Posted by laima on October 7, 2006, at 10:08:23
In reply to Benzo Sleep, posted by Guy on October 6, 2006, at 18:10:07
Re-reading your post, I hope I haven't been insensitive to your plight. I apologize. A crisis time isn't the time to debate the long-term pros and cons of medications which can help you through.
I've tried zyprexa before too, with disasterous results- it didn't agree with me. If the clonazapam, the longest acting benzo, is still making you wake up anxious, perhaps there are other options? I know some people are using seroquel, for example.
I am pretty sure other people are using lyrica, also.I tried rozerem- which I would give mixed reviews- it didn't feel as potent as a benzo-hypnotic- but it sure didn't cause any early wakening, either. Perhaps it might work for you? It's supposed to be utterly different than other sleep medicines, and the doctor offices seem full of samples due to the advertising blitz going on. Not a benzo or hypnotic, I hear.
As for that early AM panic you describe, I've experienced that, too- waking up early with a flash of urgent panic- both when using shorter acting benzos to sleep, and if I use klonopin long enough to develope a good tolerance. My doctor explained that's the point where the drug wears off. His suggestion was to take it later in the evening to stave off that flash of wakening.
Yes, the more I read and hear about sleep, the more absolutely clear it is that Stage 3/4 is critical for mental well being. The experts seem to agree about that just about unanimously. We hear so much about dreams...but they are nothing compared to that deep sleep. No wonder so many sleep meds always have that "not for long term use" disclaimer.
Good luck to you- and watch out on those sleep meds- if you are anything like me, you may find yourself then waking up at 4-5am in a panic.
> I have severe GAD, panic and insomnia. When I take clonazepam, I sleep though the night, but I awaken feeling anxious and unrested. I also experience chronic pain, perhaps due to fibromyalgia. Could all this be because the benzo is preventing stage 3/4 (deep, restorative) sleep? I have recently been on Zyprexa, but it made me feel very ill, almost as if I had been poisoned (large bags under my eyes and terrible flu-like symptoms). I'm feeling really desperate and suicidal as more and more doors slam shut in my face. Do I go back on the clonazepam (shallow sleep) or continue with Zyprexa (flu)? I'm lost in the land of meds. Peace to all my fellow-sufferers...may the sweet rains of autumn wash your tears away.
poster:laima
thread:692495
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061003/msgs/692678.html