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Author Topic: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?  (Read 47118 times)

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Offline pozhealthy

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sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« on: January 24, 2009, 11:29:17 pm »
I was on meds for many years and despite everything I tried I never found anything that worked. Been off meds for almost 3 years and still cannot sleep. Worried about so many things and how I am going to pay rent, food, gas, and most importantly----how I am going to pay for my meds.
And yes sharkie i AM a LTS since at least 1991

Offline Peter Staley

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #1 on: January 25, 2009, 08:24:47 am »
pozhealthy -- please describe your specific sleeping issues.  Some folks have trouble falling asleep, while others can fall asleep easily but wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep (I'm in this camp).  And some folks suffer from both issues.  (Are there other categories I'm missing?)

I've found Lunesta does a pretty good job of keeping me asleep for at least 6 hours, and most often 7 to 8 hours.  I don't take it every night -- just when I've had a restless night the night before, and need to get some good rest. 

It's supposed to be non-addictive (if you take it every night for a while, you're not supposed to become dependent on it in order to sleep), unlike some of the other sleeping pills on the market.  But that could just be marketing hype.

If you have trouble falling asleep, you might need something more fast-acting.

I'm curious to hear what other folks use as well.

Offline richva

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #2 on: January 25, 2009, 08:51:40 am »
pozhealthy,

I share your experience with insomnia and the worries that make sleep so difficult, but I do believe my situation was significantly influenced by my Sustiva-containing HAART regimen.  Switching combos has made a HUGE difference.  But, to directly answer your question, I (like Peter) found Lunesta to be effective.  It's prescribed in 1, 2 and 3 mg. dosages; my doc prescribed 2 mg.  For awhile, I needed an Ativan kicker to help drift off, then the Lunesta alone did the trick.  I'm not using anything for sleep now, although I did refill my Lunesta Rx and have it handy just in case.

Insomnia is terrible.  I feel for you and hope that you'll land upon something that helps.

Rich

P.S. - Tried Ativan alone, Ambien, and Trazadone.  None worked nearly as well for me as Lunesta.
08/1989 Acquired
04/1992 Diagnosed
03/25/2008 (YUP - 16 years later!) CD4 336/21% VL 217,000; started meds
08/2012 - Alive, living! and doing just fine, TYVM (w/ props to my doc, insurance carrier and Complera. I remember every day that I'm a lucky boy.)

Offline BT65

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #3 on: January 25, 2009, 04:54:33 pm »
I used to use a pretty high dose of Trazadone (300 mgs).  And I always ate with it, which makes it work faster.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline pozhealthy

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #4 on: January 25, 2009, 08:43:59 pm »
trazadone was like rat poison to me---i literally felt that bad on it. glad its working for you.  as far as my sleep problem---i have trouble falling and staying asleep. I do have a bad case of sleep apnea--which is weird because i am very thin so even the sleep lab was suprised. I wear a cpap mask at night, which is fun. NOT. and i wear a night guard on my teeth since i grind my teeth terribly. i look like hannible lecter.
its weird, some nights i can sorta fall asleep with just 10mg of ambien and sometimes i take 20mg and its like took a tic/tac--does not even faze me. My brain just won't seem to shut off. I like restoril because i have wonderful dreams but even the low dose makes me feel so hung over the next day and dizzy and really effects my balance.
Lunesta only gave me worse insomnia.
i have tried hypnotism, relaxation techniques, all sorts of things but nothing seems to work really well or for very long.
i know sometimes i have slept ---but get this---i DREAM that i am awake! very frustrating. i know this because i actually videotaped myself all night and there i was--sleeping, but i thought i was awake all night.
things are actually better off meds but then i am worried because i need to go back on them.
very frustrating.
the only time i really and truly feel refreshed and like i have slept is when i have a bad cold and a fever. its wonderful. i just roll over and fall asleep immediately. i can get up and go right back to sleep no problems.
i think its something in my brain because i have been this way my entire life.
i used to take invirase and epivir.
my doc would like me to be on viread, insentress and the other form of epivir should i ever be able afford meds again.
anyway.... i have rambled on long enough and am sure i have put at least a few of you to sleep....lucky you  :)



Offline BT65

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #5 on: January 25, 2009, 08:49:06 pm »
Oh, I'm not on the Trazadone now.  I don't take any sleep med anymore.  When I took Trazadone, I was also taking a slew of other things that combined, kept me awake.  Anyway, good luck.  I hate feeling like I didn't get any sleep.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline denb45

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #6 on: January 25, 2009, 09:56:55 pm »

I'm curious to hear what other folks use as well.

For me it all depends, on what I'm doing, if I'm just watching T.V.  I'll fall to sleep very fast, but if I'm doing something very extensive (like building a PC, recording my Music Mixes, something that requires a lot of concentration to get it just right) then I'm WIRED most of the night, and only go to bed when I get tired.........

         I have (PTSD=Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), so I have (lorazepam=Ativan) on the ready for very high anxiety, sometimes it gets really bad, and I'll have to take 2 of them (0.5MG)  that really isn't a large dosage, and I don't need to take that all of the time ,as it's prescribed (PRN= as needed) oh, and the lorazepam is really fast-acting, and it melts on my tongue  ;D
« Last Edit: January 25, 2009, 10:09:51 pm by denb45 »
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Winiroo

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #7 on: January 25, 2009, 10:03:24 pm »
I have trouble falling asleep and I wake up very easily. I have tried trazadone but I still have to wait for it to kick in. It only helps to keep me asleep. I have a new doctor so I plan on talking about it with them this week. The last doctor kept trying to give me antidepressants and I don't want to be on those.

We will see what happens.  ;D

Offline RapidRod

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #8 on: January 25, 2009, 10:45:48 pm »
I was prescribed Remeron (Mirtazapine) 15mg at bed time for sleep.. Been on it for a year. Like Peter I don't take it every night, just when I've went several nights without a full nights sleep.

Offline Gary85741

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #9 on: January 26, 2009, 08:22:56 am »

An OTC (over-the-counter) medication which can help with sleep is Benadryl (allergy pills.)  They're inexpensive.  Of course, individual results will vary.  It's helpful to me.  Sometimes I'll augment it with Valium if needed.

Gary
Poz since '89. 
Current regimen: Rescriptor, Emtriva, Kaletra, Invirase, Acyclovir, Lisinopril, Lipitor, Prilosec, Valium, Testim, Nandrolone, Loperamidr, Marinol.

Offline AlanBama

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #10 on: January 26, 2009, 12:45:42 pm »
I have suffered with sleeping difficulties for years.    Ambien worked well for me for a very long time; then the insurance I had decided they would only pay for 18 pills each month.   So I slept every other night, for a couple of years.... 

Then went through a trial-and-error period of several meds, including Seroquel (I hated it).   Luckily for me, right now I am doing fairly well by taking one 100mg Trazodone and 1 clonozepam.    The clonozepam 'shuts off my mind', and the Trazodone keeps me asleep.    Now of course, sometimes I still have difficulties.   I will take an extra clonozepam if I cannot fall asleep in 1-2 hours.   Then, if I STILL cannot, I will take another Trazodone.

I would love to try Lunesta, but can't afford it.    It's a shame when sleep, a necessity of life, becomes a LUXURY.

If I come home from work and get in my recliner and happen to close my eyes and doze off for a bit, I can forget going to sleep that night.   Once I'm up, I need to STAY up until bedtime.

A lot of my mental health issues have been about sleep disorders.   For a long time, I would hear music playing in my head at night, and I absolutely could not shut it off.   Makes you feel like a total lunatic.

It helps to have a good psychiatrist who will LISTEN and take prompt action; I have had some who want to 'experiment' with this or that, and basically pussyfoot around.    I told one doctor off, and said "look lady, if I can't sleep, I can't function.   If I can't function, I can't work, and I am barely eeking by now, so for God's sake, PLEASE help me sleep".

It's a very serious issue, and I wish you luck in finding some solutions.   Let us know how things are going.

Hugs,
Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline pozhealthy

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #11 on: January 26, 2009, 01:33:43 pm »
i pay cash for the generic ambien at the local hospital pharmacy and it is 30 pills for $9.00!

cheaper than my insurance co pay


Offline rondrond

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #12 on: January 26, 2009, 01:44:21 pm »
I seem to share a little from everyone. I can fall alseep, but then any noise will wake me up, and then...I'm up.

When I finally pass out, and get to actual sleep, it isn't for long as I'm always being forced awake by Katie shouting at me for some reason or another.

I have Trazadone, to take as needed, but am afraid of becoming dependent on a sleep aid.
"I'm not done yet"....Glen Campbell

"I may not be exactly where I want to be, but I sure as Hell am not where I was"
Wynnona Judd

Diagnosed/HIV
1993
AZT
Norvir
1994-2001
Crixivan/Epivir/Zerit
No Meds for 7 Years

04jul07/DVT-right leg/Bi Lateral PE's     
16oct08/DVT-left leg
Aug09 Diagnosed: COPD

05may2015
Un-detectable
Tcells 700
44%

Offline denb45

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #13 on: January 26, 2009, 02:05:28 pm »
I seem to share a little from everyone. I can fall alseep, but then any noise will wake me up, and then...I'm up.

When I finally pass out, and get to actual sleep, it isn't for long as I'm always being forced awake by Katie shouting at me for some reason or another.

I have Trazadone, to take as needed, but am afraid of becoming dependent on a sleep aid.

Yes, I feel Ya there Ronnie, I don't want to go down that road of becoming dependent on a sleep aids
I'd just rather stay up and do something useful , something time consuming, ( like reading a best seller) till I fall asleep  :) way better than than popping sleep meds, I good friend of mine many yrs ago, use to take sleep meds, and one time he took too much, and NEVER woke up again, he DIED in his sleep  :-[
The County Coroners Office ,where I worked ruled his death as an accidental overdose......not a suicide
« Last Edit: January 26, 2009, 02:12:25 pm by denb45 »
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline BUZZCUTT

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #14 on: January 26, 2009, 02:21:43 pm »
Hi Rondrond

I have been having sleeping problems since the 1980's back then i was a big fan of nyquill then tylenol pm came out - started taking those and was up to 10 a night to go to sleep but would still wake up several times a night to pee as they are also antihistimines.

I have problems falling asleep and always waking up during the night - my mind just goes in all sorts of directions and it is hard to relax after a hectic day at work.

so...

currently i take nightly to sleep the following:
1000mg chloral Hydrate
4mg Kolonipan
75mg Librium
10 mg Ambien

Most of the time they work the chloral hydrate kicks in quick but only last  4 to 6 hours the other meds help to keep me asleep.  My body is use to the high dosages of the drugs as i have been on most of them for years.  The next one I am going to try is nembutal my doc is hesitant about giving me this one as it is really easy to od on.  I probably will cut the ambien and go for the nembutal - i have tried lunesta before it works similiar to ambien but it left a bad taste in my mouth.  I wake up every morning at 4:30am for work without a drug hangover - but thats me.

My suggestion try some chamomile tea or some melatonin the latter you can buy at walgreens - it is a natural sleep aid, you can also try valerian root that helps some people - i saw a bottle of this combination at walgreens called Luna Sleep - i bought it, but does not work for me.

Good Luck

Buzz
« Last Edit: January 26, 2009, 02:24:09 pm by BUZZCUTT »
Buzz ♥

Offline BUZZCUTT

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #15 on: January 26, 2009, 02:26:31 pm »
I seem to share a little from everyone. I can fall alseep, but then any noise will wake me up, and then...I'm up.

When I finally pass out, and get to actual sleep, it isn't for long as I'm always being forced awake by Katie shouting at me for some reason or another.

I have Trazadone, to take as needed, but am afraid of becoming dependent on a sleep aid.

Trazadone didnt work for me, they had to keep upping the dosages
Buzz ♥

Offline RapidRod

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #16 on: January 26, 2009, 02:39:44 pm »
Trazadone didnt work for me, they had to keep upping the dosages

Are you a LTS?

Offline BT65

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #17 on: January 26, 2009, 03:40:22 pm »
I have Trazadone, to take as needed, but am afraid of becoming dependent on a sleep aid.

Trazadone is not a sleeping pill.  It is actually generic Deseryl, which is an antidepressant.

so...

currently i take nightly to sleep the following:
1000mg chloral Hydrate
4mg Kolonipan
75mg Librium
10 mg Ambien

My suggestion try some chamomile tea or some melatonin the latter you can buy at walgreens - it is a natural sleep aid, you can also try valerian root that helps some people - i saw a bottle of this combination at walgreens called Luna Sleep - i bought it, but does not work for me.

That's quite a list of meds you take for sleep.  I certainly would not want to be on all those benzodiazepines (tranquilizers).  It seems like way too much.

Melatonin and Valerian Root are not good for HIV+ people on medications. 
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline RapidRod

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #18 on: January 26, 2009, 06:37:31 pm »
BT65, they do use Trazodone for sleep. It was prescribed to me when Wellbutrin and Ambien didn't work and when Trazadone didn't work is when I was prescribed Remeron which does work for me.

Offline aztecan

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #19 on: January 26, 2009, 06:47:34 pm »
Hey Betty,

I didn't know that about Valerian root. I know some folks have allergic reactions to it, but never heard it is a problem with meds.

Do you know what typs of bad interaction occurs?

HUGS,

Mark
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline MYSTERY

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #20 on: January 26, 2009, 07:19:43 pm »
Hello everyone,

I have problems at times sleeping at night esp if I have had some coffee earlier in the day. So I have stopped drinking any caffeine. That has helped alot. I find that I can fall asleep with out any sleep aids. I have tried Ambien in the past. I liked it but found that it is very addictive. I would take Ambien and then the next night I could not fall asleep. I stopped taking it. The Ambien also made me depressed and I forgot things. I was wondering what was going on and when I read the side effects to Ambien I found why I was becoming moody and forgetful.

What has worked is a Valium if I have had a stressful day. It helps put my mind at ease, along with a hot bath before bed time puts me to sleep. I rarely take a Valium, but have them around just in case. I also find the Valium does not give me a hang over or the restless next night sleep Ambien gives me.

I think the Caffeine really contributed to my restlessness. I have found that stopping the Caffeine has helped alot.
Atheist don't believe in GOD, but GOD believes in them and loves them. Never let the failure of man conflict with your love of GOD.

Offline BT65

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #21 on: January 26, 2009, 08:17:50 pm »
Yeah Roddles, I was prescribed Trazadone for sleep as well.  I guess I didn't explain what I was trying to say clearly; when Rondrond said he didn't want to take sleeping pills regularly lest he get hooked, I was just trying to say that Trazadone is not the 'usual' sleeping pill i.e it's not really addictive like, oh, Ambien and the like.

Mark, I'm going to have to research exactly what Valerian root interacts with; better yet, I see my doctor Thursday, I'll ask him.  I can't remember exactly, sorry.  It's something another doc I used to see told me years ago.  I'll be looking into it.

Edited to add:  I just looked at one site and it mentioned that Valerian and Melatonin helped improve sleeping.  It was an HIV website, so maybe the doc that told me that didn't know what he was talking about.  It did say, though, not to use it if taking another sleep aid or benzo's (such as Ativan, Klonopin etc.).

In the following article, at the bottom, it mentions a few different "supplements" that might not be good to take when taking HIV meds:

http://bcpwa.baremetal.org/articles/issue6/herb.htm
« Last Edit: January 26, 2009, 08:29:26 pm by BT65 »
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

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Offline aztecan

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #22 on: January 26, 2009, 11:57:48 pm »
A few?
Quote
A recently published comprehensive search of interactions between commonly used medicinal plants and pharmaceutical drugs published in clinical reports suggest potential interactions with the following herbals: betel nut; chili pepper (capsicum); Danshen; Devils claw; dong quai; eleuthero or siberian ginseng; garlic; gingko; ginseng, guar gum, harela or bitter melon, liquorice, papaya, psyllium, St. John’s wort; Saiboku-to (Asian herbal mixture); Shankhaspushpi (Ayurvedic mixed-herb syrup); Sho-saiko-to or xiao chai hu tang (Asian herbal mixture); tamarind; valerian; and yohimbine.

EEP!

I noted that these are all "potential" interactions, with the exception of St. John's Wort and grapefruit.

I, too have sleep difficulties. I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat at just about any time of day or night.

Just ask Jan. She has a photo to prove it.

But I awaken several times during the night and have trouble getting back to sleep.

I bought some valerian root just for the purpose of helping me sleep. Now I wonder whether I should use it or not?

Hmmm, how about a glass of warm milk as a sleep inducer? Of course, those of us who are lactose intolerant or trying to watch the cholesterol might not fare well.

Sigh.

There really are no simple answers to anything these days.

HUGS,

Mark

« Last Edit: January 27, 2009, 12:03:38 am by aztecan »
"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline RapidRod

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #23 on: January 27, 2009, 11:31:18 am »
Yeah Roddles, I was prescribed Trazadone for sleep as well.  I guess I didn't explain what I was trying to say clearly; when Rondrond said he didn't want to take sleeping pills regularly lest he get hooked, I was just trying to say that Trazadone is not the 'usual' sleeping pill i.e it's not really addictive like, oh, Ambien and the like.

Mark, I'm going to have to research exactly what Valerian root interacts with; better yet, I see my doctor Thursday, I'll ask him.  I can't remember exactly, sorry.  It's something another doc I used to see told me years ago.  I'll be looking into it.

Edited to add:  I just looked at one site and it mentioned that Valerian and Melatonin helped improve sleeping.  It was an HIV website, so maybe the doc that told me that didn't know what he was talking about.  It did say, though, not to use it if taking another sleep aid or benzo's (such as Ativan, Klonopin etc.).

In the following article, at the bottom, it mentions a few different "supplements" that might not be good to take when taking HIV meds:

http://bcpwa.baremetal.org/articles/issue6/herb.htm

I forgive you.  :D

Offline RapidRod

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #24 on: January 27, 2009, 11:35:43 am »
A few?
EEP!

I noted that these are all "potential" interactions, with the exception of St. John's Wort and grapefruit.

I, too have sleep difficulties. I can fall asleep at the drop of a hat at just about any time of day or night.

Just ask Jan. She has a photo to prove it.

But I awaken several times during the night and have trouble getting back to sleep.

I bought some valerian root just for the purpose of helping me sleep. Now I wonder whether I should use it or not?

Hmmm, how about a glass of warm milk as a sleep inducer? Of course, those of us who are lactose intolerant or trying to watch the cholesterol might not fare well.

Sigh.

There really are no simple answers to anything these days.

HUGS,

Mark



Mark, I wish I would have known you were having problems sleeping in SF, I had them with me. I would have gave you one to try and see if it would have worked for you. (date rape) ;)

Offline rondrond

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #25 on: January 27, 2009, 11:38:51 am »
There is something to that drinking warm milk, hot chocolate that does make you sleepy.

I have started a ritual of making Hot Tea (decaffeinated, Celestial Seasonings, at the moment the Sugar Plum and Spice)  

Alas, like most supplements to the body, the body seems to adjust. The first night we drank hot tea, we both got very sleepy. I was also taking Doxepin at night. The Doxepin wasn't working, so we tried the hot tea. Maybe it made the Doxepin worked, or it was just the tea, but for the first couple of days, I was falling out of my chair.

It worked for about a week, but then I stopped feeling sleepy. It did help take the chill off the old bones.

The front of the house faces west, the setting sun shines on the windows and gets nice and warm. We can tell when the sun sinks below the top of the hill...brrrrrr

Katie swears that it not only takes off that chill, but makes her bowels move.... ::)

I'm back to a state of wakefulness despite the hot tea. There's the computer, I read, and watch TV until I pass out.

"I'm not done yet"....Glen Campbell

"I may not be exactly where I want to be, but I sure as Hell am not where I was"
Wynnona Judd

Diagnosed/HIV
1993
AZT
Norvir
1994-2001
Crixivan/Epivir/Zerit
No Meds for 7 Years

04jul07/DVT-right leg/Bi Lateral PE's     
16oct08/DVT-left leg
Aug09 Diagnosed: COPD

05may2015
Un-detectable
Tcells 700
44%

Offline denb45

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #26 on: January 27, 2009, 11:54:42 am »

I'm back to a state of wakefulness despite the hot tea. There's the computer, I read, and watch TV until I pass out.



My ID Doctor tells me this is always better than any sleep meds .......do something useful, and sooner or later you'll fall fast asleep  ;D
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline BUZZCUTT

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #27 on: January 27, 2009, 12:56:07 pm »
Are you a LTS?

No not a LTS, newly dx 7/07 - found out when i was hospitalized with PCP - T Cells are slowly rising - well anyway I hope to be a LTS or be around when they find a cure.
Buzz ♥

Offline BUZZCUTT

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #28 on: January 27, 2009, 12:58:42 pm »
Trazadone is not a sleeping pill.  It is actually generic Deseryl, which is an antidepressant.



That's quite a list of meds you take for sleep.  I certainly would not want to be on all those benzodiazepines (tranquilizers).  It seems like way too much.

Melatonin and Valerian Root are not good for HIV+ people on medications. 

Trazadone is an antidepressant but is also prescribed for sleep disorders by some psychitrists.

Yeah it is a bit much but i am not ready to detox from them yet, I have built a very high tolerance to these meds.  I will know when I am ready either that or they will be the death of me,I know i will probably die by my own hands one day, sometimes i wake up in the middle of the night and take more to go back to sleep- but that is a different story, right now i feel i need them.

I wish Melatonin and Valerian Root worked for me - maybe i should go in for Electro Shock Therapy maybe that would make me sleep- just a thought
« Last Edit: January 27, 2009, 01:11:21 pm by BUZZCUTT »
Buzz ♥

Offline BUZZCUTT

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #29 on: January 27, 2009, 01:13:18 pm »
[
Melatonin and Valerian Root are not good for HIV+ people on medications. 
[/quote]

Thanks I did not know this - why is it not good if you are on hiv meds
Buzz ♥

Offline BT65

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #30 on: January 27, 2009, 01:51:19 pm »
Buzzcut,

This particular forum is for long-term survivors.  We encourage the newer-diagnosed to read, but respectfully to not respond.  If there's something in particular that interests you, you can always pm someone.

Also, I was on a few benzo's in the past and detoxed cold turkey.  I can tell you your tolerance will just go up and up until they quit working.  The detox is hard, but there's a huge change in my life, regarding how I think and act.  It's much better without all those. 
  Luv,
Betty
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline BUZZCUTT

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #31 on: January 27, 2009, 01:59:17 pm »
I seem to share a little from everyone. I can fall alseep, but then any noise will wake me up, and then...I'm up.

When I finally pass out, and get to actual sleep, it isn't for long as I'm always being forced awake by Katie shouting at me for some reason or another.

I have Trazadone, to take as needed, but am afraid of becoming dependent on a sleep aid.

Hey Rod can I ask what you use Muciprion for - my doctor prescribes that for me, i tend to get skin sores on my face no less and he says it was impetigo - i dont think it is impetigo i can go for a few months then i feel something like a hive and i itch it and it breaks out to this ugly sore - which seems to take forever to go away even with the meds, sometimes he will prescribe an oral antibiotic to take which doesnt much help either.  Just wondering.
Buzz ♥

Offline BUZZCUTT

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #32 on: January 27, 2009, 02:02:05 pm »
Buzzcut,

This particular forum is for long-term survivors.  We encourage the newer-diagnosed to read, but respectfully to not respond.  If there's something in particular that interests you, you can always pm someone.

Also, I was on a few benzo's in the past and detoxed cold turkey.  I can tell you your tolerance will just go up and up until they quit working.  The detox is hard, but there's a huge change in my life, regarding how I think and act.  It's much better without all those. 
  Luv,
Betty

Boy I just can't win when it comes to posting etiqutte - I will just read and not post anymore
Buzz ♥

Offline BT65

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #33 on: January 27, 2009, 06:53:07 pm »
Boy I just can't win when it comes to posting etiqutte - I will just read and not post anymore

Oh, now don't pout.  Surely you know about the other parts of the forum you can "etiquettely" post in.  No reason why you must post no more.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline pozhealthy

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #34 on: January 27, 2009, 11:22:09 pm »
i think muciprion is for MRSA  (Methy resistant staph aureus) skin infections and doubt it will help much with insomnia

Offline rondrond

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #35 on: January 28, 2009, 12:00:34 am »
i think muciprion is for MRSA  (Methy resistant staph aureus) skin infections and doubt it will help much with insomnia

In a weird  and twisted sort of way it did help as the itching was so intense, that I would lie awake, trying to sit on my hands so I wouldn't scratch, and silently screaming in the dark.
« Last Edit: January 28, 2009, 12:17:04 am by rondrond »
"I'm not done yet"....Glen Campbell

"I may not be exactly where I want to be, but I sure as Hell am not where I was"
Wynnona Judd

Diagnosed/HIV
1993
AZT
Norvir
1994-2001
Crixivan/Epivir/Zerit
No Meds for 7 Years

04jul07/DVT-right leg/Bi Lateral PE's     
16oct08/DVT-left leg
Aug09 Diagnosed: COPD

05may2015
Un-detectable
Tcells 700
44%

Offline LTSurviver

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  • LTS since 1987. LTNP until 2008.
Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #36 on: January 28, 2009, 06:59:50 am »
I'm having trouble with sleep as well.  I have been having a bit of trouble for years but now  it's worse after starting Truvada/Viramune

I can get to sleep easy enough, but staying asleep is impossible.  I'm lucky to get 5 hours total at night... and that is in shifts of 2-3 hours at first, then an hour each until I can't sleep anymore.

Either Ambian CR or Benedryl only put me out for 3-4 hours tops, and then I am up and groggy.

Think I will have better luck with Lunesta?

Offline BT65

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #37 on: January 28, 2009, 10:25:05 am »
Think I will have better luck with Lunesta?

Dunno if you will or not, but what have you got to lose?
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline denb45

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #38 on: January 28, 2009, 11:13:11 am »
Dunno if you will or not, but what have you got to lose?

You all have great ID-Doctors, I cannot get any sleep meds, or even pain-pills form mine, they just will not give out any thing like that, I was always told, that (if I'm in that much pain, go to the ER) and if you can't fall asleep, too bad so sad  (why do you need to sleep, you don't work is what my last ID-Doctor told me) some of the stuff you all are getting is some very strong SHIT ??? maybe I need to ask for another ID Doctor :-[ are Stop going to UNMH/NMAS they aren't very helpful when it comes to non-aids-related stuff...........and anyone who has ever gone to that Hospital (University of New Mexico Hospital) here in Albuquerque, NM, knows just what I'm talking about, that place is the pits  ??? the poorer you are, it seems like the worse you are treated, at least that's the way it is...........no?
« Last Edit: January 28, 2009, 11:31:43 am by denb45 »
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline BT65

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #39 on: January 28, 2009, 03:37:01 pm »
Dennis,

I do not get sleeping pills, tranquilizers, nor pain pills, other than Ibuprofen and Neurontin.  Not every doctor is going to give those things out freely, and with most doctors, it depends on your history whether they'll prescribe them or not.  The riskier the patient's history, the less apt the doc will be to prescribe anything addictive, (a lot of doctors anyway).  I've met doctors who are like dope dealers also, and they need to have their licenses taken away, as freely prescribing whatever someone wants usually ruins the patient's life, and sometimes the family's lives.
I've never killed anyone, but I frequently get satisfaction reading the obituary notices.-Clarence Darrow

Condom and Lube Info https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/safer-sex
Please check out our lessons on PEP and PrEP. https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/pep-prep

https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/treatmentasprevention-tasp

Offline denb45

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #40 on: January 28, 2009, 04:36:49 pm »
Dennis,

I do not get sleeping pills, tranquilizers, nor pain pills, other than Ibuprofen and Neurontin.  Not every doctor is going to give those things out freely, and with most doctors, it depends on your history whether they'll prescribe them or not.  The riskier the patient's history, the less apt the doc will be to prescribe anything addictive, (a lot of doctors anyway).  I've met doctors who are like dope dealers also, and they need to have their licenses taken away, as freely prescribing whatever someone wants usually ruins the patient's life, and sometimes the family's lives.

Depends on just who you get for a ID-Doctor I suppose, not all of them are the same, I've had like 15 of em' in the last 20 yrs. some good, some not so good, and lot of them just don't give a damm about AIDS, I had an ID Doctor tell me that They'll be glad when there AIDS rotation is over, cuz they just couldn't take it anymore........ ???
« Last Edit: January 28, 2009, 04:38:56 pm by denb45 »
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline RapidRod

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #41 on: January 28, 2009, 05:44:43 pm »
Depends on just who you get for a ID-Doctor I suppose, not all of them are the same, I've had like 15 of em' in the last 20 yrs. some good, some not so good, and lot of them just don't give a damm about AIDS, I had an ID Doctor tell me that They'll be glad when there AIDS rotation is over, cuz they just couldn't take it anymore........ ???


My clinic is a teaching hospital but we aren't exposed to the students unless they are on rounds with our Drs.. My doctor treats everything for those that have HIV or AIDS. They even make dental appointments along with any other tests that is needed. They promote the well being, physical as well as mental in caring for their patients. denb, you're correct it all depends on who and where you go the kind of service you receive.

Offline Winiroo

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #42 on: January 28, 2009, 07:23:10 pm »
I tried 1mg lorazepam last night for the first time. Slept like a log.  ;D

Offline denb45

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #43 on: January 28, 2009, 10:10:13 pm »
I tried 1mg lorazepam last night for the first time. Slept like a log.  ;D

Hey wendy my 0.5mg lorazepam works very well on a big guy like me, one is all I need  ;D but, I don't use them to sleep tho, just for my Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)...and for those of you who don't know just what PTSD is, and what it makes you feel like, you can read all about it in link below

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd/index.shtml
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Winiroo

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #44 on: January 28, 2009, 10:19:00 pm »
I also have PTSD. I was told to take the pills at bed time PRN.

Offline denb45

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #45 on: January 28, 2009, 10:55:28 pm »
I also have PTSD. I was told to take the pills at bed time PRN.

yeah, my PTSD doesn't happen at night, it happens during the Daytime, and sometime in the AM, but I have taken it at night and slept like a ROCK tho  ;D
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

Offline Steinway

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #46 on: January 28, 2009, 11:49:01 pm »
Hey man, I truly feel your pain.  I have had insomnia since my birth I think.  Way before I was diagnosed.  I've tried everything from melatonin to Tylenol pm to ambien.  What worked best for me and while on meds, Truvada/sustiva, or now Atripla, was taking ambien.  After a couple of years on it my doctor took me off.  It was such a struggle.  I just couldn't sleep.  I tried some of the old method from Tylenol pm to warm milk, to exercising more,  this that and the other.  I landed on taking NyQuil.  After taking it for a couple of weeks, and being so grateful that I could sleep, I tried to lessen the dose to half.  That didn't work.  Only taking the full dose would put me to sleep and help me sleep through the night.   After doing this for more than six months I have now developed a liver problem.  Gee, do you think?   It had crossed my mind, but the thought of not sleeping just freaked me out sort of.  I just wanted to sleep.  I had labs done the first week of January and they didn't look good.  My CD4 count was good and she didn't have the labs from my VL,  but my liver was just off the charts.  I went in again this past Monday and I'm am now waiting for those results now that I have stopped taking NyQuil,  I also haven't had any alcohol at all which wasn't a problem for me.  I was a social drinker at best.  What my doctor suggested to me two weeks ago when we discussed that the NyQuil might be what is messing up my liver she recommended taking Benadryl (sp?) to sleep.  I went and bought some and realized that the medicine in this product was the same as what was in some of the sleep aids, BUT,  the sleep aids have either the same dose or a little higher.  I went with the higher.  I'm an insomniac so I worry that I wont sleep.  Perhaps I should have tried the lower dosage first.  Who knows.  One thing that i have done was to stop drinking anything with caffeine.  I love, love, love coffee and decided to switch to caffeine free coffee.  That was hard for me, but I did it.  I think I need to at this point.  Not only does the caffeine encourage my insomnia, duh again, but coffee, even caffeine free coffee is hard on the liver.  So, after two weeks of making the switch from caffeine, to caffeine-free coffee,  I now don't drink it at all,  okay, maybe just a cup or so, but I'm a work in progress.  I don't drink pop with caffeine at all.  I have been going to the gym more too so I am hoping that will help me.  They say if your body is tired there is no way insomnia can happen.  We'll see.  I take each change as a baby step.  For me to be off of coffee after one month is a miracle believe me.  I'm not a smoker or a drinker and I haven't had a sex life in some time,  I figured I deserved something,  but no,  now I can't even have the coffee.  At least until I know my liver is back to a normal healthy state.  Cross your fingers for me and say a little prayer.  I may need it.  So, my final recommendation to you is to take a Benadril type pill.  Look at the labels and read them carefully,  check with your meds to make sure there aren't any conflicts.  Stay away from coffee and pops with caffeine,  stay away from chocolate (it too has caffeine),  work out more,  drink warm milk,  cuddle up with a book at night, and turn your tv's volume on low while you dose off into never never land.  good luck...  lullaby,  and goodnight.  No one lulled us better than Brahms. 
~Steinway
It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world. Remembering that first impressions are not always correct. You must always have faith in people, and most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.
~E. Woods

Offline pozhealthy

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #47 on: January 30, 2009, 09:06:10 pm »
steinway---- sorry about your liver problems. but nyquil has acetaminaphen in it that has been linked to liver problems, i am surprised  your doctor did not tell you this.
i cannot take benedryl as it gives me a terrible case of restless legs and nervousness and does not make me the least bit tired....strange, huh?
stay healthy

Offline Steinway

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #48 on: January 31, 2009, 12:04:54 am »
Hey man, thanks for the good wishes. I got my new lab report in today and my doctor told me that my labs looked good,  vl was undetectable and my cd4 count was 367?  something like that.  My liver is better too, so I'm sure it was the Nyquil.   You are right about aceteminophen,  I've read that before but haven't thought about that aspect of it.  I keep looking into more natural ways to keep up with all the weirdness that surrounds me, like lack of sleep.  I think I slept for three hours last night.  I'm beat.   My doctor is giving me a prescription for amien again.  One very bad thing was that my insurance is blocked.  I couldnt' get through on the phone line.  Strange.  The pharmacy said people are beginning to cut back.  This could get scary, but at this point I'm sick of being stressed out about things.  I know it will work out somehow.  I can't imagine that I wont have meds anymore.  Not now, while things are finally getting squared away for me. It's only taken three years.  Ugh,  Like I said, it will all work out.  I just feel that it will.  I hope your day was better than mine, Steinway
It is with passion, courage of conviction, and strong sense of self that we take our next steps into the world. Remembering that first impressions are not always correct. You must always have faith in people, and most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself.
~E. Woods

Offline BUZZCUTT

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Re: sleeping pills what has worked for you (or not worked) and why?
« Reply #49 on: February 01, 2009, 07:50:14 am »
Buzzcut,

This particular forum is for long-term survivors.  We encourage the newer-diagnosed to read, but respectfully to not respond.  If there's something in particular that interests you, you can always pm someone.

Also, I was on a few benzo's in the past and detoxed cold turkey.  I can tell you your tolerance will just go up and up until they quit working.  The detox is hard, but there's a huge change in my life, regarding how I think and act.  It's much better without all those. 
  Luv,
Betty

Betty I may not be a LTS but i am sure a LTI "Long Term Insomniac"
Buzz ♥

 


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