when the pills can't help you sleep anymore

What do you do when the sleeping pills you usually take to help you go to bed don't work anymore?

I feel so much anxiety. I feel so sad, I'm pathetic.

I think I would feel tired, I work two jobs; one full time and one part time to help pay the bills.

My friends have drifted away from my because of my depressed mood all the time. My bf is getting fed up with me being so difficult to please and make happy. My psych is done seeing with me. No help no more.

I don't know why, but I can't just smile and be happy. It sounds so simple. I'm so stupid, I can't authentically smile.

I feel like I'm so wrong inside. Like I can't be normal and feel "pleased", or "happy" or "pleasured". It's like I'm always angry or depressed.

The pills help me feel better. Help me sleep. Takes everything away. Makes me forget. Now they don't seem to work as much anymore. I have no one to turn to. I don't know what to do.

I don't want to take any MORE pills. I think 2 at a time is enough but... I don't want to start on 3 a day, then needing to go to 4 a day just to get the same affect.

What pills do you take, and how long have you been taking them? It may be that your tolerance level has increased, so you may just need to increase your dosage or change to a different pill. It's pretty common to have to do that at a certain point. Talk to your dr and tell him/her that your pills aren't doing their job anymore.

I just but over-the-counter sleeping pills. Don't think my Dr has time for me anymore, if you know what I mean.

I understand u totally - sometimes I keep taking more and more and still watch the time go by at night. I'm thinkin there is no way I should be awake but oh well. I take something every night usually. I mix melatonin with other stuff. Meltonian helps too.

One day last week, I spoke with 2 different T for a total of 3 hours in one day - that night - I slept - with NO pills so I think, if one can get the inside not to be so mixed up then sleep would not be the issue. Just a thought

Journaling before bed might be a start off from Designer's idea You can also always be your own doc and adjust how much you're taking. Stagger when you take it thropughout the week, too - that can throw off your body's abilities to compensate and tolerate the dosage.

I really feel for you. I am going through the same thing. I feel many of the things that you feel about yourself. I have been struggling with sleep since 2000, and non stop for a year now. I get 3-6 hours a night, more often 3 hours, and this is with Xanax , 2 different muscle relaxers , melatonin, benadryl, and lunesta. My T says chemicals are not the answer. He changed his mind for a brief time and consulted a psychiatrist about putting me on an anti depressant, but then said medication wouldn't help me, that lack of sleep was just a symptom. I know that is true, but I am getting more and more run down, and am afraid I will lose my job.

Anyway, I just wanted to share and let you know that I'm thinking of you and sending you hugs!

I can't go to sleep without taking an Ativan + Hydrocodone. It's the only thing that's working for me at the moment. I feel for ya. I'm so anxious and in a lot of pain and I can't break away from it this time it seems. Hang in there. I'm tired of taking pills, too. I don't know what else to do anymore. All my friends have left out of my life, I can't get into relationships, etc. I hope everything is alright and your sleeping patterns become better.

I guess I have tried all the sleeping pills, over the counter and prescription. My doctor told me two months ago there is nothing left to try and that there was nothing that could be done to allow more than the 2-3 hours I get.

Becky,

I know how hard this is. I finally started sleeping some a couple months ago, but I still wake up every 1-2 hours. I quit the Lunesta because I wasn't getting any more sleep with it than without it.

I hope you are able to find some relief. Maybe another doctor could help?

I'm awake too!