Can't sleep

[bernie40]

Having real trouble sleeping - well ok, more trouble than normal!  I take 3.75 to 7.5mg zopiclone anyway at night but even that isn't working.  I just don't feel tired.  The trouble is I know it will hit me and I will crash, I just don't know when and I really hate that.  I dare not make any plans for the next few days because I don't want to have to cancel them when I finally crash into sleep land.  I know my body is saying "sleeeeeep~" because I went all "weird" earlier, like I wasn't here - if you know what i mean, and I went really cold.

I have my zyprexa sat in its box waiting for me to start taking it but I just can't bring myself to start them even though I know that they will get me to sleep but I am so wary of the side effects.  I have cut out caffeine, I am eating more healthy and I have started with the multi vitamins - anything but take weight gaining drugs.

Anyway rant over, just wanted to let off some steam.

Helen

[triedeverymed]

You know the drugs cause weight gain sometimes but they may not cause it in you. I attended a bipolar support group and everyone who was high functioning said they would choose weight gain over illness any day.
I know it's not a fun thought, gaining weight but there are things you can do to control the amount of weight you gain-IF any.
I take Abilify and I haven't gained any weight. To help with sleep I have a presciption for Seroquel and I use that if I have trouble sleeping but I don't take it daily. Also I take Lasix for water weight. I was on Abilify a year ago and gained 40 ounds in water weight in 3 months. I went off it and lost the weight. I tried other drugs but nothing worked so I went back on Abilify along with 40mg. of lasix and I haven't gained a pound this time.
If you do gain  you may want to ask the doc about a water pill like Lasix because sometimes it is water weight and not from eating too much food. Just a thought.
Please get on your meds though, your life will be so much better!!
Good Luck!!

[bernie40]

Hi,  I'm dx bipolar II with rapid cycling.  I did try the zyprexa in the end and had a horrid allergic reaction, so yet another one bites the dust!  Seeing pdoc in about 2 weeks just hope she is a little more receptive this time.  She waves her hands a lot at me and tells me I am a typical "Westerner" who expects instant results - which I don't, as I am well aware that these things take time.  She is a big fan of lithium and depakote - which haven't worked for me, seems that all the drugs she puts me on turn me into a zombie (well those that I don' get allergic reactions to anyway) - saw your other post about lamictal and topomax so will talk to her about those.

Thanks.  Helen

[Jikan]

Namaste,
You never mentioned what condition you were taking medications for, but I have had periods where I can't sleep at all or very little.
I suffer from Bipolar I, plus several other alments.
It's important that you start your zyprexa even though you're concerned about a possible weight gain.
Your mental health is more important and there are ways to minimize any weight gain and it's possible youu can change to a different medication in the future which doesn't have that effect.
I too have had trouble sleeping and tried several sleeping pills without success. It was only after I found the right cocktail of medications, developed a routine and started exercising.
Talk with your doctor as soon as possible and tell him you're not taking your medications as prescribed.

Michael