Not sleeeping

Hi Luckyflowers....

That's what you would "think" but, unfortunately, I know that's not how it always is.  I find that the higher the dose of morphine I'm on, the worse my chronic insomnia is.  I've heard this from others as well.  Either getting to sleep, or staying asleep, is the issue.  I find the same thing - I'll be dead tired, drift off to sleep, wake up within an hour or two - and then be wide awake (although I'm still dead tired).

Have you ever talked to your doctor about prescribing something for sleep?  There's several different options out there. 

Oh, and welcome to our group here.  :) 

--Tina

I've always had problems getting to sleep and sleeping through the night. Prescriptions just made me ill...not sleepy. So with a little research, I found 2 things that work for me....GABA (250 mg - 750mg) and Melatonin (3mg - 5mg). I sleep great and I'm not lethargic in the morning.

Thanks! well, I got my hour sleep up again...and I see being new here I keep forgetting my other meds..I also take topamax at bedtime. I see how you all noted at the bottom your conditions and meds, seems the best so as to not repeat and forget :) Thanks Spry, I'll look into that! between the lack of sleep, the pain and the depression from it all, I find myself offering strangers money to take me out back and shoot me...lol (really isn't funny)

Hi Luckyflowers...

Welcome to HW....Sorry you are having trouble...

That is kind of an unusual combo of medicine you are on...is the oxycodone you take the ER one? It's strange that he is giving you two different short acting meds...both Norco which is hydrocodone and acetaminophen....and then Percocet...which is oxycodone and acetaminophen..

As well as the Topamax at night..

As well as prescribing pain meds to use to help you sleep...this is not a common practice by Dr.s....so just be careful since this is what can cause an accidental overdose using these meds to knock you out enough to sleep...they are usually meant to just 'help' and not take away all of our pain through the day/night...

If it were me...I would be trying some over the counter or natural sleep remedies first...to see if they help...and then talk to your Dr. about a possible medicine for actual sleep...like Lunesta or Ambien...

But if you start taking those...I hope he would switch around your schedule of the other meds to not take them all together right before bed time...

Obviously I am not a Dr...as no one is on here...

It's just that we see most Dr.s prescribe a long acting medicine...and then a short acting for 'break through' pain ...as needed...

I actually take Ambien...one at night before bed....this has been a lifesaver to me to get a full and good night's rest...the pain from my surgeries was too great so I tossed and turned all night...

Also..you say you have depression as well...are you seeing a therapist for this? There are great one's that specialize in chronic pain to help give us non medicinal ways to help us cope...as well as other good antidepressants if that is needed...

We are glad you found us here at HW...it's a wonderful place to be!

Thanks again so much, I am so happy I have found you all. Most people just don't get it and that can make all this even worse. I actually have had pain in my neck and left arm for a few years, that had gotten worse over time until finally I ended up in the ER and then with a specialist. Finally after MRI they found out I had a herniated disk in my neck at c6 c7 and arthritis. I also have a pinched nerve that runs down my left arm.
Just to note:
I had gastric by pass surgery 7 yrs ago this June..lost 200 pounds and kept it all off. But I can't take any anti-inflammatory.
I have RLS, and get sever migraines and take topamax daily and imitrex as needed. As far as depression I take paxil and have for 10 + yrs but that really needs changed. about a yr ago my family Dr gave me xanax for anxiety. I kept it with me more for the feeling of the security of know I had it then I actually used it.

So now back to my pain mang Dr who is the best in my area...I had decided not to look into surgery and started with meds and my first injection, which worked wonders for almost 4 mos I was able to live with minor pain, the second it wore off I was in the worst pain ever. Went for my second injection and it did nothing. I finally went for a surgery consultation and was told I was not a good candidate based on where the herniated disk was. There would be a 50/50 chance success rate and the surgeon himself would not do it.
I was crushed. I saw this as the light at the end of the tunnel.

So in the bed for almost 2 weeks in pain, crying non stop.....my son taking care of my daughter missing work the whole 9 yards...

This is what I am taking now:
Bedtime:
Xanax 0.5 (1) as needed---haven't been taking
Sinement 25-100 (1)
Topamax 100mg (1)
Norco 5-325 (1)
Percocet 5-325 (1)
Oxy 10mg 1 every 12hrs but I refuse to take this during the day, so I only take at bedtime.

In the morning I take my paxil and I will take a half of norco as needed usually twice a day if working.

A bit of personal history:
Single mom 43yrs old of three kids...5, 13, and 16 tomorrow....

Sorry for rambling and the back and forth...I'm just chasing my tail right now..Thanks

I was taking Ambien, but it gave me tremors and spasms the next day. I was told to try a half dose. That's not enough to get me to sleep.

I read a study of a trial of melatonin, zinc and magnesium. It worked pretty well for the group of people in assisted living. I don't remember what the Mg and Zn were supposed to do, but you can probably google the study.

I tried a small dose of melatonin, Mg and Zn and it was helpful, but not enough by itself. I've been trying a small dose of the study combination along with my 1/2 Ambien and it's definitely helping.

SB and Tina...



I totally hear what your saying with nothing for pain control during the day. That was part of the problem. The pain was getting so far ahead of the meds due to that. I had just been so scared to take the Oxy to begin with and then to take it during the day as I work full time and have my daughter (5yr) to tend to when not in school. Or if she needed to come home ill things of that nature.



Finally the pain got so bad after that failed injection that I broke down and agreed to try the oxy during the day. I waited till a Sunday at my mom's since I had the kids...it made me feel terrible..I just cant do it...and yes originally the norco and percocet was just for the break though pain, but he said to take it at bedtime due to my increased pain and not sleeping...



It's just a mess...and I had taken ambien a few yrs ago when I was married, but I don't think its a good Idea for me to take it without another adult in the house...



I also just went though some other major "stuff" but I broke off a relationship that was way to stressful and believe it or not some of my pain has eased up. I really think stress plays a big part for me. And this week I am going to make an appt with a counselor. My pain Dr is out of the office but I am going to speak with him again soon.



Thanks on the weight loss! Just wish I could get all the skin removed...:))

Lucky...

Re: the extra skin - I gotcha on that one! :)  After having a twin pregnancy last year and gaining/losing massive weight, I'm w/ you, sister!

Re: stress playing a role - I definitely think it does.  I'm glad you are getting an appt. to see a counselor.

Re: daytime meds - I understand what you are saying completely.... but, after time, many of these side effects do go away....  If they don't, there are other medications that you could give a try that would hopefully help w/ pain, but w/ less side effects.  I've got a big family that I have to have mental clarity for....yet I have lots of chronic pain needs.  It took a long time of playing around w/ different meds/strengths to find the right combo that provided good pain relief w/ minimal side effects. 

Re: ambien - I can't take that one, either.  I'd get up in the night....and have no memory of what I did the night before (which is what it's supposed to do - have a "hypnotic" effect).... but I was getting up, having conversations, cooking meals, thinking I was going to run to the store, etc.  (my husband was always w/ me and prevented me from doing anything dangerous).  But I refuse to use that medication again, due to the side effects for me.

Anyway, I hope you are doing ok today - and can get some sleep tonight!! 

--Tina