Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Not sleeping well on treatment.

deleted_user
deleted_user
So when I take my shot I feel great, almost like my symptoms are going away! I know it's probably all in my head, but I'm not minding it at all!!
But I wake up during the night, always at 4am no matter what time I go to bed, I can not sleep through the night on injection day! I am then so tired during the day, and feel crappy again. I'm also extremely dehydrated, almost instantly! Which makes for lots of bathroom breaks.
Is this normal? I'm on betaseron.
alitax86
alitax86
No one can say for sure "what is normal". You can speak to your doctor to ascertain if they know why this may be happening to you. One explanation could be some anxiety about taking the medicine... this is why the no-sleep during injection nights.. something to think about. I was on Betaseron for 5 years and did very well on it. Then it just stop working for me. I was not wary of the needles, and rotated my injection sites and after about a month, all of the flu-like symptoms went away.
AusSue
AusSue
Sorry you are struggling on Betaseron, it is not unusual to need a lot of fluid the day after the injection I found. I tried to balance it by drinking more every day & it did balance eventually. As for the waking up at night, are you taking nuerofen/panadol before the injection & again at bed bed time (if timing permits). This might help you to be able to sleep a bit better too.
As for feeling crappy, can't help you with that one. Do speak to your Dr about all of these. Also I have read of some people having the injection in the morning/day so it doesn't affect their sleep too.
Worth looking at any variables that may help.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I am having a phone consult with my nurse tomorrow I'm going ask about doing the shot in the morning. I didn't know it was an option! Thanks!
Tina
wisconsinteacher
wisconsinteacher
When I first started Rebif, I noticed a boost of energy during the day and also woke up at 4am, no matter what. It's not in your head. These are powerful medications with long lists of potential side affects. Insomnia is one of them for some people. Unfortunately, the nice little boost during the day can also create sleepless tendencies at night. It lasted for about 3 months(most of my summer vacation).

My neurologist adjusted my dose down a couple times during that period to help my body adjust more slowly. When my dose went back up later, these side affects eased up. Keep in contact with your doctor for any advice they might offer. Betaseron should have some support networks, too, that you can call for advice. I called the rebif people a lot at first, some of them were more knowledgeable than others, but they offered good suggestions. I did try the shot in the morning, but it didn't help much until my body finally adjusted.