Why do all pain meds give me insomnia?

[Chattie1947]

I suffer chronic pain in my back and legs. Dr has tried Tylenol 3. Tramadol, and now Oxycodene,  I lay awake most nights after taking any of these meds. I usually know when they are wearing off as I finally get drowsy.   The only good thing is I lay awake with no pain.   The pain keeps me awake all night and when I take the pills to allivate the pain , I still can't sleep.  Have tried hot tea, hot baths.  I get drowsy but sleep will not come.   even my dr does not know what to tell me.   I only sleep about 3 hours a night and this has been going on for 18 months.   Anyone else with this problem?

[sim8899]

It's an unfortunate side effect to pain medication.  For some people it will make them fall asleep, but for people like us it will keep them awake. My best advice would be to ask your doctor for a medication for insomnia.  When it's close to bed time and I'm still in pain, I take my sleep medication instead of my pain medication.  I do this because we don't feel pain in our sleep.

If you want a more natural way for sleep, look into melatonin or even dramamine  (motion sickness medication).  Medication like Excedrine PM have the same active ingredient as Benadryl.

I have more tips and tricks, email me at ***@****, and let me know how you're doing.