I just want to sleep!!!

mm2bys · Post by **mm2bys** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 12:44 pm

Hi all. When I had an anxiety "episode" as I call them, a couple years ago I took Xanax until my Paxil kicked in and it worked like a charm. For the week or so I took it I was able to sleep, etc. During this recent episode I've tried it a couple of times and feel really terrible -- not to mention the fact I am still up every hour on the hour. This is the first time insomnia has really been an issue for me and it's HARD! It's kicking my butt. This is night 6 and I've really been telling myself lots of positive things b/c now I'm afraid to lay down to go to sleep.

It's hard to concentrate and try to make good choices and not sink into the negative self-talk when I'm just so tired.

Any advice? Thanks...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 1:01 pm

I know what you are going through. I've gone weeks with only 2 hours of sleep a night if I'm lucky. What happens to me is that the anxiety medication I may be taking at the moment stops working. Xanax doesn't work for me but klonopin and valium have helped in the past. Ambien has also helped me but if I take it too many days in a row it will stop working. Maybe you need to ask your doctor to switch you to something else.
Sometimes antidepressants can end up making some people feel more anxious. I've had that happen to me with many antidepressants.
6 nights of insomnia is not healthy and will certainly affect your mood and thinking; your brain needs rest. My best advice is for you to call your doctor as soon as you can. Why suffer needlessly?
Take care and feel better

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 2:39 pm

HI. Just wanted you to know that I've been there and am there. Currently taking Xanax and TWO Ambien CR as needed but scared of doing that two much. I've tried praying, the relaxation tape, tv, reading, housework, etc. I feel so alone and helpless. Sleeplessness will kill your spirit and wear your mind down. I think I have the flu on top of that and all they gave me was a steroid shot, so I already have it in my head that I will be awake tonight.
I agree to call your doctor. No need to weaken your mind and body if you don't have to. Good luck and keep us posted. Beverly

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 3:17 pm

Hi,
I am currnetly on Xanax 1 mg a day and 20 mg of Prozac. I just started about a month ago. I was told to take all the pills in the morning. So, I did. I dont know if it was the loss of sleep....I was up for several nights till 2 and I have a 20 month old that wakes up at 6:30! Take continued the cycle or if it was the Prozac that was keeping me up at night. I called my doctor and she suggested a sleeping pill. I wasn't comfortable with that so she mentioned a supplement that i got a Walgreens called Melatonin. It was about 5 bucks for 60 tablets. I take 6 mg 1/2 hour before bed and it really helps! Now I am not sure if it ok to take with Paxil it or not. But maybe try mentioning to the doctor. Just a thought....it helped me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:25 pm

Just reading you distress makes me want to cry for you and give you a hug. Oh boy have I been there. I am so sorry you are going through this. Just reading these blogs is tough for me because it takes me back their and makes me worry it will happen again. But tat does me no good. I guess it is good to face it. I just want you to know that it will pass. You will get through this. One thing that I remember helping me was just deciding that I did not care if I slept or not. I know that sounds rediculous but really, just give up on the whole idea of it. Decide that sleep does not have to have boundries or rules. Just sleep when you can and do something else when you cant. Also, I dont inow if you have any pets but let them sleep in bed with you
if you do. They have the ability to release anxiety and lower heart rate. I let mine sleep on my legs. But the Melatonin is also a great idea. The last thing that is important to know is that you are not alone. There are people dealing with this all over the world all the time. People can relate and if you open up about your prblems with people I bet you will find many that you know that are dealing or have delt with this. I know for me having an actual person there to tell me that they had been there and I would be fine gave me so much relief.Dont be afraid to open up to your friends and loved ones. We are all here for you.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:05 pm

Yes, I have insomnia too, and I have been working on correcting that. I have used sleeping medications in the past and they do work; however, I am currently progressing without any medications with best food choices (no refined sugar or caffeine). This has enabled me to get my energy levels back without anxiety. Now I need to get exercise so that I can tire myself out. I am currently not working so I don't do enough to tire myself out mentally or physically. I know this will make a difference. I started with the food changes, now I am ready for the exercise changes. Prescriptions will definately help if you are desperate. I have gone 28 hrs. and as much as 35 hrs. straight without sleep when I have been on antianxiety and antidepressants. I am now sleeping just not on a normal night time schedule yet. Working on one hour at a time until I get back on a normal sleeping pattern. Read my profile for some insight. I hope you find what works best for you. I don't have any small children, and I am currently not working so it is easier for me to deal with the off schedule than those who work or have small children. Melatonin is a definate option. You can get it with supplement or from particular foods.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:09 pm

I know what you mean - not getting enough sleep compounds everything. Definitely talk to your doctor.

That happened to me during the summer - I was hit with acid reflux in the throat for the first time, had no idea what was happening, felt like I was choking for no reason, and the whole experience launched me into anxiety that kept me from sleeping for three days and nights, and I mean not even a minute of sleep. That was awful; I too was afraid of going to sleep because I'd woken up choking a couple of times. But it felt like I was going to slip into sleep-deprivation psychosis before long if I didn't get to sleep somehow.

I saw my doctor on the third day and told him what was going on. He gave me Klonopin, which worked perfectly. It was the most welcome night of sleep of my life.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:54 pm

It might help to have some ambien in the cupboard so you know it is there if you can't sleep. i have dealt with insomnia off and on for years. The fear of not sleeping makes the issue worse. Ambien helps but only take it here and there so you don't get addicted or it stops working. Good luck. I hope you sleep better soon! I can relate!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:42 pm

Hi to all--it is 2:50 in the morning where I am and here I sit visiting on line...have found like others that I cannot worry about not sleeping, just get up and read or something else...cutting caffeine certainly helps. There are some people who do not seem to need a lot of sleep every night, who can get more some nights and less others and be OK. But many of us just get more and more anxious...hoping in time you will not need powerful medications...

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:33 am

It's 6:30 am and no sleep yet. I have a baby getting up in a couple of hours and the flu on top of everything. I cried and cried yesterday feeling so bad mentally and physically. Tonight even 2 Ambien CR didn't so the trick. Anyone have any experience with sleep disorder centers. I feel a crash coming. I just can't keep this up. I'm wearing down. Beverly