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Changing Up Meds...looking For Answers

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I have dr. Appt. tomorrow. They have put me back on Zoloft, in addition to the risperidone, and Ritalin for my bi polar, ADD and CPTSD DIAGNOSIS. I STILL HAVE NOTHING TO HELP ME GET A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP. Diazepam , trazadone, haven't been successful. They also tried blood pressure meds and antihistamines. Wtf! Can anyone give me suggestions that I might have success with?
 
What's that med they give to Ritalin kids to make them sleep? I know that works for some who take stimulants. Of course, 1/2 of the smallest pill and I was staggering around like I was drunk, over 12 hours after a dose. I fell over in the shower and that was the end of that.
 
You can try melatonin or benadryl, both over-the-counter in the US. You can get the straight benadryl, not the kind that comes with add-ons in some allergy or cold medications.
 
The anti-depressant type drugs never helped me with much (had taken trazedone for sleep too). I take zolpidem (ambien), as needed, which is half the time. It can have bad effects on some people, so best to be careful and follow directions. I've had no problem with it. I don't take it every night because I alternate it with flexeril, a muscle relaxant, since I have pain and spasm stuff too, but the flexeril makes me drowsy. OTC sleep stuff, like Benadryl noted, can be helpful...just don't do Tylenol pm every night since it's not liver friendly longterm...better off trying something like Unisom. That stuff wasn't strong enough for my restless legs (and whole restless body), but helpful some nights. Ambien helps with my restless leg stuff and the insomnia. It's supposedly not for long term insomnia, so your doc won't likely recommend unless you have something safe to alternate with, or okay with some less restful nights. Melatonin and/or valerian root weren't strong enough for me but they've helped others, so that's another idea, as mentioned.

Talk to your doc. I have complex trauma too and the typical SSRI's and sleep meds just didn't do anything unless they made me more disconnected (never tried benzos because of my addiction history). I'd like to get off all sleep aids at some point, but for now (and who knows how long) I do feel lots better when rested. Fewer panic attacks.
 
I'm just going to add to the above suggestions: ask your doctor or a pharmacist first, even if you end up choosing a natural remedy or over-the-counter medication, because you are on so many other medications and you don't want drug interactions. Even valerian can react with some medications I think (it's what valium was originally made from). Just be cautious.

I had a terrible reaction to trazadone myself and ended up in the ER in something close to anaphylactic shock. That's just me but my point is do be careful!
 
Thank you everyone. My dr. has increased my Risperadone dosage at night. Also, my Zoloft is still being increased to get me back to where I need to be. I am feeling better back on the Zoloft again. Not as anxious.... I am determined to keep educating myself and trying to make my life the best quality of life that it can be, even with this PTSD bs. I guess I'm just a hard head! A survivor...trying to find "me" . I believe!
 
Well, the Zoloft is really helping me feel less anxious! Between the Zoloft and increasing my Risperadone at night, my nightmares have become less frequent. That in itself is very helpful. I have started volunteering more hours at the DV Shelter for women and their kids who have fled their abusers. This has also been a blessing. I have been there almost 2 years and the rewards are priceless. I still have bad days, but I am learning to deal with them differently now and don't feel so lost. I was diagnosed Major Depression Disorder, post concussive syndrome and PTSD. Educating myself has made me understand myself more. I strive to make my life go on as normal as possible, knowing that I have these things and not beating myself up because I thought I was just losing my mind. Now I get it....and I can deal with it as best I can. Yeah, I have meltdowns...but less frequently.
Haven't been on here in a while. I pray that you are all doing the best you can. I believe in you. Thanks for being here for me and so many others!
 
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