posted
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.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
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....
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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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:
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?
-------------------- "His faithful love endures forever." Psalm 136 Posts: 189 | From MN | Registered: Dec 2007
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randibear
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11290
posted
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.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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posted
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.
Posts: 11 | From Great Lakes | Registered: Feb 2009
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