Re: Medication and sleep
Originally Posted by
Dying_Swan
Does anyone know of any other sleep aids I could try? I'm keen to avoid benzos or zopiclone. Might it be worth trying to split the mirtazapine to 3.75mg?
I don't think BZDs, or zopiclone are the answer either as tolerance to their sedation build quickly, often within a week or two. Doxepin might work as it is a little more sedating than mirtazapine, but I suspect that won't last long either.
Imho, the real issue is you're taking 3 meds, none of which seems to be helping much and arguably are probably making things worse and just throwing more and more meds into the mix in the hope of either stumbling onto some miracle combination, or to reduce the side-effects of the others is nutz.
If memory serves, you started on venlafaxine which proved inadequate even at high doses and the mirtazapine was added to counter the SNRI induced insomnia. Then quetiapine was added in the hope it might either boost the venlafaxine, or be the answer on its own. So my first question for the CPN is why you're still on venlafaxine when it is doing bugger all? The second question is why are you still on quetiapine when it seems to be mostly just causing agitation and possibly the insomnia too? And the third question should be why are you still on mirtazapine for insomnia when it isn't helping you sleep?
I really think your med regime needs to be reviewed by a psychiatrist. I don't see the point in taking 3 ineffective meds when another might do the trick on its own if given the chance. Poly-pharmacy is sometimes necessary, but it should be among the last options tried, not the first.
</soapbox>
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The opinions expressed above are based on my observations and, where applicable, interpretation of cited data and are general in nature. Consult your physician before acting on anything stated.