I've been on a dose of 200mg of amitriptyline for a very long time (originally prescribed for depression). Now that I'm older I need to reduce the dosage. The problem is that I now cannot sleep without Amitriptyline. My doctor has lowered the dosage to 50mg and has me on 100mg trazodone. It's been a disaster. I don't sleep for days at a time and when I do the sleep quality is very poor. I'm now worried about the effects the lack of sleep will have on my health. Has anyone had success for treatment for insomnia with some other medication? Please don't say Melatonin, since as far as I'm concerned is just a placebo. My problem is way too severe for a placebo.
Effective medication for insomnia?
Question posted by Misterjerry on 1 Dec 2021
Last updated on 6 December 2021
Answers
Hi, jerry!
How frustrating for you and you're so right about the health effects of sleep deprivation.
There are the standard sleep medications... Ambien, Lunesta, etc.
Avoiding the potential side effects of those there's the antidepressant Remeron (mirtazapine) which carries somnolence as a side effect. I take Seroquel (quetiapine) for other mental issues but it also induces sleep for me.
Everyone responds differently to medications but many people have found relief with these two medications.
Best regards and I hope you're getting some Zzzz's very soon.
Wildcat
Thanks Wildcat. My doctor prescribed Seroquel a few years ago and I suffered from hallucinations. With Ambien I had issues with sleepwalking, but at this point I'm willing to take that chance I think. I'll ask my doctor about Remeron and Lunesta.
Thanks Wildcat. My doctor prescribed Seroquel a few years ago and I suffered from hallucinations. With Ambien I had issues with sleepwalking, but at this point I'm willing to take that chance I think. I'll ask my doctor about Remeron and Lunesta.
Related topics
depression, amitriptyline, sleep, dosage, prescription, medication
Further information
- Amitriptyline uses and safety info
- Amitriptyline information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side effects of Amitriptyline (detailed)
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