Insomnia withdrawal from codeine

Question

Hi, this is day 8 for me of withdrawal from codeine. I'm so happy to have them out of my system, but am going insane with the lingering intense anxiety and insomnia. I was wondering if people have had similar issues and how long this lasted for? I'm really worried this is going to take forever to go away and it's killing me!

codeinehell · Answer

Day 13 and finally starting to feel like a normal human again!  Sleep improving each day and exercise and acupuncture have helped plus eating well.

Good luck to all.  You have the power to do this!!

codeinehell · Answer

Thank you!  I will try to keep that in mind.  Can you tell me how many weeks this lasted for you?

jamo949 · Answer

I have had similar w/d symtoms whilst coming off codeine, The best advice I was given regarding insomnia was just to accept and not to fight it, for a couple of weeks your body does not need as much sleep as usual, instead of laying in bed wide awake, wriggling around, get up and browse the web or read a book.  Eventually you will find you will just nod off. The same applies in the morning, as soon as you open your eyes, get up! rather than rolling around in bed, half asleep.  This will also help you drift off in the night too.  I hope this approach to insomnia can help you, it made a big difference to me.

codeinehell · Answer

I think I'm just gonna keep posting here.. just feel like I need a little outlet and maybe this will help someone some day...

Day 10 today.  Finally slept last night with melatonin and valerian combined..  It was only for about 4hrs, but I feel like fingers crossed things are improving.  Beyond the anxiety (which is slightly decreasing) and the sleep issues, all withdrawal symptoms are gone now.  I just pray I can get the sleep issues in check soon as that will make me feel sooooo much better! 

Feel free to mail me if you need any support.  I felt like I'd never get through the first 5 days and could not believe how painful that was.  I am proof that this is definitely doable.

codeinehell · Answer

How is it going now??  I hope you're ok.  

Really struggling myself.  I don't know how much longer I can handle no sleep!

codeinehell · Answer

I feel the same way..  just tossing and turning and trying every breathing technique with no luck in reducing the anxiety or sleeping.  I used some xanax on the first four days of detoxing, but stopped b/c I really didn't want that to prolong things any further.  No herbal remedies or sominex, etc seem to work.  I'm trying acupuncture and will update you as to whether this helps.  

I guess we can't expect that things will change easily and to make it this far is a wonderful thing..  I agree that it has to be baby steps.  Nice knowing that there are other people out there struggling and still persisting.  I am determined and just pray that I will be able to rest soon..

thewaz · Answer

Today's day 7 for me after 9 years of codeine use.  I'm so proud of me that I've gone a full week.  Like you, my biggest two issues now are no sleep and anxiety.  I have tried Ambien, which I've taken on and off for years as a chronic insomniac.  Doesn't do a thing.  I've taken some Xanax.  I'm like the walking dead right now.  I was just lying in bed repeating over and over for 1/2 hour....I am so tired.  My mind is calming.  My body is relaxing.  God, please let me sleep.  Over and over.  Nope.  I just pray this part is over with soon.  Baby steps got me to day 7.  More baby steps will get me to day 14.

Yesterday I actually forced myself to eat and kinda enjoyed it.  Just a little pasta and some sherbet.  Still slamming the Ensures and vitamins but the no sleep is destroying me.

Pat1956100 · Answer

Yes it's brutal and it is the biggest complaint other than cravings that everyone seems to have after the withdrawals are over.
Everyone is different but I think it should start to ease up soon.
Try some of the over the counter remedies.  Benadryl, melatonin, Sleepy Time Tea.  It works for some people.
Good luck
Pat