I pretty much tried other stuff. But I have a very high tolerance to medication. Also some meds will affect me totally opposite than what they intend. As in being more hyper than I am already. I have problems with sleeping, and I get in a very miserable mood gets worse with less sleep. I believe that I need 8 hours of sleep. I feel so much better when I get good sleep.
Is there anything other than Seroquel that would help me to sleep?
- Asked
- 20 Aug 2009 by Amsel10
- Updated
- 20 September 2021 (5 days ago)
- Topics
- seroquel, depression, bipolar disorder, insomnia, sleep
102 Answers
clm1970
20 Aug 2009
Sounds like you are frustrated and rightly so! Ask your clinician if you can try Vistaril, also known by other brand name Atarax. However, the formulation that you want is not the capsule or the tablet but you do want the liquid suspension. It does not taste the best but have had lots of good luck with it, especially in this form, due to the expediated way it is absorbed and begins to work. It is in the same family as Benadryl, an antihistamine. Even if you have had some adverse responses to Benadryl, it does not necessarily mean that you will have the same ill experiences with this. If you may have already happened to try Vistaril/Atarax, consider Periactin, another antihistamine, which used used for sleep. good luck.
sharon dicks
23 Nov 2009
bi plor, skitzo, anexity, mood swings, depression, its a wonder drug. but the sleep is the best part
suzieq13
1 Dec 2009
I was given high doses of seraquel to help me sleep also. I stopped taking it because I began seeing and hearing things that were not there. I took ambien until it was doing no good at all. Now I take 45 mg of remeron, a low dose of zannaflex and 2 low doses of baclofen. Now I sleep just fine. I plan to taper off the muscle relaxants slowly. Hopfully, I'll sleep on my own. I know the two muscle relaxants are not supposed to be mixed, but you do what you have to to be able to sleep.
kytteneyes
28 May 2010
I have tried all of these and have had no luck. I also tried trazadone and it did help. I had to stop taking it since I need to take nsaids for pain and inflamation.
arcanoidcyst16
10 Aug 2010
I personally think the Muscle Relaxer called (Skelaxin) or now in generic metaxalone works pretty well with sleep disorders.I usually take those 3X a day along with Klonopin 2X a day for anxiety and I tend to sleep very well.I would also like to say that the main ingredient Diphenhydramine or whatever it's called without anything else added to it works TREMENDOUSLY for sleeping.Please let me know if you are able to try these medications and or suggestions I have given for you and also if anything you have been trying ends up working.KIT!!! I also added you as a friend.So you can PM me know if you want to.:)
tigetil12
29 Aug 2010
You might try melatonin, valerian root, ltryptovan. The combonation is now on the marked OTC as Alteril. Be sure your Dr knows the seroquel isn't giving you the proper reaction you expect. He works for you and you have a right to get your meds straight.
sweetie pie
30 Aug 2010
I have tried several meds, either otc or scripts. Valarian works alittle but I am still trying other options. Everyone's chemistry is different so you just need to have a trial period to see what works for you. These suggestions by members is a good way to write down things you have tried and if any of them worked. Then you can talk to your doctor about other names of medications that you have been given so that you have more options. I cannot sleep, sometimes for three days at a time. I think it may be due to the Morphine that I am on. Still, I just try different meds, etc., to see if finally I hit the jackpot. For anyone who has insomnia, being able to sleep is like hitting the jackpot! I wish you the best in finding the right treatment that helps you to be able to sleep!
Sweetie Pie
Mom2Emily10
8 Sep 2010
How many mg are you on? I was on 200mg an wound up not sleeping for a week and had what I'd like to call a "MELTDOWN" it took the maximum dose of 800 mg to finally get my what people would call normal~hang in there ~Amy lost in PA
Lynn38
22 Sep 2010
I would really try to get off Seroquel for sleep. It is not even FDA approved for that and yet doctors do it anyway. It is a dangerous drug.. and tapering off it will be very difficult. I wish I would have seen what this drug could do three years before I began taking it.
iloveyou1996
10 Oct 2010
What i would say is u should really go with Restoril bcuz it helps u sleep a lot.
gretchanna
24 Nov 2010
does vistiril make you gain weight?
Inactive
9 Dec 2010
I was on 300 mgs of Seroquel for Bipolar prblms along w other meds. and when I complained about my restoril not giving me more than 5 hrs sleep a night, my doc kicked up my Ser. to 450 mgs. The only thing it did was make me gain More weight and sleep less! I started to take less of it, and am down to 50 mgs. a day of Ser. and trying a new med. and a new sleeping pill, haven't got it yet, get it today. I have been batteling sleep loss for as long as I can remember, been on every pill, only thing that works honestly is to damn near overdose! It is my greatest wish to get more than 5 hrs sleep a night! I wish u luck!!!
pickles503
21 Dec 2010
Ambien puts me to sleep almost every time. I'm not your Dr., so please check with him/her first. (of course your going to talk to your Dr.. How else would you get the prescription?) Silly me. I know a lot of people who take it with the same success. The generic name is "Zolpidem." Other's on this site have given any other info I would. So, just do what you need to do to get sleep. Dr. Amen, from Amen Clinic says that we need 7-8 hours of sleep a night. I guess even if we think we can operate on 4 hrs. of sleep a day, we're wrong. I'd be a itsy bitsy irritated if I were you, too. Now, go. Get some sleep. Good nite.
sandcastle
6 Jan 2011
Try Trazadone... works great and is not addictive.
sallywebster
9 Jan 2011
I have been on a low dose 50mg of seroquel for 7 years. I went to an Phsy ARPN who upped my seroquel to 150mg. It became too much but he would not take me off of it. I went to a real doctor, a pychiatrist. she told me to taper off the seroquel and then take trazadone, but the trazadone is not putting me to sleep. I am so frustrated. any suggestions? I want to go back to seroquel, but I know it is not good to take long term.
ellie_90
11 Feb 2011
Higher doseses of Seroquel do not make you sleep better!! I use to take 1800mg but my Doc used it to inhance my mood not for sleep now I only take 100mg for sleep and it does help me sleep better than when I was on the higher dose. Good luck.
pickles503
21 Mar 2011
Trazadone helped me a lot, in addition to lamictal and ambien,klonopin and trazadone. I no longer need the trazadone. And the other meds are manageable and under control. I cannot emphasize how vital it is to talk to your Dr. about these meds. He/She will know what is best for you. It takes some time to find the combination/combination's of meds. that are right JUST for You. You'll see.
katewat
10 Apr 2011
I too restle with out sleep 2-5 hrs if I am lucky. I read somewhere that it is in fact bad do read, watch tv etc, in bed. You should only sleep in bed. But I have tried that and lots of other things. I am currently on ambien 10 lousy mg, and it does'nt help. I am going to be trying resoril? I think it's called. I am also going to go to a sleep clinic without sleep you can go insane. You need your sleep, it;s the time your brain can regenerate. I hope we all can find our soulution. Good luck with your problems, god bless you all. Time helps to heal wounds!!
Rita D
15 Jul 2011
New to this group (and recently diagnosed with bipolar, hallelujah). My doctor gave me 5 mg. Zyprexa as the only thing to help me sleep. Does anyone take this, and will it eventually work? I can't live on no sleep to 2-3 hours per night for 3 or 4 days straight. I agree that most people need 7-8 hours of good sleep each night, but I'm beginning to worry that it'll never happen for me again. My doctor said to wait and see if the meds are working. My overall mood is better, feeling (and behaving) a lot less in a manic state, but my mood also worsens with less sleep. I'm not on anything else except Lithium 3mg. daily and Ativan for anxiety attacks.
HPoole
23 Jul 2011
clonidine was one of my last resort sleep meds and it works... no wt gain side effects and it can also be used for anxiety
jennybhurtin
13 Aug 2011
Seroquel is a dangerous medicine in my opinion. The WILL make you sleep thats for sure. But when I have taken them I get night terrors! I consider them worse than any bad dream, because of the real feeling. The day after is always like a hangover. I feel sorry for anyone that has to take this med. It is like a horse tranq to me! Best of luck to you!
Christie00
22 Sep 2011
My Neuro wanted me off Seroquel 300XR. I was scared to death cause it was the only thing that knocked me out to get some rest. Nothing else worked, not Trazadone not Ambien not ANYTHING. I had been taking Seroquel for about a year and it ruled my life. I was usually out for 8 to 10 hours, and didn't like the drugged feeling SO I went down to 150mg for a week and added Neurotin 300mg (yes my Neuro said it was ok) but I think I am having withdrawl symptoms, horrible headaches, and itchy. Hoping it will pass. I'm hearing most people are on 50 to 100mg for insomnia. What the crap man? Now the Neurotin stops the limbs popping and they suspect I have M.S. Stupid psych people. Lol. JK!
mapyron
28 Jul 2013
I thought Vistariil was a muscle relaxer family... Question? Does it have the same "anti-allergy" effect as Benedryl?? I have had insomnia since I was a child. I am 66 now and have finally realized that it is directly connected to my anxiety disorder. It isn't ALWAYS really bad, but I would say I have a chronic case to some varying degree at all times. Also, I have taken Klonopin for at least 10 yrs. it seems like. Klonopin ,,, has a DIRECT affect with my STAYING asleep, as when I take something else for insomnia--even sleeping pills of some sort, I will be waking up in around 5 hrs. If I don't take 2mg of Klonopin, then I won't sleep past 5 hrs... It isn't strong enough to PUT ME TO SLEEP though. I have had a month of allergies, and might ask about Vistaril...
Inactive
20 Aug 2009
I would suggest Benadryl but it sounds like that might actually have a hyper affect on you. Maybe you should just up the dosage of seroquel... or, my doctor actually prescribed me Klonopin to help with my insomnia. The best bet is to figure out what is causing your insomnia and attack it that way. I have been an insomniac for 5 years and have just now began to get a grip on it. Practice a routine and regular habits to get the body ready for sleep. Don't drink any caffeine after lunch time and try to go to bed and get up the same time everyday. Also regular exercise is a great way to get some of that energy out. But make sure it's not right before bedtime. Also I would suggest don't watch TV in bed. Train your body to know that when your in bed its sleep time. Laying in bed while watching TV conditions you to lay in bed awake. If meds don't help you sleep, you may be in a manic episode.
Check with your doctor to help identify those symptoms. If you can't sleep because your worried or stress or have anxiety (which was my problem) I would suggest asking your doctor for an anti-anxiety such as Xanax. Hope this helps and good luck to you!!
kytteneyes
28 May 2010
I have also used xanax and worked for me as well. Klonopin was more of a sugar pill, valium gave me night mares, atavin just quite did not do the trick as well as xanax. It is worth the try to get the sleep you need.
Inactive
27 Feb 2011
thanks for the suggestion of xanax! I have taken every sleeping pill (Just tried Sonata again with no results and bad side effects) and I cannot take anti-depressants or antihistamine. I am on 2 mg of Klonopin each night which is not working and I have had Valium and Ativan... no results. He prescribed xanax at one time but I was afraid to take it bc I heard it can cause impulsive behaviour. Have you heard of that. Im calling this mon to tell him about the sonata and ask about the xanax. Since my problem is related to PTSD and unconscious anxiety it may do the trick. I am learning triggers and how to deal with them but in the meantime I am exhausted which makes it hard to do anything. It is 3 in the am, I took a extra konopin and I have to get up at 7am.I know all the sleep hygiene tips and I am told that if you dont go to sleep in 15 min and do something boring (which this is not) and go back to bed bc otherwise it teaches you to stay awake in bed. Anyways thank you so much for this idea. Cross your fingers that he will listen and let me try it!
kytteneyes
28 Feb 2011
I fully understand how you may feel on trying all the sleep tips and they not working. I have beening using ambien lately which really works great at first I only got at least 3hrs of sleep but now I have gotten up to a full 8hrs. It does have side effects that you need to watch for. Like I will eat, text, chat on internet and never remember it. So be carefull if you try this one. I take it now and make sure that I am ready to just lay down watch TV ( I know not one of the sleep tips) and I doze off. If I try to just take it and be on computer or finish things around the house then I do things that I don't remember and my family says I get pretty annoying like a drunk person. I have taken it with xanax as well. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Please let me know how things turn out. I may have other suggestions from a magizine i just recieved that suggest natural remedies but I have not read it yet.
Although I am one to not trust natural medicine I may give it a try any ways. Well its 2:19 am here and way past my bedtime (another one of the sleep tips of keeping a schedule, which I can't seem to do ) and due for some sleep with the help of ambien. Hope to hear from you soon.
Inactive
28 Feb 2011
ambien is wonderful but unfortunately I do the sleepwalking thing. I do have a sleep schedule... maybe I need to do the decrease anxiety thing since I am taking it for PTSD which seems to cause the anxiety. I actually slept last night with restoril, hot tea and a calming talk with a friend. That was because I was so exhausted from nights of no sleep. I plan to go over my list with my dr one more time and ask about a few of the ones I have not tried. Thanks for the suggestion!
kytteneyes
18 Oct 2011
Have you tried using melatonin. I hear many others who swear it has helped them sleep. I plan to try some this next week. So I can let you know then how it helped me. I still take my ambien, added xanax as needed and a muscle relaxer to help with the Restless Leg Syndrome.
annierexic
21 Jul 2012
You have to very careful taking Benzodiazapines. That's the Clonopin and Valium. They're very, very addictive.
I have intense insomnia and I take Vistaril when I can't sleep. I take medication for ADD called Vyvanse which is an amphetamine and it keeps me up late most of the time. But I guess I don't need the sleep that badly if I can't really sleep.
You really shouldn't be taking Benzodiazapines to sleep. They're very serious pills for someone that's just trying to sleep. I was in rehab with a couple of women that were addicted to xanax that got started on very small doses for anxiety. Good luck!
AllarMunumRalla
26 Dec 2012
If you have insomnia related to PTSD, there is a form of therapy that is amazing that helps with PTSD. I suffered from it after being attacked outside my apartment. The psychologist I saw specialized in PTSD and worked mainly with cops and firefighters. The technique she used was EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It took one session to almost totally erase my PTSD. I stopped the panic attacks, I slept better, I wasn't afraid to go out alone. It was amazing. And all it required was watching her move her finger at a specific rate and talk about my level of anxiety as she brought up my triggers. It reprograms the trigger memories to turn off the fight or flight response they bring and calm the anxiety.
missveronica
29 Jul 2013
Have you tried Trazadone?? I am a terrible sleeper and find Trazadone helps tremendously-I used to be on 100mg/day but now am on 50mg/day and get a solid 7 hours of sleep with that-without it I wake up after sleeping only a couple of hours and can't get back to sleep
england1038
14 Mar 2020
Hi -- my psychiatrist rxd trazodone for me around 3-4 yrs. ago - he said it's for sleep and also for mood. I take 150 mg. at night. one thing I learned is that I (we) need to be completely ready for sleeping when we take it. taking it ahead of time WHILE you are doing things like showering, brushing teeth, putting on PJs, etc. ruins the help with sleeping - the trazodone (for me) wears off and then I stay awake all night. i'm bipolar so I really need to take the trazodone properly. for me - I go to sleep almost immediately when I do it right. good luck to you.
england1038
14 Mar 2020
Hi -- my psychiatrist rxd trazodone for me around 3-4 yrs. ago - he said it's for sleep and also for mood. I take 150 mg. at night. one thing I learned is that I (we) need to be completely ready for sleeping when we take it. taking it ahead of time WHILE you are doing things like showering, brushing teeth, putting on PJs, etc. ruins the help with sleeping - the trazodone (for me) wears off and then I stay awake all night. i'm bipolar so I really need to take the trazodone properly. for me - I go to sleep almost immediately when I do it right. good luck to you.
Rita226
20 Aug 2009
Talk about not being able to sleep... I 'm an complete insomniac and it's very frustrating lots of times.I work nights and so I am up till early morning 6-7 am and so I take otc sleeping pills @4 am to be able to sleep by 6 or 7 am.Sometimes 2 pills don't work so I take 3 .Me personally don't like taking RX for sleeping so I buy my box of sleeping pills at Family dollar and they really work... even if you're hyper, I am also hyper and they work for me.Then there is a pill called Alteril u can get those online and they r awesome as soon as u pop them u feel drifting off and they're all natural also.I so feel for u cause I'm going through the same pain in the neck sleeping problem!
Sacosam
10 Apr 2010
Hi Rita; They just opened a Family Dollar store here... I think. What's the name of the sleep pills you buy there? Thanks a heap! ! Sacosam
Rita226
10 Apr 2010
They really don't have a name but it's the ONLY sleeping pill they sell .They just say "sleep aid".
Christie00
5 Oct 2011
My mom uses Alteril (60 ct) from Walmart. You are suppose to take 2 per night and it has lots of natural ingredients, I use to use them but they don't work on me anymore. :(
Junior1962
21 Aug 2009
I agree with JWymore. Find out what is causing your insomnia and try to attack it that way. You mentioned being hyper. Are you / or do you think you could be ADD/ADHD for instance? I say that because an excess of norepinephrine is implicated in that and that, in itself, causes sleep problems. Low dopamine (which is also implicated in ADHD) can also cause insomnia and is in fact, one of the causes (brings on some of the symptoms) of depression.
Rita226
21 Aug 2009
I so do NOT believe in add etc... that is 1 thing I do not agree with !!! My personal sleeping problem comes from being premenopausal ... happens to a lot of women .So no ... no add etc with me:)
Junior1962
21 Aug 2009
Do you mean you don't believe that ADD exists? Anyway, your answer is academic since I was responding to the other person's original question :)
tammydonny
21 Aug 2009
Klonopin or valium work good... but both come with possible side effects. valium makes me less groggy in the morning. What you should try first cause it's the simplist and cheapest is Melatonin. You buy it at local pharmacy under $10... completely natural and very safe. How I came across this is my son who is 6 has severe ADHD, and sensory integration disorder.
( A quick comment to the previous answer about not believeing in ADHD, it is such a real, devastating, and complicated issue to deal with, especially with children. It's very sad to watch my son go through this. I could go on forever about this issue, so I will stop here but if you would like to learn more facts regarding ADHD, I would love to educate you on what I know. 1 more thing, I will agree that I feel the reason many people dont take ADHD seriousely is because Doctors seem to quick to tell everyone they are ADHD...
I have heard from so many friends or aquantiances that tell me they have it, and I think to myself, "If you only knew what it does to a child you would know you don't have ADHD!" A real case of ADHD is a very serious illness)
Back to the ... my son's Dr suggested the Melatonin for him, cause he couldn't even fall asleep at night cause his brain wouldn't stop racing. (That's how my son described it)
I got it and it worked so good I couldn't believe it. When I went to grab it I double checked with the pharmacist to make sure it's safe for children, and he said absolutely. I have informed a lot of people about this and most think it works great. There was 2 of my friend's that it didn't work for. I suppose like everything else, everyone is differen't but try it ASAP. Because I couldn't say enough about it! Good Luck, & hopefully sweet dreams!
Junior1962
21 Aug 2009
Hi Tammy. My son also has ADHD, along with autism and intellectual disability. Just thought I would say that I totally agree with you on this: "If you only knew what it does to a child you would know you don't have ADHD!" It really annoys me when you see the mother of a 2-3 yr boy who is a normal, active child, saying, "I think he has ADHD". Such people really have no idea. I also agree that it is being overdiagnosed. It concerns me that children are being put on ritalin or whatever, when they may not actually NEED it and when the REAL causes of their behaviour aren't being investigated.
In addition, studies have shown that the disorder IS real. The brains of ADHD persons DO function differently. It is not just a 'behavioural' thing.
pfcpremosgirl
11 Sep 2009
Yes, ADHD and ADD are very very real, and carry genetic predisposition. I have ADD, as a female, symptoms present differently at times than from the way boys present. I will feel bad as long as I live that my genes may've been why my oldest son has ADHD. When I was diagnosed back in 1985, they did not give me any medication, they put me in a developmentally disabled classroom, and from there, my schooling went downhill. They treated me like my problem was with learning alone, instead of like the medical condition it was. Had I been given the proper treatment back then, I wouldn't suffer from the short attention span, flighty disposition, and inability to finish anything that I have now, I do believe. But my son has had a fighting chance. Since he was 5 years old, he has taken ADHD meds, and he is 16 now. We are doing a trial run off the meds right now, but it looks like he will need to go back on them. He doesn't do so well when he is off.
We don't medicate him on weekends or holidays, strictly for learning in the classroom, so he can focus and retain the information he is learning there. My second son is 5 now, just started kindergarten, and he is beginning to display the symptoms of ADHD. He is being monitored, but neither his teacher nor his father and I feel he has progressed to the point of needing medication. We will ward that off with as much other intervention as possible, trying to prevent that need from ever arising. But if it does at some point, and we due medicate him for school, there is no shame in that. The medication does help some children with grades and can contribute to academic excellence. I will say that some teachers do unfortunately suggest that parents drug their children when those children in no way have ADD/ADHD, as a matter of convenience for that teacher, and that makes me mad. Because then all children get lumped together, and the children truly suffering from this disorder do not get the attention or understanding they need to achieve in the classroom. These drugs are not babysitters nor created with the intention of turning NORMALLY ACTIVE kids into zombies. When a child does have the disorder, however, the stimulant medications can make all the difference in the world for their education and for their happiness outside of the classroom.
tammydonny
8 Nov 2009
pfcprimosgirl... your soo right about having no shame in the medications that we give our children when they are needed. My son was diagnosed at the age of 3, I was against meds. He was still young, I had made the decision that I am never gona put him on them because a teacher or myself couldn't handle him. I would consider it when it effected him directly. I was so lucky when he was in kindergarten, we got a teacher that to me is an angel. She is very educated and specialized in Special Ed, among others. She from day 1 was right on the same page, she never suggested meds, she opposed them actually. He had issues but she was so amazing with him that we were getting thru it. She was actually the one that noticed he has Sensory Integration Disorder. That is not common at all and probally would have never been diagnosed. That's why I say she was our angel. But every month was getting worse, he then started hitting his head telling me his brain hurt. That was it.
I put him on the meds... I was defeated. He was on Concerta, within less than 1 week he was so unbelieveably changed It was amazing. His teacher said she had never seen anything like it. All of a sudden, he was my precious, good, happy little boy again. I regreted the fact that I waited cause I thought I was doing him good. But I guess we do the best we can at the moment and learn from our mistakes. But I do have a ? for you about 1 aspect that has always seemed off to me. You said you only put him on meds while in school, and I know that most Dr's advise that as well. Unless my son is different, i feel that the meds make him happier & focused, etc. So I dont under stand why we should not give it to them over summer, weekends, etc? Does your son feel worse when he is not on his meds?
mrspremo
30 Dec 2009
My son does well at home without his ADHD medication. We made the choice because my son does not like taking medication. His feelings were an integral part of our decision to not medicate him unless he is in school. He still has focus problems when he is at home, but at school, those issues are vital, and the medication is required for him to do his work. I don't want to go against his wishes, when at 17, he is quite capable of having input in his own care. Some people choose to medicate their children every day, and that is ok. I have no problem with a parent giving their children their prescribed medication. But with my son's doctor's blessing, we've chosen not to give medication when its not necessary for learning. During the summer, we try very hard to find activities that stimulate my child's mind, and that in some way give him an outlet that he'd not otherwise have during the school year.
Its very challenging to deal with his condition without the medication. But he is closing in on adulthood now, and we are desperately trying to make sure he understands how to handle himself, with and without the drugs. After he turns 18, it will be totally up to him on how he would like to treat his disorder. I cannot force him to continue his medication therapy. There ARE many people who continue to need and to take ADHD medicine well into adulthood, perhaps for their whole lives. I am trying to find as much information as I can on adult ADD/ADHD, to help him cope, and find other ways that he can deal with this condition as he grows into manhood. I will support him in any choice he makes that will give him the resources to manage his life and his condition. I am fully my son's advocate, and will do whatever I can in my power to help him live a full active life. Now and for the rest of his life. We are together trying to come up with ways to ensure his future educational success, and making sure that he has whatever he needs to make it through his higher education. He does very well educationally with his medications. Perhaps now, as he nears adulthood, a dosage or regimen adjustment is called for. We will consult his physician and come up with whatever we feel will work best for him. Its so important to realize that in alot of cases, this condition persists for a long time, if not for life. Not everyone is just ready to quit medication just because they are grown up. Some kids do fortunately appear to "outgrow" ADHD/ADD, but some will continue to carry it, and its disruptive features, for many years. I still have MANY MANY of those symptoms, and have had to consult my MD for ways to treat them, so I can stay in college now, as I am a new college student working towards my Bachelor's degree. Without the treatment, I would no doubt not be successful in this pursuit, as I have attempted college twice in the past, and due to my problems with learning and concentration, have been unable to stay in to completion. THIS time I am determined to graduate, to be successful, even if that means as an adult I will have to take the medications for ADD. I wish everyone dealing with this condition all the luck in the world! We CAN succeed, even with this!! GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES TO ALL!!
Inactive
25 Feb 2010
ADD and ADHD are real and very complicated. I am an RN (had to quite work in 2007 due to physical and extreme mental conditions), but one of my clinicals included observing children and their behavior at a middle school. These were grades 4-6. My whole morning consisted of giving children their ADHD medications. At that time being unaware of the facts, I was shocked and thought the doctors were going overboard with this "so-called" ADHD epidemic. WOW WAS I WRONG. I am 45 years of age. I was put on Adderall 20 mg three times a day. The positive effect has made a hugh difference in my life. You will know if prescirbed any medication in this class of drugs if you are dealing with ADHD or ADD because you will feel calm and not jittery or "nervous". If after taking the medication for a couple of days and you feel like you are going to "jump out of your skin", then more than likely you are not dealing with ADHD or ADD.
As for a using any type of prescribed or over-the-counter medications it is up to the individual and no one should be ridiculed for their personal decsion On to the sleep issue, I have taken lanesta and that didn't work but the ambiem works good for me when I am not in my manic phase. If that is the case, nothing works. I have taken ambiem and stayed up 2-3 nights in a row. There again things work different because not everyones' body reacts the same. I do suggest working closely with your MD or mental health professional and let them be aware of what is best for you according to your personal situation.I also see a counselor once a week which helps me deal with my frustrations associated with my bipolar disorder. Don't be afraid to discuss issues with your doctor on any subject. That is the first step for help.
bradp111
29 Mar 2010
I never used to believe in ADD until I was diagnosed and started taking meds for it. I have had trouble with anxiety pretty much my whole life but now I see much of that can be attributed to ADD. I went to different doctors for my anxiety/depression problems so I tried lots of different antidepressants and also took Attivan. Another thing I should note is I'm a recovering opiate addict and most of that was self medicating but it spiralled out of control but now thankfully I'm opiate free. The whole idea behind ADD/ADHD made no sense to me because I have no trouble comprehension and understanding my trouble in school was not finishing and putting schoolwork off. As years went on my grades got worse in most my subjects. The only subject I did consistently well in was math because it was the one subject that interested me which I see now as a symptom as people with ADD can do tasks that are more interesting or motivating to them.
I was pretty skeptical at the idea of a stimulant helping anxiety I had been trying downers which helped with the anxiety but I didn't function normally. The whole thing is a total paradox the way the meds work it still doesn't quite make sense to me but the bottom line is it is a real disorder. One thing I will say is that it is risky for children to take stimulant meds because it can stunt growth. I have a nephew who is 5 and also diagnosed with ADHD and he takes melatonin at night and it works great for him getting him to go to bed isn't like mission impossible anymore. I've never taken it but I do take seroquel to sleep and it works great for me.
Sacosam
10 Apr 2010
The bottom line formula is... Kids + ADHD x Ignorance + Prescriptions = MONEY... GEETIS... DOLLARS FOR DOCTORS ! ! Sacosam
tammydonny
18 Apr 2010
Could you please explain your statement here?
beatlesgirl1986
22 Aug 2009
Trazodone has been a very effective sleep aide for me for the 3.5 years I was suffering from insomnia brought on by my depression. Trazodone is an anti-depressant as well as used for sleeping issues. I too need between 8-10 hours of sleep in order to not be exhausted and irritable the next day.
I took 1 50 mg tablet and that was enough for me, but my dad was also on it for sleeping and he's much bigger than I, so he was prescribed to take 150 mg.
I woke up feeling refreshed and happy that I slept thru the night and got my 8-10 hours.
kathy999
17 Oct 2009
This is what I take to sleep and without it, I would not sleep... ever. I have taken it for 8 years now and it has never let me down. Of course our house could fall down around me and I would never know it... but at least I sleep... One thing about Trazadone it does build up a tolerance and usually takes routine dose changes, but the DRs know that it is expected and my doctor in particular handles these appropiately. I started out with one half of a 50 mg tablet and have progressed to my present dose. I now take 1-2 150mg tablets.
kathy999
17 Oct 2009
This is what I take to sleep and without it, I would not sleep... ever. I have taken it for 8 years now and it has never let me down. Of course our house could fall down around me and I would never know it... but at least I sleep... One thing about Trazadone it does build up a tolerance and usually takes routine dose changes, but the DRs know that it is expected and my doctor in particular handles these appropiately. I started out with one half of a 50 mg tablet and have progressed to my present dose. I now take 1-2 150mg tablets.
nanrv17
2 Apr 2010
My doctor just prescribed Trazadone for my sleep issues. I'm glad to see someone is happy with it.
missveronica
29 Jul 2013
I too take 50mg Trazadone a day and absolutely swear by it-I wouldn't sleep without it and you don't wake up feeling all groggy like some sleep meds... Another good one is Imovane since you said you can't take anti depressants-which Trazadone is although anyone I know who is on it is for sleep
jada326
22 Aug 2009
Amsel10... I personally am on seroquel also and it does me fine. However my reasons are different than yours. I see you have gotten some really good answers to help you. My husband takes temazepam for sleep and restless legs... it works really good for him. Just talk to your doctor about the suggestions we all have made to see what's best for you. I wish you luck cause I too get miserable and mean.
Andreane_parker
21 Sep 2009
Seems to be that u tried a lot of medications but none of them helped u properly... or actually b the cause of ur needs.. c a lot medications are r8 nw available in the market for sleeping..but i'll suggest you have a word with ur physician and ask him if you take the AMBIEN(10mg)...
I'll suggest you to take the generic ambien that is the ZOLPIDEM(10mg)..coz upto what i know and my experience says that ZOLPIDEM(10mg) gives you a bit less side effects... compared to the brand one..coz the brand one is very strong...
But bro I must tell you one thing that u r the best judge of your body so alwaz try to consult with ur physician before taking any medication... don't take this medication only believing on me... plzzz once u should consult with your doctor...
fausto blanco
12 Dec 2009
that is very true, you need to ask your doctor for ambien... this I must said ambien and ceroquil make good combination my wife is currently taking both and work...
ask your doctor. but don't stop here if is necessary change your doctor. second opinion always help... God bless you .
applen
25 Sep 2009
I have the same problem, my phsyciatrist wouldnt give me sleeping meds, so I tried melatonin. Its natural so it works pretty well, the more chemical things tend to knock you out and you wake up groggy and not refeshed. Melatonin works, all you have to do is take it about half an hour before bed, when in bed just think calm thoughts and you drift off to sleep as if it was natural. hope this helped!
Inactive
5 Oct 2009
Yes, I agree. My doctor agrees also about Melatonin, and natural things. I have tried Benadryl and that makes me feel sluggish and groggy the next morning. Tried Dramamine with a little of my Ativan, helped a lot.
rawboots
16 Jan 2010
I also take the melatonin everyday. it seems as if my body is getting used to it and it seems as if it isnt working quite as well anymore. since it is a natural med, i feel its much safer than otc meds. Is this possible, for my body to get used to it ?
bebe522
7 Nov 2010
melatonin works great for me 2. I was happily surprised as I really thought I needed something "strong" LOL One night I took an ambian 1 hr before I planned on going to bed... next day I talked to a friend only to find out that I had talked to her on the phone after taking it ... and had no recollection of it!
Never again
SandiPlush
5 days ago
I am bipolar/depressed and taking lithium, quetiapine and citalopram, with minimum of melatonin. I take 3 to 4 hours to ‘not be groggy’ and want to be able to have a productive full ‘day’.
TammyMO
18 Oct 2009
there is ambiean cr and im now on trazodone sorry bout the spelling i dont have any side affects from it like waking up grumpy also a natural vit. is 3000 mg of melatonin bought at ur local freds dollar general walmart or walgreens and it is not addictive
trisha lee
28 Oct 2009
i have insomnia as well ive tried alot of different sleep aides, i have had "hang overs" to alot of them such as Xanax, ativan, seriquil, the one i have tried that works for me is ambien 10 mg. i have three kids so i need to be able to wake in the middle of the night and be aware as well. i have never woken up with that heavy groggy feeling that most give me. so i suggest trying ambien there is also lower doses.. consult your doctor maybe even give it a try... good luck hope you find what is right for you.
tyson3152000
21 Nov 2009
id also suggest ambien
mrspremo
30 Dec 2009
Ambien doesn't touch my insomnia, and my insurance will not cover Ambien CR. The only medication, prescription wise, that does work, and allows me to wake up refreshed and not feeling like I was drugged the night before, is Lunesta, 3mg. It lets me fall asleep quickly, within about 30 minutes, and I sleep between 6-7 hours straight. I'd love to be able to sleep 8 or more hours a night, but I will take those 6-7 hours of usually uninterrupted sleep time. Ambien always made me feel awful the next day. And I never slept straight through the night on Ambien either. I'd fall asleep pretty fast, but sometime between 2-4 hours afterwards, I'd wake up, feeling just awful, and unable to fall back asleep. The only side effect I have had from Lunesta was unpleasant taste in my mouth. And thats one side effect I will take given all the benefit gained from this medication. Good luck!!
kathy999
31 Jan 2010
They gave me ambien in the hospital after I had my last child because I was NOT getting any rest and I was mean as hell to everyone (he had colic). Anyway, it did work for me... I was out for at least 10 hours. However, unfortunately tyson is correct about the insurance companies... even medicare and medicaid... They usually will only pay for a half a month and leave the rest of the cost to you. Because of its chemistry you cannot take half a tablet. They are not suppose to be altered in anyway because part of the medicine is responsible for prolonged sleep so its sustained action. If you crush or half ... you get all that medicine at once. That not only takes away from the sustained sleep, but give you everything at once which could have bad consequences. I wonder why insurance will only pay for half???
Patricia Gibson 2009
29 Nov 2009
I use to take Seroquel and Trazodone. For me it was a good combination. Another good note: Stop eating, drinking and watching anything that will keep you excited, after 4:00pm. Avoid caffeine, any stimulants. Milk also helped. Sometimes just going to bed, will put you to sleep. Listening to relaxing and calming music. A relaxing bath is good. Aromatherapy definitely works.
Dalton7313
1 Dec 2009
I completely understand where you are coming from. I too have Insomnia, I take seroquel, but not for sleep because even 400(2/200s)mgs, doesn't touch me. I went to DR. yesterday... for sleep he gave me Elavil. Have you tried that? I got a few hours sleep... it may work.
jude2008
1 Dec 2009
I sympathise, but don't see that Seroquel is the answer. I take 800mg Seroquel a day and it doesn't make me sleepy. Hope you find an answer to your problem.
Mom61
4 Apr 2010
800mg of seroquel? How do you function? And what do you use to sleep?
clm1970
28 May 2010
This observation and opinion is for "sarcosam." compared to the US and to the United Kingdom, the US far surpasses the children taking psychotropic medications; I quite adamantly stand by this declaration. Howevver, I am an advanced registered nurse, with prescriptive authority, specializing in psychiatry, and do not possesss any magical powers to entice "Hansel and Gretel" out of the woods to come take the medications I prescribe, Before any, any type of medication, in any specialty, are given a comprehensive assessment should be completed as the issue or situation may not even necessitate a needless, potentially harmful medication. Further, I bellieve that they are quite overused. I have a profoundly autistic child with a seizure disorder. We went without medications as long as we could, but due to her high risk of brain damage, chose those that would provide her the best convulsive coverage without causing her to glow in the dark.
Yes, there is some cynacism in this paragraph, but please release their are unrealities on each side. Thank you for your time, Respectfully, CLM
jennie3_99
13 Jul 2010
ambiean CR has worked wonders for me it helps you fall asleep and stay asleep ive been taking it for 2 years
DeeDee71281
20 Oct 2010
Yes, valium or xanex work great. Have you tired Ambien???
Further Information
- Seroquel Information for Consumers
- Seroquel Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Seroquel (detailed)
Similar Questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.