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ambien and xanax and still no sleep

Hello,
I have a huge problem. I have been struggling with insomnia for years. It has come to a point where I need to medicate myself with several different medicines in order to fall asleep. I usually take Ambien 10 mg and I take two od those and sometimes Xanax 1 mg. I have noticed that Ambien doesnt really help much anymore. I just feel weird when I take it. Sometimes when I dont take anything to sleep and I manage to fall asleep, I have very vivid dreams and nightmares.
Even after taking medicine, I dont usually fall asleep until 4 am and I am up at 8 or 9.
I am also taking Zoloft 100 mg in the morning.

What should I do? I excersize and watch my diet. When I go to the doctor for help, I usually leave with a different prescription and that's it.

Help!

THANK YOU!
2 Responses
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808898 tn?1241544940
Hello samyhr,

I can totally relate!  I've had insomnia for years.  I've tried the exercise, deep-breathing, hot baths, etc.  Although I felt relaxed, it didn't help with insomnia.
Have tried Ambien and found it helped me fall asleep, but would wake up at 3am and stay awake.  I've tried Trazadone, Lunesta, Xanax, etc. with the same effect.  
The only drug therapy that worked for me was Remeron 15mg at night along with Ambien 10 mg. I would get a full 7 hours. The main problem with Remeron is the extreme weight gain, and the combo of Remeron and Ambien made me sleepwalk.
Since I'm now pregnant, I'm not allowed to take these drugs, but found another alternative therapy.  Lately, I've been taking two Benadryl at 11pm and then when I wake up at 3am, I take another Benadryl.  I'm still not sleeping that well, but this has been the best therapy for me so far for pregnancy.  I feel frustrated that there seems to be no cure.  If you don't mind gaining some weight, maybe talk to your doctor about Remeron.
Lisa K
Helpful - 0
803891 tn?1237946240
Hi,

Have you tried Trazodone? My fiance is a big guy and it takes a lot to get him to sleep. He takes Trazodone and it works--sometimes too well.
Helpful - 0
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