how to deal with insomnia due to drug withdraw

[hell1971]

I am coming off olanzapine and I have stopped sleeping properly, I do not want this to trigger and episode. I seem to be finding it harder and harder to get to sleep and then waking up several times, I think im getting about 3-5 hours sleep, I was sleeping 8-9 hours before. I have only had one reduction of the med so far and am about to have the next reduction. Any advise on how I can overcome this problem as sleep deprevation has always been a big trigger for me.

[hell1971]

thanks for your comments, yes had a really bad night last night, I was just wide awake until around 1 then woke up many times. I will call my doc on monday if it is still like this over the weekend.

[starbunny]

Yes, you definately need to mention this to the doctor as you are not having enough sleep. I agree perhaps you need to withdraw this drug more slowly that what you are doing. Sleep aids may be able to help temporarily and there are 'natural' sedatives like valerian that you could try before going for something stronger. I would definately not 'wait and see' if things improve - talk your options over with your pdoc before lowering any more. You don't want to risk having an episode.

[paranoid_cataclysm]

Oh nevermind, sorry I'm having memory issues and forgot what the title of your question was after I read your question.  Ummm maybe they can try a sleep aid or wait to lower the dose until your sleep problems go away?

[paranoid_cataclysm]

Have you had these sleeping problems before you started medicine and they're returning or is it because of the withdrawal?