Valium for sleeping

[giddyup]

I don't often need it but sometimes I have a problem with insomnia because of RLS (restless legs syndrome), so I asked my local pharmacist to give me something to help me sleep, and she gave me Valium. I find that one quarter ( I would cut it smaller if I could) of that little blue pill is enough to give me a solid 8 hours, but I still tend to feel a little groggy the next day, so I think I have a pretty low tolerance to them. I don't know how people cope who are prescribed Valium for anxiety etc, I would be a total zombie if I took one during the day and had to function. Why do I have such a low tolerance?

[uptheos]

Take it regularly and eventually you won't have a low tolerance!

[Sheryl]

People in a state of acute anxiety have very different levels of brain chemicals than people in a normal state and this affects how they respond to tranquillizers.

Watch that valium, even at low dose it is addictive, so do not take it every night.

[giddyup]

People in a state of acute anxiety have very different levels of brain chemicals than people in a normal state and this affects how they respond to tranquillizers.

Watch that valium, even at low dose it is addictive, so do not take it every night.

Can you recommend something else that's less addictive (I certainly don't have any dependency yet) than Valium, and will give me less of a "hangover"?

[Sheryl]

Atarax is non-addictive, but does leave some people groggy - you'd have to try it and see. usual dose for sleep is 25-50mg, but it also comes in 10mg doses if you find 25 too strong.

While non-addictive, you will develop a tolerance to it if you take it every night. In addition, safety of long term use is unknown. Laslty, while it can induce sleep, it may also make RLS worse in some people.

There basically aren't any sleeping pills that can safely and effectively be taken long term every single night.

Since the problem is due to RLS, best approach would be to address that rather than trying to drug yourself to sleep through it.

I don't know what you have already done on this, but the first step is usually to rule out underlying causes such as Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathies, deficiency of iron, magnesium, folic acid or one of the B vitamins, or side effect from other medication being taken regularly etc.

Second step - assuming no underlying cause is found -- would be reducing/eliminating caffeine, nicotine and alcohol and doing leg stretches or yoga to reduce muscle tension; application of heat (hot pad or hot bath) before sleep may also help, and some people find leg/foot massages useful.

If that also fails, then medication would be indicated, but usually not a sleep med per se, rather a neuroleptic such as gabapentin. I suggest you consult a sleep specialist rather than self-treating with it though.

[giddyup]

Atarax is non-addictive, but does leave some people groggy - you'd have to try it and see. usual dose for sleep is 25-50mg, but it also comes in 10mg doses if you find 25 too strong.

While non-addictive, you will develop a tolerance to it if you take it every night. In addition, safety of long term use is unknown. Laslty, while it can induce sleep, it may also make RLS worse in some people.

There basically aren't any sleeping pills that can safely and effectively be taken long term every single night.

Since the problem is due to RLS, best approach would be to address that rather than trying to drug yourself to sleep through it.

I don't know what you have already done on this, but the first step is usually to rule out underlying causes such as Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathies, deficiency of iron, magnesium, folic acid or one of the B vitamins, or side effect from other medication being taken regularly etc.

Second step - assuming no underlying cause is found -- would be reducing/eliminating caffeine, nicotine and alcohol and doing leg stretches or yoga to reduce muscle tension; application of heat (hot pad or hot bath) before sleep may also help, and some people find leg/foot massages useful.

If that also fails, then medication would be indicated, but usually not a sleep med per se, rather a neuroleptic such as gabapentin. I suggest you consult a sleep specialist rather than self-treating with it though.

OK, thanks. I no longer drink alcohol or smoke, coffee limited to one cup a day. I'm taking magnesium and vitamin B supplements, but will try folic acid as well. Have had the problem for over 10 years with no other symptons so I doubt it's Parkinsons.

[Aussieroaming]

Giddy up...I was prescribed Sifrol for RLS by my doctor in Australia about 5 years ago, so maybe you go go to a doctor and discuss that medication for your circumstances. Sifrol is available in Bangkok and Phuket.

I suggest you try and find a doctor that understands RLS to discuss this. I say that because I recently went to a doctor here to investigate an alternate to Sifrol as it loses effectiveness over time. He told me that RLS doesn't exist and the symptoms are "just my habit" so he was less than informed or helpful.

I have used Ultracet with remarkably good results as a stop gap drug, as an alternate when I cycled off Sifrol, but you should be aware that this isn't a drug you could use long term, only occasionally. This is also readily available in Thailand and much cheaper than Sifrol.

As with any prescribed drug you should seek doctors advise first

[Aussieroaming]

I was interested in Sheryl's advice in regards to iron level and RLS. Last week I had a blood test done to check my iron species and I discovered that I am anaemic, which was a surprise. I have started taking iron tablets to get my iron levels up but I will be very interested as to whether the in erase in iron concentration will help my RLS, as I already take Mg supplements to help.

[giddyup]

Giddy up...I was prescribed Sifrol for RLS by my doctor in Australia about 5 years ago, so maybe you go go to a doctor and discuss that medication for your circumstances. Sifrol is available in Bangkok and Phuket.

I suggest you try and find a doctor that understands RLS to discuss this. I say that because I recently went to a doctor here to investigate an alternate to Sifrol as it loses effectiveness over time. He told me that RLS doesn't exist and the symptoms are "just my habit" so he was less than informed or helpful.

I have used Ultracet with remarkably good results as a stop gap drug, as an alternate when I cycled off Sifrol, but you should be aware that this isn't a drug you could use long term, only occasionally. This is also readily available in Thailand and much cheaper than Sifrol.

As with any prescribed drug you should seek doctors advise first

Ultracet is basically Tramadol isn't it? I had that prescribed in Thailand a few years ago by a doctor for my RLS, but it made me feel very dopey and I wasn't happy about using it for any length of time. Will keep trying the more natural methods first, fortunately I don't get the RLS every night.

[divndave]

I use an over the counter Antihistamine (Allergy)tablet.If you Google ingredients in most OTC sleep aids you will find they have the same

ingredient's and 25mg per tablet. Yes some Antihistamines and sleep tablets do contain different ingredient's.

The one's that contains Diphenhydramine HTC.Same thing you find listed in Equate and Unisom from the states

Just saying this works for me with no side effects in the morning.

[ExPratt]

If i have problems sleeping or flying back to UK I used to take xanax , cant get it very easily anymore

[grumpyoldman]

Do you get enough exercise? I'm wondering if a good walking/running/sporting habit wouldn't help with both restless legs and sleep.

I seem to sleep pretty well when flat out physically tired.

Only use valium on a long air trip, sure, 10g gives me the grogs, but a big cup of coffee generally nukes that.

[giddyup]

Do you get enough exercise? I'm wondering if a good walking/running/sporting habit wouldn't help with both restless legs and sleep.

I seem to sleep pretty well when flat out physically tired.

Only use valium on a long air trip, sure, 10g gives me the grogs, but a big cup of coffee generally nukes that.

Exercise doesn't seem to help restless legs at all, plenty of anecdotal evidence to support that.

[inbangkok]

Giddy up...I was prescribed Sifrol for RLS by my doctor in Australia about 5 years ago, so maybe you go go to a doctor and discuss that medication for your circumstances. Sifrol is available in Bangkok and Phuket.

I suggest you try and find a doctor that understands RLS to discuss this. I say that because I recently went to a doctor here to investigate an alternate to Sifrol as it loses effectiveness over time. He told me that RLS doesn't exist and the symptoms are "just my habit" so he was less than informed or helpful.

I have used Ultracet with remarkably good results as a stop gap drug, as an alternate when I cycled off Sifrol, but you should be aware that this isn't a drug you could use long term, only occasionally. This is also readily available in Thailand and much cheaper than Sifrol.

As with any prescribed drug you should seek doctors advise first

Ultracet is basically Tramadol isn't it? I had that prescribed in Thailand a few years ago by a doctor for my RLS, but it made me feel very dopey and I wasn't happy about using it for any length of time. Will keep trying the more natural methods first, fortunately I don't get the RLS every night.

Ultracet is Tramadol mixed with paracetamol. Taking an opiopioid painkiller in an attempt to induce sleep is not a good ID. If you are also suffering from pain...that is different. But just for sleep is not a good idea.

[jonnyramone]

Have ever try amitriptyline ? It's a ticiclic antidepressant used to treat insomnia as well. It's selled in generic form too.You can get on Fascino Pharmacy as weel, 10 mg. tbl. very cheap, very effective no side effect and better tolerated than Valium.

[inbangkok]

Have ever try amitriptyline ? It's a ticiclic antidepressant used to treat insomnia as well. It's selled in generic form too.You can get on Fascino Pharmacy as weel, 10 mg. tbl. very cheap, very effective no side effect and better tolerated than Valium.

There are possible side effects with every medication.

[jonnyramone]

Have ever try amitriptyline ? It's a ticiclic antidepressant used to treat insomnia as well. It's selled in generic form too.You can get on Fascino Pharmacy as weel, 10 mg. tbl. very cheap, very effective no side effect and better tolerated than Valium.

There are possible side effects with every medication.

Yes sorry , I forgot to mention the words "for me"....

[tfc]

Melatonin works well for me though it's not as strong as some of the other suggestions. Atarax I found knocked me out quickly and with no grogginess in the morning but I was warned against taking it for too long (more than 2 weeks). Dramamine (or generic) also seems to do the job but with same precautions.

[grumpyoldman]

Do you get enough exercise? I'm wondering if a good walking/running/sporting habit wouldn't help with both restless legs and sleep.

I seem to sleep pretty well when flat out physically tired.

Only use valium on a long air trip, sure, 10g gives me the grogs, but a big cup of coffee generally nukes that.

Exercise doesn't seem to help restless legs at all, plenty of anecdotal evidence to support that.

What is "anecdotal evidence"? That is nonsense. Look at bullet 5 here under General Measures. "Anecdotal evidence", hogwash.

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/restless-legs-syndrome-leaflet

Edited December 6, 2014 by grumpyoldman

[jonnyramone]

Being a "sportman" since I was a kid , I suggest to avoid any sport activity before 8.00 pm due to adrenaline production...Unless you go to sleep at 4.00 am. All the time we exercise , our body produces adrenaline, an hormone produced by the adrenal glands during high stress or exciting situations. So, it's good to exercise in the morning or in the early afternoon.

[Neeranam]

Trazodone is the best for getting to sleep. I used to take it a few years ago.

[JDGRUEN]

OP --- you have been given much good advice... I second the suggestion to use Atarax ... I use it and have for several months... works quite well. OTC in Thailand and fairly cheap ... There is a Thai generic - dirt cheap ... 'Hydrazine'

Regularity of sleeping habits... and related factors:

- Don't drink caffeinated drinks in the evening - period. Don't drink caffeinated drinks all day either. Regulate your coffee.

- Go to bed at about the same time every night - establish a pattern / schedule --- frequent changes of bed time during a week is a problem.

- do some walking in the day time or early evening or other modest exercise... - GET SOME OUTSIDE AIR.

- No alcohol in the day time - period ... except an afternoon every now and then for a special deal - but not regularly. Limit alcohol in the evening... Don't drink alcohol at all after about 9:30 p.m. ... except for maybe a glass of red wine -- glass of - not bottle.

- Make sure room is how you most like it ... cool - not cool - fan - no fan - aircon - no aircon - blankets - sheets - just what you want and are most comfortable with... mosquito net if needed.

- Don't lie there in the bed with the T.V. on - turn it off - turn off the light ... brush the teeth - hit the bathroom - be fully ready for bed.

- Put a small pillow between your legs if you sleep on your side.

- Darken the room -- use dark coverings over the curtains/drapes if necessary ... keep only a small nightlight on in the bathroom... turn the lights off everywhere else. Keep the outside lights off - if they shine through your window.

- Humans spent millions of years and especially Homo Sapiens spent most of the last 250,000 sleeping in the DARK ... we are programmed for that.

- One nap in the daytime -- no more ... be active --- You can't sleep all day and expect to sleep at night -- just does not work that way.

Other Sleep meds:

Melatonin - natural brain chemical - regulates the circadian rhythms - sleep cycle in the brain ... get older - less melatonin in your brain --- a significant reason for insomnia in older people. google it.

One 3-5 milligram tablet at a realistic bed time ...One half hour before bedtime - Take it and go to bed in 30 minutes. Don't take it past about 10:30 - 11:00 p.m. Don't take it in the daytime ... You may have to take it for up to two weeks - you can cease taking it and see what happens. Don't take a larger dose than recommended - more is not good.

Side Effects of Melatonin ... Induces Dreaming -- Sexual Dreams -- not a bad side effect.

- Benadryl -- Diphendramine ... 25 mg. 30 minutes before a reasonable bedtime. It will cause an anti-histamine 'hangover' in some people - not in others... hangover = dry mouth, dry sinus, a bit of grogginess... slowness -- goes away after a cup of coffee. Try to get a full 8 hours sleep by doing the other things I recommend...

[giddyup]

Do you get enough exercise? I'm wondering if a good walking/running/sporting habit wouldn't help with both restless legs and sleep.

I seem to sleep pretty well when flat out physically tired.

Only use valium on a long air trip, sure, 10g gives me the grogs, but a big cup of coffee generally nukes that.

Exercise doesn't seem to help restless legs at all, plenty of anecdotal evidence to support that.

What is "anecdotal evidence"? That is nonsense. Look at bullet 5 here under General Measures. "Anecdotal evidence", hogwash.

http://www.patient.co.uk/health/restless-legs-syndrome-leaflet

Do you suffer from RLS or know anyone who does? Did exercise help you overcome your RLS? I was walking for 2 hours a day until recent gout attacks laid me up and I can assure you all that exercise didn't help my RLS one little bit. I have read testimonies from plenty of other RLS sufferers who say the same thing. Everyone is different and what is good for one is not necessarily good for all.

Edited December 6, 2014 by giddyup

[jonnyramone]

Being a "sportman" since I was a kid , I suggest to avoid any sport activity before 8.00 pm due to adrenaline production...Unless you go to sleep at 4.00 am. All the time we exercise , our body produces adrenaline, an hormone produced by the adrenal glands during high stress or exciting situations. So, it's good to exercise in the morning or in the early afternoon.

Sorry, it was " avoid any sport activity after 8.00 PM .

Edited December 6, 2014 by jonnyramone

[Kitsune]

Gout, RLS, sleep troubles....

How is your blood pressure?

Any other pains?

[giddyup]

Gout, RLS, sleep troubles....

How is your blood pressure?

Any other pains?

If they are the only symptoms you have at 73 count yourself lucky. The sleep disorder is related to the RLS, but you already knew that didn't you?

[Kitsune]

Gout, RLS, sleep troubles....

How is your blood pressure?

Any other pains?

If they are the only symptoms you have at 73 count yourself lucky. The sleep disorder is related to the RLS, but you already knew that didn't you?

I know of 79 Ruth Heidrich and she's the picture of health, and that's no luck

http://www.greatveganathletes.com/vegan_athlete_ruth-heidrich-vegan-endurance-athlete

Are they the only symptoms though?

[giddyup]

Gout, RLS, sleep troubles....

How is your blood pressure?

Any other pains?

If they are the only symptoms you have at 73 count yourself lucky. The sleep disorder is related to the RLS, but you already knew that didn't you?

I know of 79 Ruth Heidrich and she's the picture of health, and that's no luck

http://www.greatveganathletes.com/vegan_athlete_ruth-heidrich-vegan-endurance-athlete

Are they the only symptoms though?

There's also guys a lot younger than me with chronic health problems, it is what it is. All I can do now is eat right and do some moderate exercise, can't turn back the clock. What other symptoms are you talking about, generally or related to Insomnia?

Edited December 7, 2014 by giddyup

[grumpyoldman]

Maybe changing the music you listen to, to something more modern and ditch the Creedence...also stop listening to Hotel California.Here, this would suit you:

[giddyup]

You mean like the Shins, Raveonettes or Cowboy Junkies? Don't label everyone with your tastes in music.

Edited December 7, 2014 by giddyup