I'm wondering if any of you who have treated for awhile have been able to get off sleep meds.
I was on Amitriptyline for over 15 years. My LLMD has switched me to Clonazepam, Ambien, Trazodone, and Tran-Q.
On the Amitriptyline I slept 10 or more hours a night and felt dozy much of the day.
Now I sleep a solid 8 hours and even dream again. I can only sleep 8 hours and still feel tired but not dozy and can't sleep more.
Have any of you recovered enough so that you don't need sleep meds anymore?
How long of treatment did it take?
Thanks,
Faith
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I am weaning off them now. I used to take two Lyrica and either an Ambien or Lunesta with that. I took a couple months to wean off the Lyrica .... first I went down to one pill but took two pills if I didn't sleep well the night before. It took a week or two to get used to the lowered dose.
Once I was comfortably on one Lyrica per night (still with Ambien or Lunesta), I started taking one every other night. Eventually I went to every third night, then off completely.
When I adjusted to that, I started breaking the Ambien in half every other night. Now I only take half an Ambien to sleep.
I am having to adjust thyroid meds right now, so my thyroid is slightly hyper, which causes insomnia. Once I get my thyroid balanced again, I'll wean off that last half a pill, but for now, I'm just gonna stick with taking it because sleep is important.
I did have to get better before I could wean off sleep meds at all. No sense in trying too soon.
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
i had to stop the ambien. i was getting horrible horrible headaches, 24/7. i even talked of shooting myself, the pain was that bad. well i wouldn't but you get the point.
i was only taking 10 mg a night. i just went cold turkey. the first two nights were bad, jitters and some shaking...then it straightened out.
i'd rather be up all nigh than have that pain....
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
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I tried everything you listed - about 12 years ago - but my system just can't do most meds. Ultimately, magnesium and scullcap tincture turned out to work the best for me.
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The pills you mentioned made me so sleepy during the day that I could barely stand up.
And, your having said that you sleep 8 hours but since you are still tired, need more. Well, it will not be until the lyme is further treated that energy will come back.
It's sad that after 8 hours, we do feel tired still. Some of that can be the "hangover" from sleep meds and some just from the way lyme works. Besides the toxins from infections, any added stress to the liver will add to fatigue.
Adrenal support (ashwaganda, cordyceps) should help with this. And, an after noon nap or frequent rests (even if not sleeping). Gentle exercise, too, will help.
Some do okay with ambien, but there have been many reports of severe effects.
Be sure to avoid aspartame/Nutrasweet/Equal. Even a trace in a cough drop can "wire" your brain. MSG, too. Both are neuro- excito-toxins and create anxiety.
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You might find some good suggestions at this thread:
Topic: NATURAL SLEEP - Links to articles & supplements
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The best news for my sleep will be when Jay Leno moves an hour earlier. Yippee!
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Posted by Faith6 (Member # 14072) on :
Thanks all,
I realize the risks with Ambien, but also my need for deep sleep.
If you were able to get off sleep meds how many years of treatment and healing did you go through before you you were able to start reducing and/or be totally off them?
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
i just thought of something. my friend uses nutramedix samento toa and swears that it helps her to sleep.
she's only taking about 3 drops a day right now but she swears it helps.
Posted by ElaineC (Member # 9857) on :
Six - what dose of Lyrica were you taking? You said two tabs...but not the dose.
Did you find it helped FMS type pain as well??
Any side effects?
Posted by AnnaInga (Member # 19162) on :
I was on Ambien for 10 years and did not think I could ever sleep without it.
I am.
I noticed my generic was not the same quality as the brand....I was waking every 2 hours (in pain, as well).
I went off the Ambien, by halving the dose for a few nights, and I did not sleep at all. Then going off totally.
I am 3 months out now. I sleep the night most nights unless in a lot of pain.
Going off any drug is never easy. Just make sure you know if a wean is necessary or a cold turkey possible. It is best to ask the doctor.
I don't think I metabolize drugs normally, so it is hard to compare my experience to others.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I don't remember .... 100mg maybe?
Yes it did help, but I didn't take it during the day. I never asked for the daytime dosage.
I didn't have any side effects, except it helped me sleep GREAT!
Posted by ElaineC (Member # 9857) on :
Thanks Six! Posted by Faith6 (Member # 14072) on :
AnnaInga-
When did you start Lyme treatment? Did you improve enough so you could sleep on your own?
My Ambien is the generic so maybe it's not working as well.
I wonder if the sleep walking with Anmien is as much a problem with the generic. Anyone know?
Posted by Faith6 (Member # 14072) on :
Six-
How long have you been treating Lyme?
Posted by sunshinyday (Member # 14337) on :
I take dual release melatonin and Holy Basil.
The Holy Basil helps stop the cortisol reaction which is one of the things that can keep us awake.
Wixhing you well.
Gail
Posted by lymeHerx001 (Member # 6215) on :
always had a problem with sleep. Always will.
Mattress, noise, pills. Yes, lots of revolving pills to sleep.
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