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653169 tn?1303446369

Having terrible anxiety and Insomnia

  I have generalized anxiety and Insomnia that are usually well controlled, but lately are not.  I have not slept hardly at all for 3 days.  I've gotten 1-2 total hours on average a night with no REM sleep.  My anxiety is terrible, and the longer I don't get adequate sleep the worse its getting.  I take ambien and klonopin 1mg twice daily.  Has anyone got any suggestions?  I would appreciate anyone's comments or further questions.  My meds help, but obviously are not fully effective currently.  I've been on the same ambien dose for years, and have been taking klonopin 1mg twice a day.  Do I need to have my Dr increase the doses or is there anything else I can try first.  I've tried lots of herbal remedies and meditation, but those aren't helping either.  I don't feel I need psychotherapy currently.  I truly appreciate anyone's input at this point.
Shanna
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757137 tn?1347196453
I suffered terrible insomnia until I started taking an iodine supplement. No sleeping aid had really worked. Try taking the normal iodine supplement of 2 drops of 5 per cent Lugol's solution a week. (If you are more than 135 pounds, take three drops, and if you top 200 pounds, take four.) Take  one on Tuesday and one on Friday. If your sleep improves go back to your doctor and explain what happened. He may increase the iodine and have you tested for hypothyroidism. The small dose of Lugol's does not have any side effects.
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Avatar universal
Hi Shanna

I too suffer from bouts of insomnia and even some nights I do sleep I dont wake up feeling well rested. I do not take any sleep medications as I dont want to take another pill. I take Paxil & Xanax as needed.
Just an note...Some Herbs should not be mixed with anti-anxiety meds. Check with a pharmacist 1st before taking an herbal suppliment.
I agree withj Remar, try listening to some guided mediation at night. That always does the trick for me.

Be Well

~Chrissy
Helpful - 0
653169 tn?1303446369
Just wanted to say that klonopin increase in dosage and taking one at bedtime has made my quality of life so much better.  I'm sleeping well with much less anxiety..  My Doc had no problem with the medication adjustments.
Thanks for listening
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653169 tn?1303446369
Thanks remar for your advice.  I always research as much as possible b4 trying any herb, and  also I consult the pharmacist to see if they interfere with any of my scripts.  Your probably rite about the ambien since I've been at the same dose for a couple of years and it use to always help me sleep no matter what.  I guess I was just so focused on the anxiety, but it's highly likely that the lack of sleep is what's causing the increased anxiety.  It gets hard to focus after a few days of missed sleep, so I appreciate your advice very much Remar.
You take care too,            Shanna
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653169 tn?1303446369
Meant to say I've been on the klonopin 1mg twice daily as needed for anxiety for about 6 months at most.  The klonopin seemed very effective the first couple of months, but then not as much.
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Avatar universal
Hi Shanna. I'm sorry to hear your going through this. It may be time to talk to your Dr about either increasing your dose or changing meds altogether. Most people do well on Klonopin for long periods of time so I'm wondering if it's the Ambien that's lost it's effectiveness.From what I know about Klonopin, it works best when taken 3 times a day. Meditation is a great stress reliever, but you really have to be careful with the herbal remedies if your taking prescription meds.
I think the best thing to do is call your Dr and tell him/her what's going on. Take care. Remar
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