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Oh how I miss sleep

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 9/13/2011 4:57 PM (GMT 0)
OK, so I've been on nortriptriptyline for about three weeks, and I must say, it has actually helped with my pain. My headaches are at a minimal and my muscle pain is pretty much gone.

My problem still lies in my sleep. I have no problems getting to sleep. I go to sleep between 9:00 and 10:00, but usually closer to 10:00. I am still waking up between 3:00 and 4:00 am EVERY morning. Last night I actually woke up at 1:00 am. Each time I wake up, I cannot get back to sleep. Then all day I am a zombie because I am so tired. I've tried everything. Hot bath, lavender pillow spray, sleep aids, vitamins, reading before bed. You name it, and I am still wake up come 3 or 4.

I started thinking maybe it was the Topamax that was causing it since it started around the time I was taking it. I am only on 50mgs, so I went off of it for about two weeks and there was no change, so I am back on it. I made the mistake of skipping a dosage of the nortriptriptyline and the next day I was in severe pain and quite nauseated, so I don't dare come off that.

I sent a message to my doctor for help. I work full-time and can barely function some days because I am so tired. Today I came in two-and-a-half hours late just to try and get some sleep, which I really didn't.

Is there anything else (over-the-counter) that I can try to help get a good night's rest?
Posted 9/13/2011 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
There was a study done and published in Fibromyalgia News Network (FM News) a few months back. FM patients were given a combination of melatonin, magnesium and zinc and a high percentage had success sleeping with it. When I discussed this w/my rheumy, his only caution was to not stay on melatonin continuously because my body would stop producing it completely. Rather, stay on it for a month and off for a month and so on.
I wish you well
Miriam
Posted 9/13/2011 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting, thanks! I've been taking melatonin, but not the other two. This is definitely something I can look into.
Posted 9/13/2011 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
I took topomax and that drug was evil to me. I couldn't understand why my vision was getting worse, my thinking was impaired, I was tired more, my depression kick in full force. I was talking to another Dr. that didn't prescribe it and he said they call that pill the zombie pill. One day I woke up and felt horrible and I realize it might be this topomax. I look it up on line and sure enough the symptoms I had were the side effects to the pill. For some odd reason my body is very senstive to meds. I called my Dr. And told him what was going on. I stop it after I tapered off. It was no time, how much better I did. It was scary because it really played a big part on my cognitive thinking. I always have trouble sleeping so I couldn't tell you if that was worse. You might want to right down your symptoms and see if they are new. Sometimes the side effects will get less after a few weeks. I took topomax for my seizures and migraines. Not any more! Hope things work better for you.
Posted 9/13/2011 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
I hear you about the side effects of Topamax. I first went on it over four years ago and the side effects were horrible. I was tired all the time. Like a zombie. And yea, my mind-totally gone. I'd forget how to get to work even. It was bad. I finally went off of it. I was hesitant to get back on this time around, but I am on a low dosage and the side effects aren't that bad. My mind isn't as sharp. but I am okay otherwise and it has helped me with my migraines. Having gone off of it for two weeks though leads me to believe it is not what is causing my insomnia. I wish it was so at least I would know....
Posted 9/14/2011 12:43 AM (GMT 0)
I know the migraines can be very bad. I was scared to change, but I went back on my depokote which is known to prevent migraines and is a mood stabilizer. I change because I thought my weight gain was from the depokote. Then something came to my mind that I had an IUD in and maybe that may be causing me some side effects. I did some homework on it and I decided to remove my IUD. I found out several people were suffering migraines, weight gain and etc. I haven't suffered a migraine or even a headache since. I gained 50 lbs. on the IUD. I am hoping the weight is going down soon. I think I am going to have to do some extra excercise! Darn!!!
Posted 9/14/2011 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
Ok, so I finally heard from my doctor and right now she wants me to up the NORTRIPTYLINE from 20 mgs to 30mgs. I am definitely willing to give it a shot, but I don't feel overly confident just because it seems like my sleeping patterns have gotten worse since being on this medicine. But you never know! Positive thoughts here!
Posted 9/14/2011 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
I started taking Nortriptyline 20 years ago, also for sleep, fibro, and migraines. For about 3 years, I was on 50 mg. but then just cut the dose in half and got the same results. Now I'm down to 20 mg.

But I also take Clonopin now for sleep, because I was under so much stress a few years ago, the insomnia was coming back. I've cut that dose in half, too, and hope to come off of it "someday." But who knows whether I'll be able to. It's creepy because my doctor says yes, I'm probably addicted to it, but there are worse things (such as no sleep!)

Hope Nortriptyline works for you. Being sleepy is the WORST!

Debbie
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