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Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: Ac75088 on July 30, 2011, 02:52:51 am

Title: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Ac75088 on July 30, 2011, 02:52:51 am
Don't know what the F is wrong with me and why I'm now starting to not sleep thru the night, and I have tried my best to keep to myself and not vent about it here, but it's 2am and I am wide awake and a few hours away from having to work...A few weeks ago it was just feeling tired all day and I was sleeping then..but over the past week and a half it's been going downhill..a grown ass man should never cry over lost sleep but I'm so frustrated now I'm on the verge of tears because my days are so so long and tiring now..Thank God I have my Mix 102.9 to listen to while I just lay here..Im already on blood pressure medication AND HIV medication..I'm afraid I'm gonna have to go crawling to my doctor for something to make me sleep better now.
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: buginme2 on July 30, 2011, 04:18:02 am
Insomnia sucks!   Have you tried melatonin?  500mgs usually does the trick and its very mild.  If that doesnt work there is always the presceiption route.  Or warm milk, camomile tea, sex!!
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Ac75088 on July 30, 2011, 06:39:07 pm
No buginme I have not tried that..anything is worth a try now...the PM over the counter stuff hasn't been workin too good
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Miss Philicia on July 30, 2011, 08:26:50 pm
anxiety?
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Ac75088 on July 31, 2011, 12:53:31 am
anxiety?

A little bit
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: elf on July 31, 2011, 02:10:52 am
3mg of melatonin helps a lot :)
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Hellraiser on July 31, 2011, 06:13:20 am
I can't remember if you're on Atripla but anxiety and a lack of feeling rested after sleep is what's putting me off the drug.
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: mikeyb39 on July 31, 2011, 08:21:11 am
I have the same problem, but i've always had that problem, fallling asleep and staying that way.  My doctor put me on ambien, I love it, but you have to know that there is a possibility of getting dependent on them.  Honestly now since i've taken it so long I dont believe i could sleep without it. 

its kind of a double edge sword I either take it and get my rest or I stop taking it and  get no sleep/rest.  The vitamin route 'melatonin' and stuff like that did nothing for me. i've tried other prescription sleep aids like lunesta, restoril, but they didn't work very well I ended up back wiith the ambien.

 
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: thunter34 on July 31, 2011, 08:43:57 am
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=5267.0
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Ann on July 31, 2011, 09:37:28 am
Insomnia sucks!   Have you tried melatonin?  500mgs usually does the trick and its very mild.  If that doesnt work there is always the presceiption route.  Or warm milk, camomile tea, sex!!

3mg of melatonin helps a lot :)


Just because our bodies produce melatonin naturally doesn't make it necessarily a safe or desirable chemical to put into your body artificially.

Here we have two recommendation for melatonin by forum members - at two very different dosages. One reputable website says, "Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment."

The same website also includes the following information:

   

melatonin - oral (cont.)

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking melatonin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other ingredients in this product; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: diabetes, high blood pressure, immune system disorder, liver disease, mental/mood disorder (e.g., depression), seizure disorder (e.g., epilepsy).

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar, alcohol, or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Caution is advised when using this product in children due to a possible risk of changes in sexual development. Consult the doctor for details.

This product is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. It may have an effect on the release of eggs (ovulation). Consult your doctor for details. It is not known whether this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: If you are taking this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin, heparin), blood pressure medications (especially nifedipine), products that contain caffeine (including coffee, tea, some sodas), drugs that may affect your immune system (e.g., azathioprine, cyclosporine, prednisone), fluvoxamine.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), other medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that may cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
source (http://www.medicinenet.com/melatonin-oral/article.htm)



In addition, Brent A. Bauer, M.D., who answers questions on the website of the world-renown Mayo Clinic, has this to say about melatonin...

Question
Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?
I'm considering taking melatonin to help me sleep. What do I need to know about melatonin side effects?
Answer
from Brent A. Bauer, M.D.

The hormone melatonin helps control your natural sleep-wake cycle. Your natural levels of melatonin in the blood are highest just before bedtime. But if you're thinking of taking melatonin supplements to treat insomnia, there's little evidence that taking melatonin supplements will help you fall asleep significantly faster or help you stay asleep longer. However, melatonin may be helpful in treating jet lag.

If you choose to take melatonin supplements, melatonin side effects may include:

    Daytime sleepiness
    Dizziness
    Headaches
    Abdominal discomfort
    Confusion
    Sleepwalking
    Nightmares

Melatonin may interact with various medications, including:

    Blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants)
    Immunosuppressants
    Diabetes medications
    Birth control pills

It's thought that taking melatonin for longer than two months may be harmful, and the best dose of melatonin isn't certain. If you take melatonin, be careful during daytime activities, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Talk to your doctor before taking melatonin, especially if you have any other health conditions.

If you take melatonin, make sure the supplements are made of artificial ingredients, not made from animals. Melatonin from animals can contain viruses or other contaminants.
source (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/melatonin-side-effects/AN01717)



I would advise caution when taking melatonin and make sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss possible drug interactions with meds you are already taking. Please also keep in mind that melatonin is NOT regulated by the FDA, so you can never really be sure of what you're getting.
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Billy B on July 31, 2011, 12:45:40 pm
Ann- Thank you for posting about the fact that melatonin is not harmless. I tried it and got splitting headaches and confusion.
Billy
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: WillyWump on July 31, 2011, 12:59:21 pm
AC,

Sorry your going through this. Insomnia is horrible, and it fucks with your mind also.

If you end up talking to your doctor you might ask him about Trazodone, I take it and it is a life saver. It's an older anti-depressant but it is used more these days for sleep issues. It allows me to go to sleep with about 20 minutes of taking it and I get good deep sleep and can wake up in the morning with no cloudiness or hangover effects.

Just a thought.

-Will
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: J.R.E. on July 31, 2011, 01:38:51 pm
 Have you tried melatonin?  500mgs usually does the trick and its very mild. 

I didn't know they make it in that dose.  The largest dose I've seen is 10mg, which I do use on occasion.

Ray
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: newt on July 31, 2011, 04:48:22 pm
Another combo? There are lots. Sleep and sanity is important

- matt
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: eric48 on July 31, 2011, 06:09:41 pm
Another combo?

This is a tricky one... I am confronted with.

I have a mild anxiety/stress disorder that I now blame the meds for.

I just can't believe it is psychologic only (although that is what my doctor sugggested)

It is mild but bearable.

hardly noticeable but it is every day. Should I consider a switch or bear with it? that's a tough one...

Ac75088 : I did not have sleep issues for the first few months (or if I had, they would be somehow expected). Anxiety and (consequently) sleep disorder appeared at month 2, then resolved somehow, slowly. It is still in the background.

I'll try the melatonin...

I was talking to a friend who is taking meds to fight  a tricky colon cancer. He described his side effects.

Its horrendous and he has no options. I was speechless ... What I endure is nothing compare to what he is going through.

One think is sure, it seems that some people need a bit of time before they can get adjusted to their medication.

Hope you will find peace soon

Eric

 
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Ac75088 on July 31, 2011, 10:06:37 pm
Thanks everyone for your replies...I'm not real sure what is causing my lack of sleep...I don't wanna believe it's the Atripla, because I've been doing good with it since starting, and I was getting enough sleep for a good while, just with morning grogginess...It could be anything from work stress to summer fatigue (Im in Dallas and the heat is unbearable during the day)..whatever it may be I'm gonna definately talk to my doc about something I can take for it..I only woke up once last night so that's one improvement..I would love to stay on Atripla as long as I can because it's the easiest combo for me to take..That's why I am hoping it isn't related to that
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: buginme2 on August 01, 2011, 12:57:38 am
I didn't know they make it in that dose.  The largest dose I've seen is 10mg, which I do use on occasion.

Ray

Sorry people I miss spoke.  I checked my Melatonin pill bottle and it is actually 500 Mcg's (micrograms) not milligrams.  So, It is a very small dose. 
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Ann on August 01, 2011, 08:30:47 am
Sorry people I miss spoke.  I checked my Melatonin pill bottle and it is actually 500 Mcg's (micrograms) not milligrams.  So, It is a very small dose. 

Well that's a relief! I was imagining you blundering through your days in a melatonin-induced daze.
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: newt on August 01, 2011, 05:31:47 pm
I agree it could easily be the heat (<< especially this) or stress, good points.

- matt
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: eric48 on August 01, 2011, 08:03:51 pm
the heat is unbearable during the day)..

Here we are experienciencing severe (and unsusual) changes in temperature patterns and I was myself starting to suspect not so much the heat condition itself but the sudden changes.

Hard to say...

Cheers
ERIC
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: J.R.E. on August 02, 2011, 09:48:37 am

And speaking of Melatonin, I caught this on the news today:

Relaxation Brownie:


http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2011/may/23/4/popularity-of-relaxation-brownies-causes-concern-ar-227762/

To the OP, the highest dose of melatonin, that I've seen is 10mgs, which can be purchased at CVS. I don't think Walgreens had that dose.

Ray
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Ann on August 02, 2011, 09:58:16 am
And speaking of Melatonin, I caught this on the news today:

Relaxation Brownie:


http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2011/may/23/4/popularity-of-relaxation-brownies-causes-concern-ar-227762/


Why don't they just make pot legal and sell proper hash brownies? (http://i933.photobucket.com/albums/ad174/dash1293_2010/Emoticons/021.gif)

(http://www2.tbo.com/mgmedia/image/0/354/118439/t0523-lazycak-wpa01/)

The article says the brownies also contain valerian - wonder how they disguise the taste? Valerian is some nasty-tasting shit. :o
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: J.R.E. on August 02, 2011, 10:15:26 am
 :P   I've been taking Melatonin, since 1997.  I started using it, after I went on the graveyard shift.  And it does help you go to sleep in the daytime !

I don't use it that much any more.  I usually end up throwing the pills away because they expired. At the most I've probably used them 10 times within a year.


Here's another link from the news today: The FDA doesn't think it's a" safe food additive"


http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/august/289033/FDA-says-relaxation-brownies-are-unsafe


Ray
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: Ann on August 02, 2011, 11:30:43 am
Ray, the way you use melatonin is the way it's meant to be used. It's also said to be good for jet-lag.
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: newbieguy on August 07, 2011, 11:02:42 am
Hi, your issues sound similar to mine. Ive been on Atripla for a year and didnt have any issues but a few weeks ago its like someone flipped a switch in my brain and I feel tired, but simply cannot get the extended deep sleep I need. I want to try and avoid prescription meds for it if I can, and I am not sure it is the Atripla causing it. Just makes me wonder why it happened out of the blue. I dont use caffeine or do anything that could cause it. I had been used to having a short morning nap, but have been avoiding that lately due to the nighttime problems. I am going to try melatonin in small dose and see if that makes a difference. I also want to avoid those anti-histamines, as I dont like the ingredients in them. I just want to try and coax my body back into getting some good deep sleep. I hope the Melatonin works, if not, I guess Ill have to try the prescription route. Btw, not sure where to find it, but have also heard some things about valeran root...hang in there.
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: newt on August 07, 2011, 05:19:19 pm
The alternative to extra meds to ensure sleep, herbal or otherwise, is to change to a new combo. There are plenty of good and simple ones, including 1 x day options. Both management routes are valid.

- matt
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: newbieguy on August 07, 2011, 06:05:43 pm
The alternative to extra meds to ensure sleep, herbal or otherwise, is to change to a new combo. There are plenty of good and simple ones, including 1 x day options. Both management routes are valid.

- matt


I guess it could be Atripla. I tried dosing in morning once and it just made me feel way too groggy. And go figure I slept none that next night! I suspect it is contributing to my anxiety level
going up too. You mentioned other 1 X day options, what are they? I'm seriously considering asking to try Isentress/Truvada when I see my HIV doc in 2 weeks. I'm just tired of the mental side effects and anxiety I seem to be getting from Atripla. But, it sure was good for me there for awhile.
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: newt on August 07, 2011, 06:42:23 pm
Viramune can replace the Sustiva (one of the 3 drugs in Atripla). This would mean two tablets once a day (assuming you keep on the other 2 drugs in Atripla, tenofovir and FTC which come in one hand pill called Truvada). Also, Reyataz + a small ritonavir booster or (better to my mind) Prezista + a small ritonavir booster. This would mean either 3 or 4 pills once a day. There are more options but these are the main modern ones on general offer. Isentress/Truvada should also deliver a return to normal sleep patterns, but, strictly speaking, Isentress is a 2 x day med.

- matt
Title: Re: Sleep pattern is starting to deteriorate
Post by: newbieguy on August 08, 2011, 07:25:53 pm
Viramune can replace the Sustiva (one of the 3 drugs in Atripla). This would mean two tablets once a day (assuming you keep on the other 2 drugs in Atripla, tenofovir and FTC which come in one hand pill called Truvada). Also, Reyataz + a small ritonavir booster or (better to my mind) Prezista + a small ritonavir booster. This would mean either 3 or 4 pills once a day. There are more options but these are the main modern ones on general offer. Isentress/Truvada should also deliver a return to normal sleep patterns, but, strictly speaking, Isentress is a 2 x day med.

- matt


Thanks again for the input...So is sleep pretty good with Isentress/Truvada? I would be ok with 2x a day, I dont think I could tolerate Reyetaz because of the yellowing...But I am undecided about which regimen Ill pick. Overall I just want something as easy as Atripla has been to tolerate. I just think the Sustiva part of it is starting to fuck with my mind now that my body is acclamated to it. Also, Isentress/Truvada kind of appeals to me due to me already used to Truvada (in Atripla). When I first started on meds they offered me two regimens: Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada or Atripla....But I know now there are more options. I am going to stick out the Atripla for the next two weeks then if I have many more sleep problems, switch to Isentress/truvada. What would you say is the easiest regimen of all the ones you mentioned and I mentioned? Thanka again! And yay me for almost one year on meds  :)