When will sleep return?

[amarw]

Today is day 3 of w/d. I wasn't using very heavily. I was clean for a few months and started using again in April, so this time around I have been using for 2 months, 3-5 10mg hydrocodone a day. I really have not felt too bad but the insomnia is KILLING me!! Last night I took everything I possibly could, ambien, tylenol PM, Nyquil, Benadryl, and finally gabapentin did the trick since it helps with restless legs. But this morning I feel like a walking zombie. Can anyone tell me when the insomnia will end?

[Rich99]

By taking more and more chemicals to induce the sleep,  it will only delay getting back to normal sleep patterns.   Been there,  done that.     Have said it before and will say it again,  ingesting chemicals (that's what these drugs really are)   disrupt the brain's ability to produce its own natural chemicals.     Then tolerance builds up and then you become dependent on using these drugs.    When you attempt to stop,  it takes time for the brain to realize it needs to start producing its own.    That lag period until the brain kicks in is the withdrawal you feel.  

[jewlz2626]

While I am not fully off yet, I am in the process of detoxing from Methadone & find that the natural way has helped me so far- Valerian, Melatonin, Passion Flower, and try the Hylands Leg CRAMPS, helps with the restlesness in the legs & lower back! But don't stress yourself over it, it will make you feel worse! Your body will catch up with sleep when it can! Keep on truckin! Julie

[amarw]

Thanks everyone!!! I definitely will NOT be doing that tonight. I really was desperate for sleep but I will continue reaching to my higher power and let this take its course. Thanks for all your posts!!!

[Bad_Obsession]

I've battled with RLS since I was a kid.  It's progressively gotten worse as I have gotten older.  I can tell you that Nyquil (or anything with alcohol in it) makes my RLS a lot worse.  Be careful mixing all that stuff.  Don't know that I would be doing that....

[IBKleen]

You didn't do this damage overnight so you have to be patient and give your mind and body time to heal.

It concerns me that you are self-medicating still in order to sleep. It is dangerous behavior.

Please see your doctor and see what he/she recommends.Good luck.

[atthebeach]

try not to worry about the sleep right now. just try to relax, lay and watch a movie, listen to music, read a book.pray........ you are making yourself more anxious. you feel like a zombie partly because of all the meds you took. benadryl and nyquil can cause excitability. (anxiety) get some sleepy time tea, valerian root, melatonin.  do the natural route.
it is amazing what our bodies can actually tolerate. you will be ok without the sleep.
you are doing great. 3 days. congrats.
sending you blessings and hugs,
debbie

[Marebear74]

Everyone is different! It does'nt happen over night! Promise! Benadryl  keeps me awake! I'm not sure u should take that. Insomnia can be treated with alot of things. U need to speak to your Dr truthfully. Tell him why u r not sleeping. And at first it will seem nothing is working, but it will get better. Best wishes. Keep ur eye's open in our ADDICTIONS forum. U can get some very good advice there. Everyone here will help u. It's a great site!

[LeaAnn807]

Definitely NOT by day 3!!!!  Give it a week.  

Do you know that Tylenol PM, Benadryl and Nyquil have the same sleeping ingredient in them?  (or basically)  Don't take all of them!!!  Besides it makes RLS 50 times worse.  Don't do that tonight.  Ok?  Also watch the Ambien.  It's way addictive too.