POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: RobbyR on December 19, 2012, 05:11:41 pm
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Hey everyone, hope someone can give me some advice/insight. I am going to see my GP tomorrow about some insomnia/sleep problems I've been having. I was taking Atripla for two years and started Complera a week ago to see if it helped my sleep problems but if anything they have gotten worse and I was so used to the Atripla that my counselor now things the HIV meds probably weren't causing my anxiety or sleeplessness because I had them regardless of whether I was taking Atripla or Complera. And since I've been on Complera, I have had some major bouts of depression and anxiety, none of which I had while on Atripla. So I guess I will just go back to taking Atripla and whatever other meds my GP prescribes me. Basically the issue has been falling asleep. I also have mild anxiety and occasional panic attacks along with mild depression. None of this has ever bee treated, because I didn't want to admit that I had those issues, and I guess I was reluctant to take meds for them. But I'm tired of being crippled by the insomnia and anxiety, so I am going to tell my GP about them and hope she can give me something to help. Just wondering, what specific insomnia/anxiety or mild anti-depressants should I ask for? I'll probably get the generic versions of whatever she gives me, due to the lesser cost. But I'm wondering, I have heard good things about Trazodone, is that a good anti-insomnia/anxiety med? How about paxil? Or any other low-side effect, effective ones? I'm new to this whole class of meds so my doc will probably start me out on low doses.
My counselor said the doc probably won't start me out on something strong like Ambien or Lunesta, which I am slightly scared of, because of their strong addictive properties. So I think it will be best to try Trazodone or maybe Paxil, but I'm pretty treatment naive. Just wondering if anyone else on here has insomnia/anxiety and what are good entry-level effective options? Thanks a bunch!
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I have suffered insomnia for a long time. About a year ago, I finally discussed it with my doctor. Although Paxil is an antidepressant, one side affect is that it causes drowsiness. I only take it the nights that I have difficulty slowing my brain down long enough to fall asleep.
Since you're suffering insomnia and anxiety, this might be a good option to start with.
Best of luck
Wolfie
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Thanks wolfie, I am going to ask for Trazodone because I have heard it is easily tolerated, compatible with HIV meds and is effective. No sure but I don't think it is a benzo, which is good. I hope to try and avoid benzos but if my doc thinks I absolutely need them, I will try a low dose to see..
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Hey Robby,
I've been using Trazodone for years and the nice thing about the drug is it has a 4-hour half-life. That means that within 8 hours all of the drug is out of your system. I take it one hour before I want to sleep and it keeps me asleep for at least 6-7 hours. I like the fact that I don't wake up feeling groggy and you can get it varying dosages so you take just as much as you need and no more.
Joe
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Trazodone sounds like a good bet for me. I will ask for it or the generic version. Unless the regular is reasonably priced. So if I decide to go back on Atripla and take it at night before bed, can I take the Trazodone near the same time and it still be effectibe at night?
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Hi Robby, not sure about the Atripla question, but Trazadone is not a benzo. It is actually an anti-depressant (Deseryl). It does work well for sleep.
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Trazodone sounds like a good bet for me. I will ask for it or the generic version. Unless the regular is reasonably priced. So if I decide to go back on Atripla and take it at night before bed, can I take the Trazodone near the same time and it still be effectibe at night?
Yes , you can take it at night with Atripla right before bed . Trazodone generic works as well as name brand for me ... and its dirt cheap .
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Thanks everyone, I will ask for it at my appointment and use it as needed. Hopefully it won't be overly addictive but will help stabilize my mood and help me sleep which I need! So what is the typical dosage for it, twice a day, three times, or once? Also does it help anxiety? Or would I need a seperate thing for the anxiety? Thanks again all, very helpful responses!
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Robby, Trazadone is once a day at night. It is not addictive. A lot of doctors prescribe it to addicts who have insomnia issues.
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Saw my GP doc today and told her about my fallng asleep issues and mild anxiety. She gave me Zoloft small dose to take at night an try it. I guess it couldn't hurt to try! She also said I an take Melatonin as needed. She was reluctant to put me on Trazadone because it is a tranquilizer. So I guess I'll hope the zoloft helps. I'm a bit nervous to start but hoping for the best! Anyone else tried zoloft for insomnia/anxiety, does it work? Any bad side effects?
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Hey Robby
Started Atripla a couple months ago. Only side effect insomnia. Sometimes really bad. Doc gave me a script for Lunesta. Trying it out for the first time tonight. If it works, I'll let you know
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Hey there.
I have had insomnia shortly after I was diagnosed in Aug and since being on meds.
I'm currently taking zopiclone. It's a RX sleep aid. I find it doesn't have a lot of side effects and I wake up pretty alert, no hangover feeling.
I'm wanting to come off it but my Dr said last week we'd discuss it end of January.
I'm finding it very frustrating as i've never had insomnia before.
In the mean time I take half a pill most nights.
Not sure if that's an option for you but thought I'd let you know.
Lincoln.