiatrist who can be more helpful for your issue, because it sounds to me like you have some mental issue, like depression or anxiety.
Posted by Phillipa on January 20, 2009, at 11:49:39
In reply to Is anyone using Lyrica with Ambien?, posted by Betternow on January 19, 2009, at 22:45:46
Hi Betternow are you saying you're just trying to improve sleep or are there other issues as above posted pointed out. Heard lyrica in higher doses is stimulating and lower sedating. And that it can be addictive. Ambien is good as a sleep aid. Just watch for being ready at the bedside for sleep. Some it puts to sleep right way. Hope you get lots of responses. Phillipa
Posted by EyesWideOpen on January 25, 2009, at 19:31:54
In reply to Is anyone using Lyrica with Ambien?, posted by Betternow on January 19, 2009, at 22:45:46
Studies suggest that Lyrica does promote Delta sleep, part of the reason it is now on-label for FMS. I've taken it with Ambien, and did find it improved restorative sleep. However, I did suffer from side effects, including weight gain and cognitive slowing.
I took 200-400 mgs, along with 10 mgs Ambien, for nerve pain. It definitely helped the nerve pain as well.
I never found it to speed me up at any dose up to 600 mgs, the max that I took.
Hope that helps.
Posted by Betternow on January 26, 2009, at 21:23:27
In reply to Re: Is anyone using Lyrica with Ambien?, posted by EyesWideOpen on January 25, 2009, at 19:31:54
Thanks HappyGirl, Phillipa, and EyesWideOpen. I apologize that I was not responsive. Computer went down and just got back in order.
HappyGirl-I am trying to manage BPII. I have been on Ambien nightly for 4 years 5-10mg. I was also taking Prozac 10mg and Lamictal 300mg. I am tired of taking meds. It was my hope that I could utilize Lyrica as a one stop shop so to speak. I am convinced that if I can get consistent quality sleep, then I can control my symptoms with out the Prozac and Lamictal. While mu computer was down, I proved my theory wrong. Lyrica did nothing by itself. With Ambiem 10mg, slept great, but felt very wierd. So now I'm trying Seroquel for sleep only; 100mg qhs. It work great, but hard to wake up. I'm not sure how it impacts sleep stages. Perhaps I'll start a new thread posing that question.
Thanks
Betternow
Posted by HappyGirl on January 26, 2009, at 22:10:55
In reply to Re: Is anyone using Lyrica with Ambien?, posted by Betternow on January 26, 2009, at 21:23:27
First, if you have BP II, you certainly need mood-stabilizer, Anti-Depressant and plus anti-psycho-med that you listed all in your last post. However, currently you only taking Seroquel, ... or along with Ambien? Because, you stated, those M.S. and Anti-dep. in the past phrase, ... 'I was on .....'
Furthermore, only 'sleep-good' can not be Bipolar symptoms under control. You certainly need at least two meds., mood-stabilizer and anti-depressant. Ambien is sleep-aid in general whether you have BP or not.
In my knowledge based on my personal experience, Anti-psycho.med. has definitely positive effect to Bipolar symptoms, because of 'boosting effect' to other meds. In my case, I can cut down other two meds. M.S.and anti-dep. almost in half, but that takes with time. At least, until you feel some benefit from taking meds.
It's truly frustrating to know that we, Bp need all those meds., but only meds. have been keeping me almost normal, ... even though once awhile my Bp symptoms flares-up under stress and other unexpected events.
Posted by Betternow on January 28, 2009, at 21:05:43
In reply to Re: Is anyone using Lyrica with Ambien? » Betternow, posted by HappyGirl on January 26, 2009, at 22:10:55
> First, if you have BP II, you certainly need mood-stabilizer, Anti-Depressant and plus anti-psycho-med that you listed all in your last post. However, currently you only taking Seroquel, ... or along with Ambien? Because, you stated, those M.S. and Anti-dep. in the past phrase, ... 'I was on .....'
>
> Furthermore, only 'sleep-good' can not be Bipolar symptoms under control. You certainly need at least two meds., mood-stabilizer and anti-depressant. Ambien is sleep-aid in general whether you have BP or not.
>
> In my knowledge based on my personal experience, Anti-psycho.med. has definitely positive effect to Bipolar symptoms, because of 'boosting effect' to other meds. In my case, I can cut down other two meds. M.S.and anti-dep. almost in half, but that takes with time. At least, until you feel some benefit from taking meds.
>
> It's truly frustrating to know that we, Bp need all those meds., but only meds. have been keeping me almost normal, ... even though once awhile my Bp symptoms flares-up under stress and other unexpected events.
>
>
You are correct HappyGirl, I'm basically just using Seroquel and/or Ambien to help me sleep.As you've concluded, I need MS and AD. Now I wonder if I can retart Lamictal after being off 3 weeks?
Should I consider alternative MS?
I can't think straight
Posted by HappyGirl on January 28, 2009, at 22:25:39
In reply to Your right on, an I restart Lamictal at same dose? » HappyGirl, posted by Betternow on January 28, 2009, at 21:05:43
Hi:
It's hard to say whether you need to go back to the previous M.S. along with A.D., however once you stopped taking them, its effectiveness may not be like you had on your first try. Then, you need to speak to your pdoc. first in that regard. She/he might offer you another M.S. that going well with Seroquel and Ambien. Because, it sounds like the Seroquel is truly for you as seeing you can sleep-well that is a very first step for recovery of Bipolar.According to my personal experience along with reading the others, sleep-good is a must because of not only feel refreshness also said to be 'cell-rejuvelation in the brain.'
This is the end of the thread.
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