Bugzer

I'm sure I'm not the only who has asked this so I'm looking for
any help anyone can provide...

I have 112days sober now, I'm on an anti-depressant for my anxiety
and on clonazepam so I can go to sleep, without it It is absolutely
impossible for me to sleep. I have tested it I was up for 2 days
sometimes 3.

I have tried other things for sleep like melatonin and valerian root
which have zero affect on me.

I also tried not taking the anti-depressant ... if I skip it one day
I get huge anxiety moments that last anywhere from 30min to
2hours when this happens my immediate response is booze cause
it worked in the past... but I haven't touched a drop in almost 4months
so now I just deal with it... so I guess I'm screwed and I have to take
these pills but how long is it safe to be on a benzodiazepine?

I've also gone to the gym at least 4-5 days a week since I got sober
nothing seems to help and I don't drink coffee or anything with caffeine.


has anyone else gone thru this? I just want some piece of mind knowing
I will be able to sleep normally like the rest of you someday

Dee74

Hi bugzer

You should discuss your concerns about sleep and your concerns about the benzos with your doctor. He or she is in the best place to address your concerns.

I only had a few weeks before I got back into a normal pattern so I'm afraid
I have no experience to share.

It does sound like you need some professional advice to me.

D

Bugzer

I have discussed it with my doctor, the guy has no answer other then for me to take
more benzos to sleep... I know they're addictive and after a while they stop working
so what choices are there... lol I wanna pull my hair out

Ainslie

Id be inclined to see another doctor if that's his attitude. Mind if I ask which antidepressant youre on?

Bugzer

I'm on citalopram which should by itself make me sleepy but it doesn't work.

yea I guess my only option is see another doc

Ainslie

Yea try and find one with an interest in mental health! Getting the right advice, referrals or medication from a GP when it comes to alcohol/substance withdrawal and its associated issues isnt always easy. A lot of doctors in this country just seem to want you in and out the door, and will often give whatever medication is requested to get you out of there. Im not sure about your country, but id never hesitate to get a second opinion and try a new medication if I felt mine werent working. Im no longer on antidepressants for my anxiety, but still take benzos, as prescribed and not every day.

Good luck I hope you can find the right med balance

Dee74

Definitely see another Dr if you're not happy with your current treatment Bugzer.
I hope you can get some help soon.

D

Bugzer

it's the same in canada most doctors want you out the door as soon
as possible...

Ainslie

Yea all I can say is Ive had more luck with asking for the meds that people with similar anxiety & insomnia issues take......unless you can afford to see a specialist, I reckon with most gps their guess is as good as mine. I've had them google medications in front of me etc...been given seroquel instead of serapax! Lucky I can read huh!

A lot of antidepressants that are prescribed have an initial drowsiness effect - and some doctors dont seem to register that this is only an initial thing! I once stayed on a medication I was unsure about for 50 weeks before getting a second opinion. It wasnt as bad as a year of drinking, but the medication certainly had more negative effects than positive - I just trusted my doctor because he had always been spot on with everything else.

Your doctor is right in a sense, by saying 'keep taking your medications' i mean if you stopped suddenly that would be dangerous....but it does seem like he may be brushing you off. Theres no harm in calling around a few medical centres and asking to speak to a nurse about your situation....often they may refer you to a particular doctor or give you a number you can call to get advice on how to best address your issues with the doctor. I know I used to feel so daunted when approaching a new doctor....

Good luck and keep us posted

hendershot

There are addiction-safe sleep aids. I was on mirtrazipine for awhile and never slept better. Obviously, though, you need to consult a physician. When I was early in sobriety I shopped around psychiatrists. I was totally honest about my addiction and mental health history and many of them still suggested benzos. I finally found one that said with my history it would be unethical for him to prescribe anything like a benzo. I stuck with that Dr., not because I didn't want the easy drugs, but because I know how dangerous it is for me to even have them as an option. It is up to you what you want to do, but like others suggest, consider finding a Dr. with experience treating patients who are recovering addicts.

heideho

Try finding a psychiatrist that has a background in helping people with addiction. There are other meds that can help other than benzos.

My experience with being on meds (which rehab had perscribed) was not good. I had more anxiety on them so I discussed with my psych and had him wean me off them. The less I took the better I felt and was soon med free.

Anxiety and sleeplessness sucks. I hope things get better for you.

Bugzer

thanks for the input guys... I guess I'll have to find another psychiatrist I'm in toronto canada
so basically what I was told is that I first have to go see my family doctor then he can
refer me to a psychiatrist who can then prescribe the pills in question... but I'll research
and see if I can go see an addiction specific doctor and see what happens.

Dee74

Keep us updated Bugzer = good luck

D

debs

Eek. I wouldn't trust any doc that is willing to prescribe benzos at the drop of a hat for a recovering alcoholic!... does he know about that?

My advice? Def get a second opinion. There are better ways than feeding a new addiction, I assure you!

Good luck and keep us posted!

Bugzer

yea he knows my story in and out...
well he prescribed me something else last i saw him and it had no affect on me
I still could not sleep, at the moment the benzo's are the only thing that can
make me fall asleep, I could stay in bed for hours and hours and nothing
will happen my brain will not let me pass out naturally.. I assumed after 3
months that this should pass but it hasn't for me so I gotta be patient
and wait.

I'm well aware of the affects of benzos I don't want to use them long
enough where I would get to the point where I would need other meds
to help me withdraw from using the benzos.... that very thought seems
insane and dangerous..

"This too shall pass"