[wildflowerchild25]

I'm having trouble falling asleep at work. When we're in the classroom and my student is working independently I can't keep my eyes open. It's horrible and my teacher just called me out on it so it's noticeable. I apologized and said I'm switching meds (no details) but I have to do something to stay awake. I can't drink coffee, it upsets my stomach. I can and do drink diet soda. I'm wondering if I got a big diet soda and slammed it in the morning if the caffeine would be enough to keep me awake. I feel horrible for falling asleep and I could lose my job. Anyone have any tips for staying awake? I don't know if this is med relayed or if I'm just so exhausted from the constant anxiety. I'm gonna switch taking latuda to the afternoon too just in case.

[bioChE]

You could talk to your doc about a stimulant. I take Vyvanse and it counteracts the sedation caused by the rest of my meds.

[unlived]

Maybe an energy drink mid way through the day? Just make sure it's ok to drink them with whatever meds you are taking.

[hopeless2015]

I take my Latuda at night, it knocks me out!!

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by bioChE

You could talk to your doc about a stimulant. I take Vyvanse and it counteracts the sedation caused by the rest of my meds.

That's a really good idea. I use Ritalin for that.

[~Christina]

I always took Latuda at night. If I took it daytime I would be nodding off.

Maybe try it a hour or so before bedtime.

[gina_re]

I used to rely on energy drinks. I know they aren't the healthiest option, but they did the job.

[BeyondtheRainbow]

Are you still on Emsam? Wouldn't a big jolt of caffeine be contra-indicated? I truly don't know because I gave up caffeine 2 years before I started it but I thought caffeine is a minimal use only thing (but could be 100% wrong).

[wildflowerchild25]

I'm actually not on emsam as of now, haven't used it in two months. I don't know anything about caffeine being contraindicated without though. But so much is, I wouldn't be surprised.

I just don't see any other way to stay awake. My pnurse will never prescribe a stimulant, not with my manic history.

[Moreta]

I take nuvigil to stay awake. It's a narcolepsy med. There's also Provigil. You could also try drinking a strong tea. Man if I didn't have my finnegans wake up tea idk what I'd do. It's made by a local tea place in my city but you can buy it online. I can't do carbonated drinks anymore cause of the IBS, but the tea + nuvigil works well.

[Woolly Bugger]

Maybe you are falling asleep because the job itself isn't stimulating and you are not being challenged. I know what it is like to be an assistant in the classroom, and it can be a drag. Perhaps a different line of work would suit you better.

[wildflowerchild25]

That's definitely part of it, woolly. When we're doing activities I'm fine but when we're just sitting in the classroom and the teacher is teaching, that's when I start falling asleep. But I love my job and don't want to do anything else.

My son is sick today so I have to stay home but tomorrow I'm going to drink the caffeine and hope it works. I'm also going to stand up if I start falling asleep. And go to the bathroom to splash cold water on my face and do some jumping jacks. I'm so embarrassed. I don't even want to go back to work and I'm so happy there's only two weeks left in this job.

[bioChE]

Another thing you might want to look into is a Guarana supplement. I stole the idea from Monster energy drinks. I get the supplement from Amazon. The pill also contains 200mg caffeine, so if I don't have my morning coffee it doesn't matter. About a week ago I missed the Guarana when taking my morning meds, and was dragging all day. I couldn't figure out why. Then the next morning I saw the pill hadn't come out of my pill box when I dumped out the rest of my meds. A light bulb went off and I knew why I had been dragging the day before.

I'm a stimulant junkie, but at least it's all legal.

[bpforever1]

I also get sleepy throughout the day and take naps during lunchtime. I eat about twice a day and skip lunch to take a nap.

[Daonnachd]

I used to use Vivarin, another over-the-counter stimulant. It's just a straight caffeine pill with enough in it to equal two cups of coffee. This would give you the boost without aggravating your stomach.

[wildflowerchild25]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm going to try the soda tomorrow. Caffeine pills have way too much for me, I get shaky and anxious. I used to abuse them as a teenager for weight loss purposes. Better to stay away. A 16oz soda only has like 60 grams or so. I might try a 5 hour energy shot in the weekend just to see how that much caffeine affects me and then go from there. Only 2 weeks left in my job, but I might have the same problem in September.

A very large Red Bull in the morning might help. Towards the end of my career, I was falling asleep at my desk and in the car when driving to and from. I had to take time off as that means I was unfit for my duties and it was dangerous to myself and others. I hope you find something which works.

[Woolly Bugger]

Have you ever had a sleep study? Maybe you have sleep apnea.

[raspberrytorte]

Diet mountain dews keep me awake during the day. They definitely do the job! I used to doze off while my daughter was watching her cartoons, but don't anymore. And on days when my husband has off I used to have to take a nap in the afternoon, but I don't do that anymore either.

Just an idea. I drink far too many of them. Sometimes up to fourteen a day.

I hope you find something that works!