Posts by restlesstrucker15

Dana Hayes3 said:restlesstrucker15, you’re kidding yourself if you think half of a 25mg dose is going to take you out lol. Besides, I heard fadedbear92 is getting those big orange 100mg tablets now. Just a heads-up: don't take them right before hitting the sack. If you do, you'll wake up feeling like you've been hit by a truck—totally groggy and disoriented. It's better to stay awake for a few hours after taking it just to gauge how it hits you before you finally crawl into bed. 😳Does anyone happen to know what the going rate is for a 100mg Q-pin?

I am certainly not lying. 😢 I suppose I should probably feel happy about it. 🙂

fadedbear92 said:Waiting for a text back from my doctor—I took 3 Quetiapine pills last night and only managed about 4 or 5 hours of sleep. That’s definitely not cutting it, so I'm wondering... do I need massive doses now, or is the Effexor just keeping me too wired?🙂🙂🙂

Just got a reply. They want me to take 4 pills—and if that doesn't work, then move up to Seroquel at 100 mg. Ugh, seriously?

Good grief, that sounds like an incredible amount! I was actually seeing my physician yesterday, and even my 25 mg dose feels like it knocks me out completely, so I don't think I could handle much more. But what you're describing—that dosage—seems quite high just to treat insomnia. I recall you mentioning you had some significant struggles while you were on Effexor. Aren't you taking Fevarin now? If I remember correctly, Effexor acts on those noradrenergic pathways, and I believe Effexor does the same thing. Personally, I've always found those noradrenergic effects a bit difficult to deal with; perhaps that is what is causing your restlessness? Your doctor should be aware of that connection, though I suppose it's hard to say for certain... Have you ever considered trying Dormicum?

wiredmason56 said:Q-pin is basically just like Seroquel, except it’s manufactured by Pfizer. It's used for managing mania, bipolar disorder, and psychosis, and doctors sometimes prescribe it when you're dealing with those really stubborn bouts of insomnia too. I actually have a 100 mg tablet sitting right here, but honestly, I'm a little hesitant to take it.🙄

Did you take it to help with insomnia? I tried taking half of a 25 mg dose three different times, and I won't be touching it again. While I did manage to sleep, I felt completely out of it the next day—it was like I didn't even know who I was.

Jason Vaughn482 said:I have some at home, but I've been hesitant to even swallow the half-dose because I can't get past the side effects listed in the warnings—specifically those reported cases of cardiac arrest and heart failure... I tried Prazina for a short stint, but it was hit or miss at best. Then there was a period where I took 10 mg of Sanval along with a 5 mg Normabest, and that felt alright enough..

I am not entirely sure if you are afraid of taking Halcion or Zoloft. Honestly, there is no reason to fear either. As for Zoloft, I don't believe it will cause you any trouble, and you certainly shouldn't be nervous about the Halcion. If Sanval didn't affect you, then the Halcion won't either—especially since you are only taking half a dose.

Jason Vaughn482 said:I haven't even started the Zoloft yet, and I'm already struggling with insomnia... I can only imagine what happens once I actually begin. I have Mirzaten sitting here at home, but it's absolutely killing me because I feel like a zombie all day; I can't stand it. How much Nembutol do you usually take—is it half a pill or a full one—to actually get a full night's rest?

Since you haven't started the medication yet, it is possible that Zoloft won't exacerbate your insomnia; I don't believe that is its primary side effect. Personally, I take a full dose of Halcion, though its effectiveness has diminished somewhat since I began using it a year and a half ago. However, I do manage to sleep through the night without feeling groggy the next morning, which means I am nowhere near as heavily sedated as Calixta. My advice is to take it right before you get into bed. If your doctor prescribes it, I suggest starting with half a pill. There is a 7.5 mg dose available in the US, whereas we only have access to the 15 mg version here. I was prescribed it after speaking with my provider at Sanval, and it has been quite effective.
Half a pill should suffice for you. If it does not, then try the full dose.

I cannot recall specifically who asked whether it is better to use Xanax, Ativan, or Normabest for sleep. In my opinion, whoever can fall asleep on just 10 mg of Normabest is incredibly lucky. That would be ideal. While psychiatrists generally prefer prescribing hypnotics over anxiolytics for insomnia, they likely have valid reasons for doing so. However, as we are all aware, hypnotics tend to create a greater risk of dependency than anxiolytics, or so I would argue.

Now, regarding another matter. As you may have gathered from my previous posts, you might also be prescribed a low dose of an antipsychotic (such as Prazina, Zyprexa, or Seroquel) to assist with sleep. In my experience, however, those medications affect me even more severely than Calixta describes. I tend to be somewhat wary of antipsychotics. That said, my doctor suggested that a low-dose antipsychotic for sleep is preferable to taking two doses of Halcion. Such is the dilemma.

Good luck with the Halcion, and please let me know how it works out for you. It isn't expensive, usually around $8.25.

Kenneth Scott41 said:How are my fellow pill-poppers doing today? 😁

I can't really find much to complain about, honestly; I'm doing alright. They've actually gone ahead and scaled back my Qitapin—just 50mg in the afternoon and again at night—and they've cut my Normabest down to just once in the evening. It’s a bit of a struggle for me, though, because I've grown quite fond of it. 😁

As someone who's pretty much addicted to these things, I think I'm going to have a hard time sticking to just one Normabest a day.

Bravo! Honestly, that counts as progress, especially since I’m somewhat familiar with your history. Look, it isn't such a disaster with the Normabest; you will eventually adjust to the lower dosage. What amount were you taking previously? For my part, I take Ativan as needed, but truly only when I feel completely overwhelmed. I realize that "as needed" is a very deceptive concept; it is incredibly difficult for us to accurately judge when we actually need it.😉

As for me, I am just sitting here waiting for someone to import some new hypnotic medication. There is one available over in Mexico that they don't carry here, but it is absolute garbage. It's Nembutol, at 0.25. I mean, a hypnotic at 0.25? Who even does that? It's not an anxiolytic; for God's sake, if you need to sleep, you need something that actually works.😠

fadedbear92 said:I really only need about 30-40 mg of Ambien to feel anything—truth be told, I shouldn't even be taking it—but the Prozac makes it incredibly hard to actually wake up in the morning. I'll probably have to go back to just using that, because needing this much Ambien just isn't right.😲😲😲

Yeah, that really is a bit much Zolpidem. I know you're taking Prazina for sleep; my doctor told me that was fine, but then she prescribed Qitapin—which leaves me feeling completely out of it—so I haven't been taking it. She mentioned that Seroquel and Qitapin, or similar medications used in low doses for insomnia, are actually better than Prazina because they have a narrower spectrum of side effects. I don't mean the difficulty waking up, but other issues. Have you considered trying a different hypnotic? Personally, I think Halcion is excellent, but if you don't strictly need it, I wouldn't advise it; once you build up a tolerance like I did, there's nothing stronger to switch to. It would be wonderful if Zan worked for you, or perhaps Cerson. They are supposedly milder for those they are intended to put to sleep. I'm not sure what your relationship is like with your therapist, but mine usually hands me a few tablets to try before she writes the official prescription. I find that very kind of her.

Jason Vaughn482 said:Ah, that Sanval... let me tell you, I spent a long time perfectly fine on just 5 mg and sleeping like a baby. Then I bumped it up to 10, and for the last two weeks or so, sleep has become an absolute stranger to me—yet the idea of increasing the dose is utterly terrifying. So, I’ve started reaching for Calixta in the evenings again. It breaks my heart a little because waking up feels like dragging myself through sludge, and frankly, it doesn't even touch my anxiety, but damn if it doesn't knock me out; I'm out like a light within fifteen minutes. I have a doctor's appointment this Friday and I'm at a complete loss for words; I haven't even really started the Zoloft yet—well, just for one day—because I'm paralyzed by the uncertainty of whether I can even take both at the same time...😕

You will have to ask your doctor, but personally, I don't think they clash. In my case, I was prescribed Calixta Elicei for insomnia. However, I found myself unable to function properly throughout the entire day. Now, just to test things out, I was given half of a 25 mg Qitapin, but I still can't seem to pull myself together during the day. I'm seeing my doctor soon, so I'll let you know what we decide regarding the insomnia. Currently, I've gone back to Halcion and it's okay. It's just unfortunate because these hypnotics cause dependency; I don't mean it's bad that a person gets used to them, but it's bad that they become less effective over time. Just tell your doctor everything, and she will adjust your therapy accordingly. It is also possible that you might experience insomnia until your body adjusts to the Zoloft, at which point you can finally address the insomnia that is bothering you now. Don't worry, most psychiatrists know exactly which medications can be combined.

Timothy Wood38 said:From what I gather, Paxil works wonders for anxiety disorders. For me, it didn't quite fix everything with my anxiety and social phobia, but it helped. It's mostly about finding the right dose; for me, 60 mg a day was the sweet spot.

I spent a significant amount of time on Paxil and felt relatively stable, but then I made the mistake of stopping it abruptly without medical guidance. Everything came crashing back. My doctor put me back on Paxil, but even after three weeks at the maximum dose, there was no noticeable improvement. Since then, I have been taking 15 mg of Lexapro from Eli Lilly. It’s alright, though I am still looking to shake off this remaining layer of anxiety. I am considering asking my doctor if I should add 20 mg of Paxil back into the mix while tapering down the Lexapro. I suppose she will be the one to decide.

fadedbear92 said:My antidepressant is an older generation one, and it definitely has some anxiolytic effects.

I understand. 🙂I gave it a shot myself, but it just didn't work for me.😢

It is truly unfortunate that there isn't an antidepressant designed specifically to target anxiety in isolation. What I mean is, I wish there were a medication that could eliminate anxiety without being classified as an anxiolytic. I often get the impression that antidepressants are much more effective at treating depression than they are at managing anxiety, even if they do work reasonably well for mitigating panic attacks. I am well aware of the standard advice regarding psychotherapy and the necessity of doing the internal work, but we cannot simply transform ourselves into entirely different people overnight. I remember once asking my therapist if she had any options—medications that aren't technically anxiolytics but could completely wipe out my anxiety and the constant mental noise. She told me no such thing exists. I am not complaining, per se; heaven knows how anxious I would be if I weren't already on an antidepressant, but sometimes one loses a bit of hope. Personally, I really dislike the feeling of being under the influence of an anxiolytic unless I am facing an actual panic attack or a full-blown crisis. However, I have grown weary of this persistent, albeit manageable, sense of anxiety that seems to surface so frequently. 🙂

fadedbear92 said:If it works for you, it'll be a total game changer—but if it doesn't? You're headed straight to hell. It completely wrecked my sleep schedule; it took me ten whole days just to get it out of my system. Ugh, gross!!!!!!!!

It really comes down to the individual. For those who tolerate it well, they swear by it and praise it constantly. However, for those it doesn't suit—which usually means people who feel wired like they've taken speed or find their sleep totally destroyed—they tend to say nothing but the worst things about it. So, you'll just have to see. You essentially have to endure the side effects for two weeks; if they persist beyond that, then you aren't dealing with side effects anymore. At least regarding that feeling of being overly stimulated.

redcrane22 said:Glad you posted here, otherwise you would've been a total zombie by morning.
I know plenty of people who get prescribed Q-pin or Serq, and they all say the same thing: "I've got a few boxes sitting in the cabinet, but there's no way I'm taking that anymore."
And these are people who are already dealing with all sorts of different pills.

Yeah, it's expensive, and doctors hand them out like they're candy.

Anyway, let us know how it goes once you've been on it for a bit; you'll probably see I'm right.
For me, it used to cause this intense dizziness and just leave me feeling totally weak.

I am at a loss as to what else I can take for this insomnia. Half a dose of Q-Pina doesn't put me to sleep, and a full 25 mg leaves me unable to function until the afternoon. 🙂 I developed a tolerance to Halcion; before that, I was on Sanval, which eventually stopped working altogether. My therapist tried Cerson, Zane, and Valium, but none of them did anything at all. Prazine doesn't work, nor does Normabate (even up to 20 mg). They even ran an EKG and brain scans, but everything came back normal. We tried adding Calixta, but that actually made things worse than they already are with the Q-Pina. I started swimming and cycling, but my body has adjusted to the physical activity, so I don't feel tired anymore... I'll have to have another conversation with her. By the way, do any tricyclic ADs have an impact on sleep? I believe those would be Ladiomil, Anafril, and similar types. I just want to add that to my list of possibilities to ask about. My therapist claims that the new Sederm, which they boast helps regulate sleep, doesn't regulate it at all. For context, I am currently taking Elice (15 mg) in the morning. I wonder if this drowsiness caused by Q-Pina will eventually pass?🙂

fadedbear92 said:I think she gave you some solid advice.

Quetiapine belongs to the antipsychotic class.
Quetiapine is used to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations (like hearing voices), intrusive or scary thoughts, behavioral changes, social withdrawal, and confusion.

It’s also used to treat manic episodes where someone feels overstimulated, loses the need for sleep, becomes excessively talkative, experiences racing thoughts, or suffers from extreme irritability.

That's likely why she categorized it under mood stabilizers.

http://medication-info-blog.com/quetiapine.html

Well done, fadedbear92; you seem to have a firm grasp on all these complexities. Honestly, I felt completely sedated—I just couldn't seem to shake the drowsiness. Perhaps that was my own oversight, as I took the entire 25 mg dose instead of just half. I will attempt to stick to the smaller dose next time to see how I respond. As for my annual vacation, I might try going without any medication at all, though I harbor some doubts about that. Since you are clearly the expert here, I looked up the coverage for Quetiapine under Medicare, and it is quite expensive. There is even a note stating it is reserved specifically for patients who haven't responded to other treatments. I assume I won't need Medicare to provide special authorization for this, will I?😠

Jason Vaughn482 said:As for me, taking the extended-release version of Sanval... getting to sleep is an uphill battle, a real struggle, but once I finally drift off, I find it nearly impossible to drag myself out of bed before 10 AM, and even then, I’m craving more sleep. I'll wake up around 6 AM, but I just immediately roll over onto my other side... unless I'm going through one of my crises, in which case I either wake up feeling absolutely miserable or I don't sleep at all... thank God that isn't a daily occurrence.

To return to the topic of insomnia: I had an appointment with my psychiatrist today to discuss everything, particularly since I've developed a bit of a dependency on Rohypnol, which seems to be losing its effectiveness. I inquired about adding Sedatival to my regimen, but she informed me that, in her experience, it hasn't actually helped any of her patients suffering from insomnia. I then asked if, given that I am currently on vacation, it would be acceptable to take 15 mg of Oxazepam if I have a particularly rough night. She advised against using benzodiazepines for sleep issues, noting they wouldn't be particularly effective in this context. Instead, she prescribed a single 25 mg tablet of Quetiapine and suggested I start with half a pill to see how I react, noting that I could increase the dose to a maximum of two tablets. She explained that while it is primarily a mood stabilizer used for other conditions at higher doses, it can be quite effective for chronic insomnia. She requested that I call her in a few days if I notice anything unusual so she can advise me on next steps. So, those are the latest updates. Regardless, please do not attempt to take double doses of Rohypnol or increase your hypnotic dosage on your own; it is a dangerous path that leads nowhere.

fadedbear92 said:Beyond just antipsychotics, people often use anticonvulsants too—I actually tried Tegretol myself, and it was a total lifesaver for my sleep. Right now, I’m on a combo of Prazin and Sanval, but honestly, the Sanval isn't doing much for me at all.
http://www.centar-zdravlja.net/image...898834_32.pdf

This is a really solid read regarding antipsychotics.

Basically, in people with schizophrenia, dopamine levels in the brain are sky-high—they're constantly wired—so they need heavy-duty antipsychotics to bring them back down to earth. On the flip side, a lack of dopamine can trigger depression, and if that deficiency gets severe enough, you're looking at Parkinson's disease.

I understand, Rejica, what you are taking. 🙂 I haven't been active on the forum for quite some time, but I truly hope you are doing well. I plan to consult my doctor tomorrow regarding that Valdoxan, and once I have more information, I will send you a private message so we don't burden the other members here.🙂

restlesstrucker15 said:I wouldn't call myself a proponent of using antipsychotics for insomnia, yet I often wonder why psychiatrists suggest them—perhaps they view them as a last resort.🤷 Wait, does 25 mg of Quetiapine really cause such intense palpitations in you the following day? I truly hope they approve some newer sleep aids soon; here in the States, there's a version of Valium with extended release—it doesn't go by that specific name, but the formula is identical. That would be a significant improvement.🙂 My only confusion lies in why that blasted Circadin is categorized as a hypnotic; it’s overpriced, and frankly, I don't think it works for anyone. Perhaps it helps those who usually respond well to herbal remedies, where the melatonin actually induces sleep. I find myself quite envious of them.😉

I wanted to pass along a perspective from a psychiatrist I read on a medical forum regarding what steps to take when hypnotics simply stop working:

'Dormicum is an effective hypnotic for short-term use, which doesn't apply to your situation since you have been using it for quite a while. Increasing your Dormicum dosage is not the solution. Regardless, until you can manage your anxiety with an antidepressant, you might consider taking 25 mg of Seroquel, gradually increasing the dose up to 100 mg before bed. It isn't habit-forming and should help you sleep.'

redcrane22 said:The thing about Quetiapine is that it knocks you out in about an hour, but then you feel like you’re walking through molasses the next morning. You just can't get moving.

I wouldn't call myself a proponent of using antipsychotics for insomnia, yet I often wonder why psychiatrists suggest them—perhaps they view them as a last resort.🤷 Wait, does 25 mg of Quetiapine really cause such intense palpitations in you the following day? I truly hope they approve some newer sleep aids soon; here in the States, there's a version of Valium with extended release—it doesn't go by that specific name, but the formula is identical. That would be a significant improvement.🙂 My only confusion lies in why that blasted Circadin is categorized as a hypnotic; it’s overpriced, and frankly, I don't think it works for anyone. Perhaps it helps those who usually respond well to herbal remedies, where the melatonin actually induces sleep. I find myself quite envious of them.😉

wiredmason56 said:So, right now I'm on 75mg of Effexor, and my psychiatrist suggested adding Wellbutrin XL 150 mg, so I'm still weighing my options. The Effexor feels okay most of the time, but the side effects are a bit much—mostly some mild nausea, dilated pupils... kind of feels like I'm on some sort of stimulant, plus this hyperactive feeling that gets on my nerves a little. I might switch over to Wellbutrin eventually. In the meantime, I take Helix or Lustral whenever the anxiety hits, even though I'm technically supposed to take them three times a day. My doctor also prescribed Tegretol as a stabilizer to take before bed, but I tried it a couple of times and had these absolute horror stories during the night, so no thanks to that. That's why I'm looking into a hypnotic for those specific nights when sleep just won't come, because I really want to stay away from anything in the antipsychotic category.

wiredmason56, I am certainly not a medical professional, but I would strongly advise having a thorough discussion with your psychiatrist. Both Effexor and especially Wellbutrin can be quite stimulating, and it is perfectly common for them to cause insomnia. Not everyone reacts this way, of course, but it varies by individual. It seems to me that you fall into that category of people who feel like they are on cocaine when taking them—which is exactly what I told my own doctor. I am curious about the primary reason for your antidepressant prescription. If it is strictly for depression, then the medication is intended to lift your mood; however, if you are primarily dealing with anxiety or panic attacks, these specific drugs might just increase your agitation. If you aren't experiencing heavy depression, you might find Lexapro or Paxil more suitable. Your best course of action is to talk to her, describe these sensations in detail, and let her make the clinical assessment. You should also ask about alternative sleep aids. My psychiatrist often provides a few sample pills for me to test before she writes a formal prescription or official report, and I usually follow up with her via phone or text after a few days to report how I am doing.
Regarding the insomnia, if it is being driven by the underlying condition you are treating, then sleep is often the last thing to stabilize without pharmacological intervention. Generally speaking, once we begin to feel better or reach stability, the insomnia tends to resolve itself. However, it is certainly not helpful if your antidepressant is actively exacerbating the problem.

restlesstrucker15 said:

I find myself reflecting on the recent discussions regarding pharmacological interventions and their long-term implications for cognitive stability. It is my firm belief that we must approach these chemical adjustments with a heightened sense of caution, moving beyond mere symptom management toward a more holistic understanding of neurological health. While some may advocate for rapid shifts in medication, I have always favored a more measured, deliberate pace to ensure the mind remains unclouded by unnecessary fluctuations. kaže:
Sanval isn't working for me anymore; or rather, it’s working in ways it absolutely shouldn't. I'm sitting here wondering what kind of quality hypnotic I should ask my doctor about at my next check-up. When I can't sleep, I honestly feel like I'm losing my mind—the next day is always a complete write-off.😠I plan to consult my doctor regarding Dormicum. I have heard quite a bit about its efficacy, and my intention is to take it immediately before heading to bed. I want to avoid that restless, aimless pacing around the house that I used to experience after taking those ineffective doses of Sanval.🙄

Yes, Dormicum will certainly knock you out, though you should be careful because the dosage here in the States is often around 7.5 mg, whereas our local supply can go up to 15 mg. I would suggest starting with just half a dose first. If that doesn't do the trick, it's unlikely any other hypnotics available alongside Zolpidem—such as Zan, Cerson, or Fluzepam—will work for you either. I have heard that some people find relief from much lower doses of antipsychotics, perhaps between 25 and 50 mg of Quetiapine or Seroquel, but I don't have any personal experience with that, and frankly, I would prefer not to rely on antipsychotics just to fix my insomnia. You really need to sit down and have a serious conversation with your doctor about this, but definitely ask about the Dormicum and let me know how it goes. What does your current medication regimen look like? On Monday, I am planning to ask my physician if adding Elicei Valdoxan in the evening might help; it's an antidepressant, but apparently, it can also address sleep issues. I'll see what they have to say.

That is true. One should head straight to bed immediately after taking Dormicum because it can cause some grogginess or disorientation, though perhaps not quite as intensely as one might feel from Sanval.

I also have a question for everyone here: which is more difficult to recover from—an addiction to a hypnotic used for insomnia, or a dependency on higher doses of Diazepam used for the same purpose, such as 15-20 mg of Xanax or Valium?