Use Tofranil for sleep, have problems switching my brain off at night. Is there anything better?

9 Mar 2011

Hi cccje,
You might want to ask your doc for Ambien, or even a benzodiazapine, such as Valium or Xanax to help with sleep. These medications are addictive though. If used properly addiction can be avoided, the benzo's are not supposed to be used for a long time period. Yet, some people have taken them for years with no problems.
Best wishes for a good nights sleep,
sweetlemon

9 Mar 2011

Hi: I have had insomnia for over 30 years now, and the various sleep meds, like Ambien, worked great at first (one - two weeks), but then wore off. If we upped my dose, then I would feel all drugged out the next day.
I discovered Soma (the generic form, which is fairly inexpensive) in 2006, when it was prescribed to me by a Sports Med doc because of my extreme chronic neck and shoulder pain. It not only helped reduce the pain, but, taken before bed, it had the wonderful 'side effect' of LETTING me sleep thru the night, and still wake up clear-headed in the morning! The literature says that you can not take it if you have an 'addictive personality', but otherwise I think it is safe--and I have never had to up my dosing! Be sure to check it first against any other meds you are taking to look for interactions. Good Luck! Mary

9 Mar 2011

Hey cccje,

Can't make any new suggestions on the medication for sleep other than what has been suggested, but I did want to warn you that Tofranil is an antidepressant that must be tapered off of (not stopped abruptly) when and if you decide to switch to something else. You may feel some depression when you stop it as well.

You may get better results from a different antidepressant such as Elavil. Only a thought, always best to discuss with the doc. (guess i did make a suggestion, oops)

Good luck and keep us posted,

Laurie

9 Mar 2011

I agree with Laurie on trying Elavil in lower doses. It is usually effective for long term sleep difficulties.