what should i do???

[ouchie1987]

I have a doc appt today I'm getting crazy intense pain in my kidneys (I'm gonna tough it out n not get a script for percs, I refuse to go thru wd again) I'm jus looking to book a ct scan n x ray. But anyways, my question is, I really haven't slept in 8 days and am a full time mom n work full time, it's really catching up with me I'm going crazy n feel there is a cloud over me n feel like a zombie. Do u think it's a good idea for me to get sleeping pills?? Would it be harmful?? I was on them (I forget which ones) for 5 years, but stopped 2 years ago when I got pregnant.
please help I'm going crazyyyyyyyyy!!!

[Kbusymom]

Sorry you're struggling so hard today.  One of my AA friends told me about Trazadone (not sure if I spelled it right).  She said it's a non-addictive sleep aid and that when she was in rehab everyone was on it. I'm planning on asking my dr. about it today when I go
Sleep is a huge issue for me too and I'm in the same boat- working full time, parenting full time.  I'm sleeping a little by taking Ibuprofen PM w/ Melatonin, but it's not enough to wake up feeling restored.  
I think sleep is a huge issue for everyone in early recovery, no matter what your DOC is and part of it we just have to suffer through and give it time.  I'm just hoping to minimize the suffering part.
Whatever you do, don't let them start you on Benzos.  Let me know how it goes today.  Praying for you!

[ActingBrandNew]

Personally, I would give it more time. For me, sleep was one of the last things to get back to normal for me after I detoxed. It took a while. Instead of asking the doc for a sleeping script you may want to try some natural remedies. I will post a list below. I used the Kava in tea form myself and found success.
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The herb Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is used as a sedative on the nervous system and a relaxant for the muscles (Reader's Digest, 2009, Pp128). It also helps with headaches, which can sometimes be a result of an anxiety attack. According to Mosby's the recommended dosage of Valerian extract is 400-900mg, before bedtime (2010, Pp592). It is recommended that Valerian not take with MAOIs.

The herb Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis L.) is used as a sedative and it has mood-enhancing abilities(Reader's Digest, 2009, Pp73). The leaves are the part of the plant that is used and can come in an extract. According to Mosby's the recommended dosage is 80mg of Lemon Balm extract combinewith120mg Valerian root extract, tid (three times a day) (2010, Pp390).

The herb Kava (Piper methysticum) has a sedative and it is an anxiolytic (Skidmore-Roth, 2010, Pp.369). Anxiolytic is defined, by the Mirriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, as a drug that relieves anxiety. It acts directly on the limbic system, which is the parts of the brain that are concerned with emotion and motivation. According to Mosby's the recommended dosage of Kava extract is 45-70mg tid (2010, Pp370). Take it with a meal for increased absorption. It is also recommended that it not be given to children under 12 (Skidmore-Roth, 2010, Pp370).

The mineral Magnesium works as a muscle relaxant, which can be helpful to someone suffering from anxiety issues. The stress of anxiety can take it's toll on the shoulder muscles and the neck muscles. According to the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements the recommended daily intake of Magnesium is 280mg (Murray, 1996, Pp161).

Although all of the B vitamins can aid in the calming of anxiety issues, vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) seems to be the most important because it helps to form chemical transmitters in the nervous system (Murray, 1996, Pp100). According to the Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements the recommended daily intake of vitamin B6 is 2mg (Murray, 1996, Pp101).
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Exercise helps as well. Taking an evening walk or anything for that matter can help. Good luck

[BarbRTR]

ABN has given you some good herbs. I used Valerian Root and actually slept 8 hours a night during detox.

Trazadone is actually an older anti depressant. Yes, it does help sleep, but you may need weaned off of it.

I noticed I needed to mix things up. Valerian one night, then maybe Tylenol PM then back to Valerian.

Perhaps try some of what ABN told you first.

L-Tryptophan works well too.

Good luck

[Kbusymom]

Thanks for the info on Trazodone; I didn't know it was an anti-depressant.  I guess I will stick with the Melatonin and Ibuprofen PM.  
I'm sure ABN is right and we all have to give it time, but as addicts we want it all right NOW, lol.  

[Andie015]

Trazadone is an antidepressant but is used for sleep as well. I have been on it for a year now and with a couple of dosage increases I sleep very well. It's specifically used for sleep for those with addiction issues. Maybe you should give it a try....it can really help.

[BarbRTR]

I know right? This minute, not tomorrow!

Valerian really does help, if you can get past the smell! It's about 12$ at Rite-Aid. For me, my Dr told me it was ok to take with Melatonin, as Melatonin is naturally in your body.

Watch when buying some Melatonin brands though, b/c some brands have other ingredients like Valerian or Lemon Balm. Which is fine, unless you're already taking these.

My thing on supplements. Pay more for well known brands, made in the USA ( if you're here) I read a report that a major study was done, and nearly half didn't even have said ingredient, some even had RX'd meds in them. It followed up saying don't be afraid, just buy from trusted stores.

And, sleep will come. But it's hard to feel good without it. All of what ABN suggested is good. See what works for you. But I truly think alternating helps!

[Kylie4501]

I am on day 15 and I have been taking Ambien almost everynight. Even when I take the Ambien, I still wake up around 5 am and can't fall back asleep. I have tried Melatonin, and it does make me sleepy, just doesn't keep me asleep for more than an hour. I know people say not to add another pill like a sleeping pill, but for me, I know I need it. I have a 18mo and 2 mo old that I need to be there for. Once I am further in my detox and start feeling a little better, then I will take away the Ambien.

[Kbusymom]

I used to work in a health food store and luckily am a little familiar w/ supplements although  it's been awhile.  If I go the Valerian route; it will def be in a pill form.  I remember it smelling like stinky feet; there is no way I could drink the tea :)

[Whollymolythathurt]

Ouchie i use Lunesta & have since well before i got addicted to the hydro.  If after you have tried a lot of the OTC stuff you may want to try that.  I've had much better luck with it than Ambien.  Lunesta though is not cheap but look on-line for discounts on the prescription.

I have had sleeping issues since i went to college (too many Nodos probably) but i can tell you i had tried every OTC out there & every root from every tree in Asia & nothing worked.  Lunesta works for me & i dont take it everyday.  I never got hooked on it.  Each person is different though so just keep an eye.

Someone mentioned working out or walking and this is strongly recommended.  I've been doing it for 30 years so its old hand....albeit a PITA right now.  I cannot work out at night as it makes my insomnia worse.

Good luck you'll find something.