Should I go, or wait?

48 days, I'm making the call today. Looks like I'm going to ask to go to the hospital. I don't think I have any other choice here. I hope I don't stay long and I keep my job. Thank you for all the great advice and good thoughts.

No hospital, I'm still too "functional" whatever that really means. We're increasing meds again to see what happens the next three days. Frustrated and tired of the run around I feel like I'm getting... Thanks again for the hugs and good thoughts - I appreciate you!

Who have you been keeping in touch with - pdoc and T? I can't believe they haven't been able to help you more by now...

Both pdoc and T - both feel that I'm too functional to go to the hospital - whatever that means... I'm asking my general doc for a referral today for a new doc to see if I have better luck with someone new.

Yeah it sounds like you need a new doctor.

Is there anyway you can contact the hospital and explain the situation and see if there is someway you can check in and get help even though your doctors aren't in agreement.

Also can you call your doctor back and ask for details about why you are considered too functional? Then maybe you can make some changes so that you meet their definnition of non functional.

Wow !

Yeah I agree time to find a new Pdoc. I see no reason why they can give you a weeks worth of a sleep med that will knock you down enough so you CAN sleep and feel better.

I really feel for you..

Do you have a family doctor or GP? Even a walk in clinic. I have gottn sleeping pills from my GP before and from a walk in clinic.

The other option...show up at the hospital. Yeah it really is not the sole discretion of your pdoc or therapist. You can go there and talk to them, and sad to say that at this point, maybe they could talk some sense into your pdoc. Or they can have a pdoc there see you and get this sorted. Your pdoc just saying "ahh well your functioning ok" is not the end all be all. You are not functioning ok because you are not sleeping.. That's human basics 101.

Sorry I missed the part that you are seeing your GP. He should be able to help with the sleep matter. Make sure you make it seem as bad as it is, and not try to play the It's sucks but I am ok card. Just be honest that you are desperate for sleep.

The thing is, I have sleep meds - they just aren't working. Today was the first day of a major med adjustment to handle the mania so I'll see how tonight goes. So far, I'm not all that hopeful as I don't feel much different. But who knows? Maybe I'll sleep like a baby... I've got a referral for a new doc in hand, calling tomorrow. One way or another I'm going to get help!

Been up since 12:15, so much for sleeping. Calling the new doc today. Thanks for all the support!

Can't see the new doc till next week. I guess it doesn't matter too much at this point (50+ days) what's a few more nights? Calling my pdoc again today - I'm going to wear him out! Ha! If I can't sleep, neither should he, right?

I really feel for you Liviacat, you must be restless! I think it's outrageous that they still haven't managed to help you. If you're not afraid of weight gain, please ask your pdoc about Zyprexa, it was instant help for me after two sleepless months. I hope you get some sleep soon.

Liviacat.. Have you tried slamming a dose of Nyquil? Im sure you have. I do that occasionally to catch a break from my normal sleep meds.

And I agree If you can't sleep at this point then Pdoc doesn't either

Restless doesn't even cover it! I'm going nuts!! I will ask about Zyprexa thanks - and as far as NyQuil goes, I can't because of the alcohol in it (sober girl here) but I have tried every other OTC sleep aid there is... Ugh. Maybe tonight is my lucky night

Oh yeah not a good idea .. I have heard great things about Zyprexa and the sleep it provided.. Good luck !

...Seroquel is also a good med for sleep; it knocks most people out. I take 50mgs at night but Iv'e heard of people taking 900mgs.

You mentioned the sleep aids you have are Restoril and Xanax. I used to take Restoril but when I was manic, it didn't work, neither did Xanax. My old Dr. told me that Restoril is a very mild sleep med, its also in the benzo class like Xanax is.

How about just showing up at the E.R. Tell them whats been going on and that your'e concerned about your safety.

I hope you get relief and find some peace soon.

That's about what it's coming to Seaswept, I've been thinking that might be my last ditch effort since nothing else is working. I wasn't aware, however, that Restoril was considered mild... I'm going to call my pdoc one more time to ask for something specific for sleep - do you have a suggestion? All I'm really aware of is the Ambien/Lunesta route - thanks for replying!

Your'e welcome...anytime.

The last time I was having trouble sleeping I got worried and called my Dr., because lack of sleep is my biggest trigger for a manic episode. My Dr. started me on the Seroquel and I swear it works better than any sleep aid I've ever tried. Once I fall asleep I stay asleep. At first I felt really spaced out and groggy the next morning but it subsided soon after.
My Dr didn't want me on a sleeping pill long term and said the Seroquel works well with bipolar. Thats why he prescribed that.
I also noticed that it has helped me with my anxiety.

There is an anti-depressant that helps with sleep, can't remember the name right now, someone probably already mentioned it but I'll look it up anyway.

The only others I have tried are the ones you mentioned- Ambien and Lunesta. I never had dreams of the pretty butterfly, either (like in the commercial), while on Lunesta LOL.

It's Trazodone. I've never been on it myself but have heard it works for some people.

Livia, there are quite a few sleep meds.. well most are not sleep meds but that is off label use. There are benzos, like ativan. Zyprexa and Seroquel are antipsychotics, which are actually major tranquilizers.... they should make you sleep. Make sure you look them up and research the side effects before taking them. I think they would help you sleep but long term use does carry risks like diabetes and other serious problems, so be aware about that. Maybe better for short term use for sleep.

The thing with these meds weather they are benzos or AP's ..using them for sleep, the effect does wear off and either stops working or you need to keep increasing the dose. And they all effect each of us differently, Seaswept had a good experience as did they person who said Zyprexa. These meds made me into a total zombie, messed up my blood pressure, hypoglycemia, and chronic headaches.. the hangover effect.

But you really do need something at the moment I think. Just make sure you know the drugs before you take them. I hope you will be able to sleep soon.

Seaswept is right.. it is trazodone. I have taken it, but not much luck.. I think there are some others here who have had success with it. It brought on mania for me. Since you are already manic, adding an AD right now might not be a good idea.

Pdoc is calling in Ambien for me - I hope the CR - finally. I wonder why it took him this long?? Of course, I won't believe it till I have it but I'll keep you posted - hopefully not until sometime late tomorrow after I've slept! 52 days...geez.

I hope you are sound asleep right NOW

Well I was!! for about 4 hours - that's a new record! I don't think I'll win any awards for it, but I guess I gotta start somewhere, right? At least it's promising enough, for me at least, that I might not have to go to the hospital Monday. Yay!!

Well, so much for that theory - I even tried a combo of Xanax with the Ambien tonight, and after two hours, I'm wide awake. I'm sure you guys must be sick of this thread by now... I'm just so frustrated!! I really don't want to go to the hospital, but it looks like its the only option left. Ugh. Wish there was some other way - any other drug combos I might try?

It does sound like the hospital is the best option. I think they could probably give you something really strong to help you sleep and maybe even have a better ideas than what your doctor is doing.

Go to the hospital honey. Insomnia is also my trigger for a bout with mania. It just gets worse and worse -usually when that happens they introduce a whole new med regimen for me. Guessing it's my brains way of telling me this ***** ain't working anymore, meaning my current med regimen.

I actually like being inpatient every couple of years or so, it's a way of recharging and being pampered by the nurses. The lack of privileges sucks (and for me not being able to smoke!) but I always feel much better in the end.