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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Sheilac on April 2, 2014, at 1:22:58
I think I may need Seroquel for sleep. I tried splitting my Geodon dose (60 dinner and I'll take 60 at lunch), but the 60mg knocked me out (which is bad news for tomorrow afternoon dose). Now, here I am 4 hours later awake.
I should have just taken the Seroquel and gotten some great sleep.
Also, I tried a low dose of Adderall yesterday. Not only did it help keep me awake and alert, but I think it actually helped me fall asleep.
This is all too weird. But I guess it will all work out.
Posted by Sheilac on April 2, 2014, at 2:43:49
In reply to 2 AAPs - need sleep, posted by Sheilac on April 2, 2014, at 1:22:58
Up. Guess I'm not going back to bed.
I'm rethinking splitting Geodon. Not sure splitting the dose 60/60 is going to work. I took it at 5:30pm with dinner. Fell asleep great and awake at 1:00am!
If it makes me sleepy at 60mg, but awake at 80mg, maybe it would make sense to either take 40mg at night and 80mg in the morning. Or just take the whole freakin dose of 120mg with dinner.
But if I can't sleep on 120mg, I may ask for a low dose of Trileptal just to knock me out at night, to add to the 120mg Geodon. I know at higher doses (600mg) Trileptal made me swell, but maybe at a lower dose I could get back that great sleep I got with it.Sleep is very important. I'm just desperate for sleep. I've taken melatonin, Benadryl, atarax. Nothing. Still awake.
Is there anyway to deal with swelling on Trileptal so I can just go back to it?!
Posted by Guy on April 2, 2014, at 19:04:53
In reply to 2 AAPs - need sleep, posted by Sheilac on April 2, 2014, at 1:22:58
Are you taking Geodon because you have psychotic symptoms? If so, why are you not switching to the Seroquel which you suggest is much better at helping you sleep? If you are not suffering from psychosis, there are other options such as Remeron or the tricyclics. I am currently experiencing some success with 100 mg Trimipramine. It should be noted, however, that many psychiatrists are now prescribing AAP's for people who are not psychotic...even though there are risks and severe rebound insomnia when one tries to discontinue. I agree that sleep is a key issue when it comes to mental health and being able to function normally. You haven't provided very much information about your diagnosis and the reasons why you can't sleep. Are you anxious? Do you eat well and exercise outdoors every day? Do you have racing thoughts that you can't control? Do you have psychosis that is independent of or related to sleep deprivation? Do you practise relaxation? It's really quite complicated. Just going by the information you have provided I would say go with the Seroquel if that's what works best. If possible, you should discuss all your issues with a psychiatrist, or failing that, a good GP. The challenge is to find something that alleviates your symptoms and that you can live with in the long-term. Some people need meds while others manage to recover without them. Nothing beats natural sleep but that is not possible for many who have mental issues. Best of luck in finding a solution.
Posted by Sheilac on April 2, 2014, at 19:31:56
In reply to Re: 2 AAPs - need sleep, posted by Guy on April 2, 2014, at 19:04:53
I haven't had a great natural sleepy feeling in 20 years. My doc considers me very med sensitive, and "lightly BPII". Lightly because I've never been destructive, suicidal, psychotic, hospitalized, etc., and react to low doses of meds. I tend to have disastrous results with "therapeutic levels" of meds. My main symptoms are light ongoing depression and anxiety along with some irritability.
I've been through the traditional mood stabilizers and they have either caused such horrid depression (depakote at 125mg!), or a whole host of other issues with anti seizure meds.
I cannot simply pop an antidepressant because they induce hypomania.
So far, Geodon works great for my depression and stability at 120mg. And it doesn't induce hypomania at this dose. But insomnia plagues me. I am not psychotic, but do react well to AAPs. Geodon helps my depression, irritability, impulsiveness.
I spoke with my pdoc today and she has no problem with my taking 25-50mg of Seroquel for sleep. If I go higher than 50mg I lose the great sleep effect. 100mg of Seroquel keeps me wide awake.
I tend to be a slow metabolizer, have paradoxal effects from meds, etc.
So, since I haven't slept well since being stable on 120mg of Geodon, I'm taking her up on Seroquel for sleep. She said sleep is the most important thing in a person with mood issues.
So tonight, I look forward to great sleep.
And I do worry about taking 2 AAPs, but my pdoc said both are low doses in her opinion and if they help with depression, irritability and sleep, I'll take them.
Side note: since taking 120mg of Geodon my mother & husband have commented on how much better I seem. So I guess I feel better and people see it in my behavior as well.
Posted by Guy on April 3, 2014, at 15:41:57
In reply to 2 AAPs - need sleep, posted by Sheilac on April 2, 2014, at 1:22:58
Sheilac, your story just goes to show how complicated and unique we all are. I am glad that you at least have the Seroquel to help out. I hope it gives you consistently good sleeps as it is a real pain to be pissing around with meds each night and never knowing what's going to work. I was on Zyprexa for many years so that is another med you might consider if things get reallly tough...but be warned that it comes with it's own set of risks and side-effects! I am currently using clonazepam to augment trimipramine. Things seem OK for now but I know the benzos are not for everyone. Some people develop tolerance very quickly while others can take them for years and years without any problem. Also, benzos apparently prevent deep, restorative sleep so that is another strike against them. It sounds like you are doing the right thing by working closely with your psychiatrist.
Posted by Zyprexa on April 9, 2014, at 21:57:19
In reply to 2 AAPs - need sleep, posted by Sheilac on April 2, 2014, at 1:22:58
I think if you take something for sleep like seraquel. And get good sleep at night. When you take geodon in the day it won't make you as tired.
This is the end of the thread.
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