Posted by Cam W. on June 13, 2001, at 8:22:39
In reply to Sleep problems, posted by Maisy on June 13, 2001, at 6:23:34
Maisy - Are you having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (or both). I am taking 300mg of Effexor in the morning and have trouble initiating sleep. I tried Imovane™ (zopiclone - only in Canada, pity) but the taste perversion lasts all day and it sure is disgusting. I also tried Starnoc™ (zapelon - Sonata U.S.) but found I had to take two to get to sleep. Now I am using Restoril™ (temazepam) 15mg or 30mg, but I find it too sedating and I don't like sleeping that deep.
Herbal sleeping aids may also be appropriate. Valerian or chamomille teas may work, but ask your doc if it is right for you.
I see my doc tomorrow and will ask about the Starnoc/Sonata, again. It has a very short half-life and it can be taken a second time, in the middle of the night, if need be. This seems a good choice for me, as I have trouble falling asleep. If 2 capsules do the trick, then I am all for it.
There are the usual nonpharmaceutical things to try first, though. Avoid caffeine at least 4 hours prior to sleep (even in some chocolate). If you are taking the Effexor XR (which I recommend over the regular), take the entire daily dose in the morning (although some people do have to split the dose). No stenuous exercise up to 2 hours prior to bed; it gets the heart pumping to much. Go to bed earlier and read (I found Faulkner, Vonnegut, or any of the existentialist philosophers - Heidegger, Hegel, Sartre, etc. - use to put me right to sleep; now I like them - damn).
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:66282
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010612/msgs/66289.html