paroxysmal insomnia

[deanlpn]

My brother, age 60, has recently had a quintuple bypass.  He had been a cigar smoker 30+ yrs. and consumed hard liquor about the same amount of time. (I believe he has d/c both).  He complains of chronic insomnia for up to two months now despite taking prescribed antihistamines, Celestia, etc. w/o positive results.  Although he was prescribed Lexapro post-op', he refused to take any at all.  I had strongly suggested he attempt Lexapro all the same w/o success.  His anxiety level coupled with his past HX. of smoking/drinking is high and ,at times, confrontational  verbally as well as semi-paranois/suspicious  (anti-social) behavior towards others.  I have suggested relaxation techniques, "warm milk", reading, etc.  I am not sure what else there is as he seems to blelieve there is a medication out there that will work...I know that Trazadone is used in extended care settings, but I feel that it's pretty strong and doubted he'd be prescribed such.  Any suggestions???  Is this normat,lengthwise,?