[Anxiousvalkyrie]

My sleep patterns as of late are really, really messed up. About 4 times a week I don't sleep at all and my sleeping pills have seemingly quit working. I'll be up for 36+ hours, much longer if I go two nights with no sleep. On the nights that I do sleep I sleep for like 15 hours and have to force myself to get out of bed.

I have no idea what is going on with my sleep patterns. I try to go to bed at night around the same time and I take my Seroquel a couple of hours before bed so it can help calm my mind. The nights I sleep it works well and the nights I don't sleep my mind races.

I'm frustrated and exhausted all the time. Has anyone experienced weird sleep patterns like this? I was just wondering if perhaps anyone might have any incite as to what could be causing it.

[Sad Mermaid]

I am afraid that Seroquel is not cutting it and that you need Zyprexa, which is as good for sleep as Seroquel, but much, much better than Seroquel for when your mind races. I would start with a low dose and figure out your optimal amount. Be careful with how much you eat, as Zyprexa can increase appetite. But then again, Seroquel can lead to weight gain, so choosing Zyprexa over Seroquel does not worsen things in the weight department.

I also switched to taking a shower before bedtime, as it helps me calm down. I go for a walk for about 20 minutes before bedtime, then take a shower, then take Zyprexa and other sleeping meds, and go to sleep.

Note that sometimes sleeping pills quit working. I have had Remeron and Trazodone stop working as sleep meds. Apparently Zyprexa is reliable, unlike those other meds. So I recommend it highly.

[Anxiousvalkyrie]

Originally Posted by Sad Mermaid

I am afraid that Seroquel is not cutting it and that you need Zyprexa, which is as good for sleep as Seroquel, but much, much better than Seroquel for when your mind races. I would start with a low dose and figure out your optimal amount. Be careful with how much you eat, as Zyprexa can increase appetite. But then again, Seroquel can lead to weight gain, so choosing Zyprexa over Seroquel does not worsen things in the weight department.

I also switched to taking a shower before bedtime, as it helps me calm down. I go for a walk for about 20 minutes before bedtime, then take a shower, then take Zyprexa and other sleeping meds, and go to sleep.

Note that sometimes sleeping pills quit working. I have had Remeron and Trazodone stop working as sleep meds. Apparently Zyprexa is reliable, unlike those other meds. So I recommend it highly.

I was on Zyprexa initially but I gained like 40lbs in three months even though I was exercising everyday and had a low calorie diet. My doctor took me off of it and replaced it with Seroquel. I will have to ask my doctor what he thinks.

I also try to take a bath or a shower before bedtime, then I take my pills and my husband and I usually have sex before laying down to try to sleep. Walking sounds like another thing to try. Unfortunately this time of year it's not optimal to take a walk before bed because it's bitterly cold and usually wet and windy, but during the summer when the sun is out past 11pm it's definitely doable.

Thanks for your thoughts

[Sad Mermaid]

Sex before bed is wonderful.

40 lbs is a lot to gain - but did you try finding a lower dose that still would do the trick? I gained 15 lbs in a couple of WEEKS on a high dose, but now I resumed taking it by splitting the smallest dose in half, and that works. I am not gaining weight (I weigh myself almost every day, so I'd notice something negative if it were happening).

[Moose72]

zyprexa and depakote both packed on the pounds for me. I'm going of zyprexa (left depakote years ago) gradually now. I can't stand being this fat. I started a diet 2 weeks ago and although I think I've lost a bit of weight (by the way my clothes fit), I can't really tell on the scale. The scale says things within a 5 pound range, so I guess I'll have to get on first thing in the morning naked or something once a week.