Can't Sleep

I have taken several sleeping pills and they have worked off and on.  Ativan has been the pill that has been working quite well for me; but,  apparently after taking 1/2 tablet of Ativan at night with Elavil, which I just started taking; the next morning when I woke up I started with a racing heart.   The doctor feels that the Ativan and Elavil are not working together.  He suggested that I stop the Ativan and try to sleep on my own even if takes 4 or 5 etc. days to adjust.  I am very afraid of doing this because I know my anxiety will go out of control.  I have had issues very recently with anxiety and when I don't sleep well at night I am very anxious the next day.   Thank You

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

There are some other good options available for sleep problem. You may try Ambien. It does not have an addiction potential. It is supposed to give a good 6 hour sleep. An extended release preparation will be better (Ambien CR).

But, it will be advisable to discuss this option with your doctor before trying it.

Regards