Sleeping pill - any advice please?

daphnedill what are the 'few tablets' that you have at present that are helping? Just wondering if it's anything different from what I have already tried.

I used to take amitryptaline for sleep because of pain issues, but eventually it didn't work. So I moved to another drug that made me really fat, really fast (can't recall the name offhand) and I now take Mirtazipine. My normal drugs include Lyrica and Keppra which are also a help to sleep. I feel fine the next day (except today, when I am in agony)

@Coolgran

Zopiclone. My GP won't give me more than 7, but I manage to make them last 6-8 weeks. I take one when I've been like you describe with just a couple of hours sleep over three days and I'm so exhausted that I can't do anything or think properly. Zopiclone sends me to sleep after 20-30 minutes and I then sleep for about six hours and I can start to follow a 'normal' routine. It's especially important for my eating patterns, because I'm diabetic. I work hard to try to keep to a routine and to keep moving, but then sleeplessness takes over again. I also take Mirtazipine for depression, which is supposed to help with sleep, but doesn't (although I think it helps with depression).

I used zopiclone (7.5) post knee replacement - the 3.75 had no effect at all - I do truly think every drug works differently with different people. Anatryptaline never had any effect at all. I keep a stash of the zoplicone just as a crutch because I sleep really badly at the moment and it is just nice to know it is there if I really think I need it. I used to have temezapam for long plane journeys which were brilliant but seemingly unavailable now.

Amitriptyline hasn't ever worked for me either.

I do understand that GPs are reluctant to prescribe sleeping tablets long-term, but lack of sleep has affected my whole adult life and I feel as though I've usually been fobbed off.

This just popped up on my Facebook. Interesting.

www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/why-am-I-tired.aspx

I agree that diabetes can make you feel tired, but it's a vicious circle. If you can't sleep, you're tired, so you don't get much exercise and find it difficult to eat regularly, so you get more tired and so it goes on.

I don't particularly like taking sleeping tablets, but sometimes they're necessary.

If you or a friend goes to Spain on holiday, you can buy Dormidina (doxilamina) over the counter in any pharmacy. It comes in two strengths 25mg & 12.5mg, and if you are susceptible the weaker one may even need to be cut in half! It's the same as the Kirkland SleepAid you can buy in North America.

My brother had a life threatening disease. He learnt how to hypnotise people more to pass the time until he died . He found that he could hypnotise himself to sleep when he got into a depressed not being able to sleep state. Is it worth trying?

I would advise you to Pay attention to what you eat and drink, Stick to a sleep schedule, Include physical activity in your daily routine, and Manage your worries.
As most of the medication like Lunesta, Sonata, and Ambien, Edluar, and Zolpimist have various side effect, which may cause lot of problem in doing day-to-day activity FDA says there are harrowing incidents like falls, burns, near drowning, exposure to extreme cold temperatures leading to loss of limb, carbon monoxide poisoning, drowning, hypothermia, motor vehicle collisions with the patient driving, and self-injuries such as gunshot wounds and apparent suicide attempts were reported by people who were on sleeping pills.

Source:- www.myhealthyclick.com/people-on-sleep-medications-are-killing-themselves-while-asleep-says-fda/

In my early 70s and have insomnia any advice would be welcome I've. Been taking promethazine 25 mgs every night but seems to have stopped working any one got advice would much appreciate it

When your present prescription comes to an end, try using a pillow spray.
I don't have a sleep problem but use a pillow spray which was a Christmas advent calendar. Called 'This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray' I spritz a small amount and, even though I try to stay awake to read, I can't.
It really does work and I feel rested after a good 6-8 hours.
Taking sleeping pills also affects the way you think about sleep.
Being anxious as to how or whether they will make your sleep any more restful, means that you are disadvantaged from the start.
A cool bedroom, sleeping on your own and a calm hour before bedtime (no iPad or phone) are essential if you are a poor sleeper.
Try it.
Best wishes and relax.

That was to Nonnie