To not take sleeping tablets then having 0 sleep?

[Vanill]

Hi all,
Really hoping for some support, advice, kind words, reassurance or anything really. I have had terrible insomnia on and of since LO was born 4 years ago.
Just recently it has gotten really bad and I hadn’t slept for 4 nights straight. Went to the doctor and was prescribed a 2 week course of Zopiclone 3.75g. I took one tablet for two nights in a row then on third night one tablet wasn’t enough so took two. Fourth night last night, didn’t take it and got no sleep at all but awful fear of dependency.
Not sure whether to take it tonight or just try without it??? My anxiety over sleeping is sky high as is my fear of dependency on sleeping pills.
I really am struggling to stay sane and feel like a useless mother as I’m so tired and anxious. Sorry for going on but I feel so alone and not sure what to do. X

Are you getting support for your anxiety?

You clearly need sleep, but you are correct, sleeping pills are addictive. I think I'd take one tonight, and not take a second if the first doesn't work.

I think you need to take the tablets. Sort out the sleep deprivation, any issues arising from sleeping tablet dependency (which will not be major after two weeks) can be managed with your GP's help, in a gradual way.

Otherwise you'll have anxiety escalating out of control as well as sleep deprivation.

Hi,
Yeah I’m on Mirtazipine. Will try one tonight. Thanks so much for your advice x

Sleeping pills are addictive but they don’t kill you. I have been on them for 3 years for chronic insomnia (similar to yours with no sleep for days)

I am still here, still working, not groggy, not miserable and snappy and getting 6/7 hours a night sleep.

I know which I prefer!

Thank you. I hadn’t considered the gradual decrease if I were to develop a dependency. I’m so grateful for your response x

You are so right! I’d definitely prefer to lead a somewhat normal life. Can I ask what pills you take?

You will not become addicted quickly, take the tablets and try to break the cycle

I go through periods of insomnia but I was prescribed an antihistimine rather than an actual sleeping pill as i was concerned about becoming reliant. I was convinced it wouldn't work but it did. I took them for a few nights and felt that if I stopped taking them my insomnia would just come back and the more i thought about not sleeping the more anxious I got!! But after taking them for a week I stopped and was amazingly fine.

I'd advise taking the course and see how you go after that and perhaps talk the anxiety issue through with your GP xxx

I have had terrible insomnia in the past. I know that horrible laying in bed and knowing the hours ticking by and you just can't fall asleep. What worked for me is take the pills for a few days then gradually decrease them. I ended up taking half or even a quarter of a tablet as alot of it can be in the mind. Give yourself a set time, think 'o.k right if I'm not asleep by midnight then I'll take a pill' that way you know you have them if you need them but give your body a chance. Sorry you are suffering, insomnia is awful.

I do have a few phenergan antihistamines lying around from a previous bout of insomnia but only ever took one. Might try them.

Zolpidem 10mg. Sometimes 5mg if not feeling too stressed

You may find that the mirtazipine makes you sleepy enough by itself. I used to take it and while it was not a good match for my other symptoms, it sorted my sleep problems out very quickly! I know everyone is different though. I understand your reluctance to risk becoming reliant on pills, but as a previous poster has said it can be worth it to have a decent quality of life. I take anti depressants and anti psychotics which I am doubtless reliant on now but it’s so worth it for how well rested I am and how controlled my anxiety is. The GP will always help you come off medications like these in a controlled way. I really hope you manage to find a workable solution for your insomnia and anxiety, it really can be debilitating.

Have you tried over the counter ones if you're worried about the prescription? Such as Nytol?

The one I was prescribed was promethazine. And like a PP suggested when I stopped taking them I would give myself time to settle and if it didn't happen I told myself I could take one. It's a bit of a vicious circle and it's all you can think about which in itself causes the problem! Good luck x

It really is better to get some sleep. It takes weeks to become addicted to sleeping pills, and if you can have 2 weeks on and a week or two off, you shouldn't become dependant.

If you do become dependant you can cope, and wean yourself off them. Dont let the fear put you off using them responsibly.

I’ve tried herbal nytol and Kalms but didn’t help. Think I’ve got some normal nytol somewhere. May give them a go again. Thank you x

The over the counter ones won’t touch insomnia. Getting a sympathetic doctor is the hard bit for longer term use!

Il

The 3.75mg ones you have are not strong either. Like I said, I am taking 10mg so almost 3 x as much. Don’t worry about it as that will stress you more. Long term if you are anxious, the doctor may prescribe something like Amitriptiline

I also have serious sleep issues. Years ago I used to take Mirtazipine for depression and it would send me straight off! I'm surprised it's not working for you.

Now I get an over-the-counter sleep aid with doxylamine (25g) as the active ingredient. It is actually an antihistamine. They are incredible and not addictive. I'm the same as you recently; if I don't take one I'll spend the whole night tossing and turning.

I use melatonin (bought online) when I go through an insomniac phase. I find that it seems to reset my sleep pattern in a way that using Zopiclone doesn't.

A colleague of mine was referred to sleep therapist by her GP. She found it amazingly effective and doesn't get in a stress on the rare occasions she can't sleep.

For example, this one: www.biovea.com/uk/product_detail.aspx?PID=1995&OS=244

I totally understand your worry about getting addicted but as PP have said a two week course isn't going to cause that sort of problem especially as you will then be back in contact with your GP.

It worries me that you are saying 'might try this, might try that' to the helpful suggestions of others. I think it would be much more beneficial to stick with what has been prescribed and then if that doesn't work or you are still anxious about addiction look at other options systematically with your GP.

Good luck to you. It must be so frustrating.

What about Valerian? I went through a phase of insomnia and Valerian help. I would take one tab approximately 1 hour before bed. Even if I had as little as 4/5/6 hours sleep, I would sleep deeply. I would sleep so deeply I'd wake up feeling as though I'd had a good solid 8 hours. May be worth a try.

I know I’m saying might try a lot and it is due to frustration I guess. All the suggestions are very helpful indeed and I’m very grateful. Decided I’m going to try to sleep on my own tonight and if not asleep by 12 going to stick to doctors orders and take the aid. Thank you to everyone xxx