[Justmedarkstar]

I'm on Effexor, Buspar, Lamictal and Geodon. I don't know which ones are causing me to have insomnia but I've got to figure something out. I've tried every natural and over the counter remedy to no avail. My psychiatrist even prescribed me Ambien even though I'm an alcoholic and all around addict, and that didn't work. It almost seems as though it made it worse. I'm at my witts end. Can anyone suggest replacement meds for either one or all of my meds that will not cause insomnia? I don't know how much more of this I can take.

[RosieDee]

Originally Posted by Justmedarkstar

I'm on Effexor, Buspar, Lamictal and Geodon. I don't know which ones are causing me to have insomnia but I've got to figure something out. I've tried every natural and over the counter remedy to no avail. My psychiatrist even prescribed me Ambien even though I'm an alcoholic and all around addict, and that didn't work. It almost seems as though it made it worse. I'm at my witts end. Can anyone suggest replacement meds for either one or all of my meds that will not cause insomnia? I don't know how much more of this I can take.

I also suffer from insomnia. I have found that a significant trigger that contributes to my insomnia are computer devices like my cell phone and tablet. The light that they give out is proven to interrupt sleep. Do you have a tv that you can set to go off (has a sleep timer)? I take my ambien and put something mindless on. This way I don't obsess over the fact that I'm not falling asleep. Also, ambien only works on an empty stomach. I'm happy to share what's worked for me. It's horrible isn't it. I'm sleepy all day.

[Skeezyks]

Hello Justmedarkstar: I'm sorry you are having this difficulty. The only thing I can offer is that, years ago, a psychiatrist put me on some med or other. I don't even recall for certain what it was. Anyway, she ordered a variety of the med would take effect all at once, as opposed to being extended release. I remember it made me extremely anxious. I could not sleep at all. She subsequently changed the prescription to an extended release version & that made all the difference.

[LucyG]

Try taking a high quality absorbably magnesium as meds not only deplete it but also block the body's ability to utilize it. I think meds destroyed my body's ability to sleep. I can't begin to describe how horrible it was not being able to sleep more than a couple of hours a night for at least 5 years!!! High doses of magnesium is what ultimately enabled me to sleep again.

Don't use the common OTC that just says 'magnesium' on it as it's probably magnesium oxide, and is so poorly absorbed that all it does is cause raging diarrhea. Magnesium chloride is very absorbable and doesn't does diarrhea. Magnesium citrate and malate are also very good forms of magnesium. You need to take calcium and vitamins D3 and K with it as the 4 nutrients work together.

[-jimi-]

Everyone reacts different, but Effexor ruined my sleep. I could fall asleep but I got zero deep sleep. Even when I came off it it took several years for me to get my deep sleep back. I felt like I never slept when I was on that med. I was asleep but just barely, so I still noticed everything that went on around me.

[LucyG]

Originally Posted by -jimi-

Everyone reacts different, but Effexor ruined my sleep. I could fall asleep but I got zero deep sleep. Even when I came off it it took several years for me to get my deep sleep back. I felt like I never slept when I was on that med. I was asleep but just barely, so I still noticed everything that went on around me.

How interesting...

By the time I got off meds, my body's ability to sleep was destroyed as well. It didn't matter what I did until I started taking extremely high doses of magnesium and a supplement to lower high cortisol levels.

I think meds destroy your body's ability to sleep....

[-jimi-]

Only Effexor was toxic to my sleep. I have tried many other meds and never had that same reaction. I guess I was sensitive to it.

This has actually become a sore point between my boyfriend and I. Oh not the insomnia itself; my heart goes out to him as I recognize this is taking over his mental health. Rather, I have thrown my hands up in the air regarding his insistence on how to deal with it. He will stay up watching tv or using electronic devices until he 'feels tired enough' to go to bed. When he does do so, he tosses and turns and is back up playing with his devices for another hour or two. Then he complains to me about only getting 4 hours sleep a night. Granted I'm sure part of it is an addiction to these devices but they seriously are impacting his ability to get a decent sleep.

This I understand is the number one reason for insomnia. Professionals will tell you to remove tv's and devices from your bedroom. Never use them there reserving the room as a place only to sleep. At night, keep your phone charging out in a different room. Wind down the use of electronic devices at least a FULL hour before turning in.

There are of course other reasons for not sleeping. Obviously worry is a big one. Establish some coping skills to deal with your stressors.

Last night was a night my BF finally got a full night's sleep. Not only did I forbid him to look at his phone but I diffused a lot of lavender oil (which is extremely calming) before bedtime. He immediately fell asleep long before I did.