[Chiquita24]

I think I've been on just about every medication out there to help with sleep. I have Bipolar disorder and a huge insomnia problem. Up until just recently I was taking Seroquel and Ambien together and it worked great. But the problem is, I now have Pancreatitis and the docs thought that the Seroquel might have played a role. I started out on seroquel when it first came out. I use to be able to get by taking just 25-50 mg. I was up to 200 mg before I stopped. My body was just adjusting to the medication and I was needed higher and higher doses. I really wanted off the medication anyway because it was causing weight gain. I would be starving just shortly after taking it and have to get up to eat. There would even be times I would get up in the middle of the night to eat!!

I am in need of something else for sleep. You would think the Ambien alone would work but it doesn't. I have Ativan that I can take, but I don't want to take that every night.
Currently I am trying Doxepin, but I've read a lot about how it causes rapid weight gain also!! Does anyone have experience with this?
Trazodone does nothing.
Restoril I think worked in the past, but again it's a benzo and taking that would mean losing the Ambien and the Ativan (during the day) and also having to deal with a hangover.
Remeron: too much weight gain
Melatonin, Valerian Root, herbal teas: don't work

My sleep problem is both falling asleep and staying asleep. Does anyone have any suggestions that does not cause weight gain?

[Chiquita24]

I don't know how to add this to my signature line, so here's my current meds

Lamictal 400 mg
Zoloft 25 mg
Ativan 0.5 mg TID PRN
Propanolol 40 mg TID
Doxepin 6 mg
Ambien 10 mg

[BlackSheep79]

I deal with literally the exact same problem. I actually just posted something similar. My mind does not shut up, can't fall asleep and can't stay asleep. I've been on everything you have except Doxepin, I can't be on ADs. I'm on 400mg of Seroquel and I still go thru bad times. For instance, the past couple of days my Seroquel, Xanax, and propranolol were not enough so I had to down 3 Benadryl. I'm sorry I can't help you, but I can relate. We have to sleep otherwise we go downhill fast. I hope someone can give you some suggestions. Wishing you the best.

[~Christina]

I have sleep issues also , have since I was 12

Doxipin flung me into the worst mixed episode ever, took weeks to sort that mess out.
Restoril isnt a Benzio.

Saphris... Many people report is rather sedating, and doesn't "seem" to cause near the weight gain for most people as most other AP's cause. I wasn't able to take it as it did cause me breathing problems.

****Some patients may gain weight while taking SAPHRIS. In short-term clinical studies, people taking SAPHRIS gained about 3 pounds on average. About 6 in every 100 people studied gained a significant amount of weight (7% or more of their body weight). People taking a placebo in those studies gained less than 1 pound on average. And less than 1 in every 100 people taking placebo gained a significant amount of weight. Your healthcare provider should check your weight regularly. Talk with your healthcare provider about ways to control weight, such as eating a healthy, balanced diet, and exercising. ****

Everything you listed was useless for me. I take Xanax daily . My Pdoc finally tried Halcion in addition to xanax ( yes its a benzio) but it worked wonders, great sleep, no waking early,and no hang overs. Might be something to at least mention and talk about.

Maybe you need to switch from Ativan to either Xanax or Klonipin, they do all tend to react differently even though they are all classified as benzios.

There is a member here that knows a lot about medications Zinco14532323 feel free to PM him.. He's always willing to help.

Plus post this thread on the Medication forum, You will receive a lot of responses too.

Have you had a recent physical and full blood work done? if not you might want too, Sometimes Thyroid and hormone levels can be off and cause insomnia issues, Just a thought.

Welcome to PC