Brookellen

Close Insomnia

My insomnia started the end of Jan/09. I went to my walk-in clinic and was immediately put on 7 day Ambien. From there I went to Lunesta and Trazodone and added Xanax for anxiety. Because the anxiety was continuing, I was also given BuSpar for anxiety and moved on to Ambien CR. I finally met with a Sleeping Disorder dr and was given CBT which for now is also supported with Ambien CR. I have since weaned off Xanax. I look forward to weaning off the Ambien and sleeping well.

Treatments

Ambien Somewhat Helpful

This is my primary sleep medication now (CR). I am working closely with a dr and plan to wean off as instructed by my dr. It works sometimes. My anxiety really plays a strong role in making the medication ineffective.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Somewhat Helpful

So I've been doing CBT for a few weeks and I can tell I'm tired at night but I think the sleeping Rx is still interfering with proper sleep.

Counting Sheep Not Working

Well, I didn't actually count sheep...I tried counting backwards from 200....thinking the mental math would make me go to sleep. It didn't work. LOL

Lavender Somewhat Helpful

I love lavender....baths, body sprays, linen sprays, lotions etc. For me I have to be careful NOT to get the scent too potent. When I don't sleep well, my senses get extra sensitive (my kids goofing around annoys me more quickly, I hear really odd/random noises and strong smells can really turn me off) so I must be careful with the lavendar. Use sparingly.

Lunesta Somewhat Helpful

I tried this for a time and it worked for a while and then my anxiety reared back up and I lost faith in the med and switched off to another kind.

Meditation Working / Worked

What one might consider meditation I consider prayer. Speading time with the Father is always calming and gives me a source of hope.

Reading Too Soon to Tell

A friend recommended The Mindfulness & Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety. It's great so far.

Trazodone Not Working

I tried this medication and it was the primary one my OLD dr wanted me to use (because there is a reduced risk of dependency). However, it really didn't work at all and the thought of increasing my dosage every 7 days was just way unappealing. I also tried it again with a high dose and felt AWEFUL AND did't sleep well.

Valerian Considering

Haven't tried it...but I bought some. Just haven't tried it yet.

Melatonin Not Working

I only tried it once...but I coudlnt tell a difference at all.

Close Anxiety

Treatments

BuSpar Working / Worked

This is what I'm currently taking and it seems to be effective. It takes SEVERAL weeks (up to a month) before you can tell the effects of it.

Positive Thinking Working / Worked

Trazodone Not Working

Xanax Working / Worked

I was only on this medication for a little while and a low dose (1mg) but had withdrawls coming off. It was not plesant.