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Original poster

Doctor has taken away my sleeping tablets

120 replies

filee777 · 02/10/2013 23:40

When I went on sertraline, I was given sleeping tablets because I just wasn't able to fall asleep. For a month now I have taken them and it's been a massive part of my recovery to know that at night I will sleep

The doctor refused to renew my prescription today and said I had to make the 14 that I have last.

I've just started a degree and my head is swimming. I am thinking I will have to stop taking the sertraline despite them really really helping me. I just can't sleep. It's 11.30 now and I've been lying here for near on 2 hours unable to sleep, getting more and more anxious about the day ahead.

I've taken a tablet now because I NEED sleep. What can I do? Can I buy decent sleeping tablets? Should I just start dosing myself up with over the counter codeine every night?

I need sleep :(

OP posts:
Original poster
filee777 · 05/10/2013 18:55

Thanks, the doctor assured me that sertraline 'does not cause insomnia' and I was just 'addicted' to the sleeping tablets.

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Orangeanddemons · 05/10/2013 19:00

What shit. All the Srris cause insomnia. They make the brain pump,out serotonin 24 hours a day. So there is no reduction in it which would occur naturally when you go to sleep. Look on the side effect leaflet. They are known for it.

Are you sure you have a proper doctor? Grin she doesn't seem to know her arse from her elbow to me

Orangeanddemons · 05/10/2013 19:00

I took Zopiclone for 3 months. No addiction issues at all

valiumredhead · 05/10/2013 19:01

Have you been v gradually cutting down the sleeping tablets? You can't just stop them over night or you feel like shit, it says this in the leaflet in the box. You need to cut a bit off the tablet and gradually reduce over a month.

Then plan to stop maybe on a Friday and you WILL have a shit night ime but next night will be better.

How's your sleep hygiene? Ime you need to have a very strict sleep routine.

Orangeanddemons · 05/10/2013 19:02

Plus sertraline is what as known as an activating anti depressant so again more likely to cause insomnia

valiumredhead · 05/10/2013 19:02

I had huge issues with zopiclone, they are right not to prescribe loads.

Original poster
filee777 · 05/10/2013 19:06

They haven't given me the prescription to cut them down slowly (have been on them for 6 weeks) just told me to 'wait four days then have four days of sleep then wait four days'

I've done today and I am dreading tonight, I know I am just going to lie there, and lie there and lie there.

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Original poster
filee777 · 05/10/2013 19:07

Valium, what were your issues with zopiclone?

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Queenofknickers · 05/10/2013 19:12

Another AD it is worth mentioning to the psych team when you see them is Agomelatine (Valdoxan) - it is taken at bedtime, mimics the hormones that make you sleep and is a v good antidepressant with few side effects - not widely known about as quite new/expensive but changed my life. Good luck ThanksThanksThanks

valiumredhead · 05/10/2013 19:16

Read the leaflet about cutting down gradually, it says it in there.

I tried to stop suddenly-dreadful insomnia, swimming head, dizziness couldn't stop crying.

Dh was taking them recently and the nurse made a point of telling him to cut down very slowly. Dh did a week of half, then a quarter, then an eighth then had 3 nights of bad sleep then was fine with good sleep hygiene.

valiumredhead · 05/10/2013 19:20

If you can't sleep then get up and read, or do the ironing or whatever but don't lie there trying to sleep. Then get into bed again, if you still can't sleep then get up and distract yourself again. Do this every time.

Same time to bed every night after a warm bath.

Milky drink.

No telly or computer an hour before going to bed.

Read while in bed.

Get up if you can't sleep.

Original poster
filee777 · 05/10/2013 19:28

Been trying the no screen thing, no milky drink though... I always feel like a cliche when I do that!

Will find a book to read tonight, thanks for the tip.

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valiumredhead · 05/10/2013 19:41

Milky drink helps with routine, it's like your body thinks 'oh yes,I remember I'm meant to go to sleep after this.'

Dh was going to sleep with a flask of horlicks so when he woke up he could just sit up and read and have a drinkGrin

valiumredhead · 05/10/2013 19:43

A lot of it is trying not to panic when you can't sleep or you get into the wrong mind set. Easier said than done but better if you have a plan.

Original poster
filee777 · 05/10/2013 19:51

The panic is hard, 'if I go to sleep now I'll only have 5hrs etc

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valiumredhead · 05/10/2013 19:54

Yes but having a plan in place helps with that as you know exactly what to do when you wake. I used to listen to talking booksSmile

valiumredhead · 05/10/2013 19:55

Don't look at the time, put the clock away before bed so you're not focusing on it.

EhricLovesTeamQhuay · 05/10/2013 20:07

Have you tried sleep hypnosis? I have the Paul McKenna app that has pretty much sorted my sleep issues out. And the advice that lying down in a dark room is as restful as medicated sleep is not far off. I don't know about prescription meds but I've taken anti histamines to sleep and they really only knock you out, they don't provide decent sleep. Also, believing that lying awake in the dark is almost as good as sleep helps me not to panic when I can't sleep!

ozymandiusking · 05/10/2013 20:09

Did you go to bed at 9.30 p/m you said it was 11.30p/m and had been lying there for 2 hours.
I think you are going to bed too early.
You need to follow the same routine every night.Possibly taking your makeup off,have a warm bath, go to bed read for half an hour,whatever suits you.But follow the same routine go to bed at the same time,set the alarm and always get up at the same time.

Original poster
filee777 · 05/10/2013 20:13

Yeah I often go to bed at 9.30/10.

Up at 6 or latest 7.

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earlyriser · 05/10/2013 20:21

I think i also read somewhere that getting UP at the same time everyday, regardless of how much sleep you have had, or when you went to bed/fell asleep, is hugely important in improving insomnia. So no lie ins after a crap night's sleep, or at the weekend.

I guess this is difficult if you work shifts, but while you are signed off it may be worth trying.

No sleep is shit, hope it improves soon.

Original poster
filee777 · 05/10/2013 20:24

I really, really don't want to get up at 6am every day...

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valiumredhead · 05/10/2013 20:38

That does sound incredibly early. I would aim for 10.30 and up at 7, that's loads of sleep. Yes getting up at same time is important.

Original poster
filee777 · 05/10/2013 20:40

I have to get up at six the days I have college though, otherwise I only have half an hour to get me and the kids ready (husband would kill me I reckon)

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Original poster
filee777 · 05/10/2013 20:48

But yes, I will do half ten, watch the news then go to bed.

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