Antidepressants used for sleep problems

**FitnessPhotos** · August 31st, 2005, 09:02 AM

I have this doctor who doesn't like to prescribe Ambien - a miracle drug in my opinion - so twice she has prescribed anti-depressants which have a "side effect" of making people drowsy. I've tried them both for a couple nights and stopped because they were causing more problems than helping and I wasn't sleeping much better.

What I don't understand is why do doctors prescribe medications that treat a primary problem not present in a patient to give them "some" benefit of the side effects? And when there are drugs that address my insomnia, why are those avoided?

**Gman1524** · August 31st, 2005, 11:23 AM

I used to take Ambien as well. My insomnia has been documented, and commented by people here. The only problem that I found with it was that you can get dependent upon it. Sleep is a struggle for me.

Maybe the doctor did not like Ambien because she wasn't getting any money for recommending it. I know that some of the drug companies will do anything to try to promote their drug. Stay away from the anti-depressants unless you absolutely need it. Too many unwanted side effects.

**PythonPower** · September 1st, 2005, 01:19 AM

agreed. AD's is like playing with fire. be careful and when they Do prescribe it to you, i would get at least 2 more doctors opinions before going on it.

**Brock Samson** · September 3rd, 2005, 02:05 PM

I think GMan hit the nail on the head (unfortunately), I would go to another Dr who will give you what you are asking for. I don't understand why any Dr would prescribe AD's to someone who is having problems sleeping.

gravitybomba · September 5th, 2005, 04:47 PM

Fitnessphotos,

I doubt the doctor is not giving you Ambien because she is not getting any money for the recommendation as GMan suggested, because otherwise she would've given you another brand name drug like Lunesta or Sonata. Maybe your doctor is just leery of prescribing controlled medications like Ambien in general. My other thought is that your doctor is very conservative and wants to try to treat your insomnia in a step-wise manner (i.e. trying weaker drugs first before pulling out the big guns like Ambien).

You should tell your doctor that you've tried each of those antidepressants for a couple of days and neither of them worked. Maybe then she will let you try some Ambien.

gb!

Suiko · September 16th, 2005, 05:20 AM

Ambein is a temporary solution for insomnia. If you're taking it for more than a 3 months any MD would try to get you off of it! You'll be to dependent on it and will require more of the drug to get u off of it. The MD should of gradually lower the dosage. Maybe from ambien 10 mg to 5 mg to ambein 2.5 to Lunesta 1 mg to Benadryl . . . But to give out antidepressant drug to treat insomnia is werid!

**Hercalees!Hercalees!** · September 29th, 2005, 01:49 PM

Often MD's use AD's to treat the underlying causes of insomnia. FP, your doctor may have thought that you were really suffering from an anxiety disorder which was causing insomnia. Remember the majority of anti-depressants are also approved for things like Generalized Anxiety Disorder. GAD does not mean crazy, only that you suffer from anxiety that is affecting your life enough that medication could be warranted. Or it could just be the Doc was getting paid, I've unfortunately seen it done many times.

TMRobert · November 26th, 2005, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitnessPhotos

I have this doctor who doesn't like to prescribe Ambien - a miracle drug in my opinion - so twice she has prescribed anti-depressants which have a "side effect" of making people drowsy. I've tried them both for a couple nights and stopped because they were causing more problems than helping and I wasn't sleeping much better.

What I don't understand is why do doctors prescribe medications that treat a primary problem not present in a patient to give them "some" benefit of the side effects? And when there are drugs that address my insomnia, why are those avoided?

It's one thing to prescribe a medication off-label, but I really hate to see doctors prescribinb in hopes of someone experiencing a side effect they think might be helpful. After all, they're just potential side effects. If the majority of patients experienced them, the meds probably would never have made it to market.

Have you ever talked to your doctor about Lunesta? It's approved for long-term use. I don't always put a lot of stock in that, but my doctor is also a neuropharmacologist, and told me it's his opinion that it is safe and shouldn't lead to any kind of dependence.

**Hercalees!Hercalees!** · November 28th, 2005, 01:12 PM

There is also a new controlled release version of Ambien (Ambien CR) available that has a long term indication. Both Lunesta and Ambien are schedule IV drugs and have the potential for addiction. Really no sleep agent should be taken long term unless a serious attempt has been made to cure the underlying chronic insomnia. Lunesta has a long half-life and has been associated with next day drowsiness so be careful driving the morning after taking it TMRobert until you're comfortable with how your body reacts to it.

Wacker · November 30th, 2005, 03:40 PM

Certain anti-depressants have serious side effects. For any anti-depressant prescribed, do yourself a favor and do a search for that drug and look for the contra-indications. You'll also need to look closely at what drugs should NOT be taken while taking these anti-depressants.

bouncy_tigger01 · January 8th, 2006, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FitnessPhotos

I've tried them both for a couple nights and stopped because they were causing more problems than helping and I wasn't sleeping much better.

Hmm You might need a new doc?
I had a bad experience last year when my doctor gave me an anti depressant and told me nothing about the side effects. 3 days later I thought I was losing my mind, 2 days after that I had myself a new doctor.

The new doctor will actually listen to me.

**Hercalees!Hercalees!** · January 9th, 2006, 01:52 PM

It might surprise most of you, but the #2 prescribed sleep aid in the US is actually an older antidepressant called Trazadone (Desaryl). Number 1 is obviously still Ambien which will be generic next year at some point. Doctors use drugs for off-label indications all the time. Bottom line, if you're unsure about why a doctor is prescribing something or you experience a side effect from a medication, talk to them. They are very busy and their jobs are ruled by managed care, so give them 24 hours to call you back (unless it's a true emergency). If they don't or you're unhappy with the standard of care you receive, do as bouncy_tigger01 suggests and find a new one.

**biscuitman357** · January 12th, 2006, 11:06 AM

EF,
Have you tried the more extreme non medication techniques?

I know certain foods promote the production of serotonin and melatonin, which help you sleep.

But I've heard theres this wacky light therapy thing. Basically its a pair of glasses that flashes blue light at you. Its supposed to help your bodies internal clock get into a productive sleeping pattern.

Other people seal out light completely in their sleeping area. I know a guy who sleeps with socks, mittens and a watchcap, he can't go to sleep if hes cold at night.

I can't speak for everyone, but lots of people I know invest in a hot tub and soak indoors for a half hour before bed. Sometimes I go to the gym at night and sit in the hot tub for a while before I head home and sleep and it helps alot.

The medication route, I don't know, I'd exhaust (If you haven't) all of the other tactics first before I headed that way.

One thing that I know helps if its a psychological hurdle, its the Nagging List Theory. Essentially everyday theres stuff people put off and keep procrastinating on. Changing the oil in the car, finally cleaning out the garage, calling some older distant friends, etc. It just kind of clears the mind to make a list and just start hammering away and getting nagging items done. If you have alot of stuff sitting on teh backburner, that stuff adds up, stresses you out indirectly and screws up your sleep. At worst, at least if you can't sleep, you can generate productivity out of those restless hours.

Anyway, good luck man.

vinotinto · January 23rd, 2006, 02:27 PM

I'm using tree medications which my psiqiatric reccommends me:
1.Carbamezapina
2.Abilify
3.Risperidona(ridal)
Plus i need to know if there exist another medication for stabilizing the mind and concetrate skills,and if the medicines named above are also antideprissing

Warm_marble · January 24th, 2006, 06:31 PM

guys It is because you cannot release the too much of the cortisol in your body....? Training if do properly should not give you a rush of wellness?. I dont know guys but I feel that you should live without it, It's hard to believe but i use to take the antidepressant, soon to be realize that it's not normal, I just change my routine,(what a fucked one) I move to england within a month of popping the pill. The kids inside me wanted to travel, After 2 year I came back. NOW, I have start an other book..

**bbabb22** · January 24th, 2006, 07:45 PM

when i have work early in then morning(4am-1pm shifts) i just pop a Tylonal PM or two before i go to sleep and it knocks me out. People react diff to drugs so it might work and it might not.

onetimeok · January 29th, 2006, 09:39 PM

Xanax will put you to sleep. Whether it's worth it or not is another question.