Q. I suffer from insomnia. What can be done to get a good sleep?
Hello doctor,
I suffer from insomnia that had increased in the last year. I used a lot of medications that were prescribed to me by my local physicians such as (Diazepam, Lorazepam, Alprazolam, and Mirtazapine).
Initially, it is useful at the beginning and then insomnia returned. I also follow a behavioral treatment (went to the bed at 12:00 AM and wake up at 7:00 AM on a regular schedule) but the problem is persisting.
The main point is when I go to bed, I did not fall in sleep for at least three hours and in some cases stay awake till morning despite the medication that I took at night.
My main concern is I want to sleep directly when I go to bed even if I sleep for few hours only. Looking forward to hearing from you and give me a suitable advice or medication.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
It seems that you have been in trouble with sleep disturbances for a quite long time. Also, it appears that you have difficulty in the onset of sleep rather than difficulty in maintaining the sleep. Before proceeding to management, I would like to know few things first:
- Any history of depression or anxiety disorders at present or in past?
- Any history of diabetes or hyperthyroidism or hypertension?
- Any other medications apart from Diazepam for any other ailment and for how long?
- Your current age?
- Any alcohol or tobacco consumption?
- Any habit of consuming tea or coffee, frequency in a day and time of the last intake during a day?
Kindly provide me with this information, so that I can help you in a more effective way.
For more information consult a sleep medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/sleep-medicine-physician
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
- No past history of depression or anxiety.
- Just hypertension and taking Concor 5 mg.
- Lorazepam and Mirtazapine previously for three months before taking Diazepam.
- 65 years.
- No alcohol or tobacco consumption.
- No habit of consuming tea or coffee at all.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is now clear that you have primary insomnia with difficulty in the onset of sleep. Lorazepam or Diazepam or Mirtazapine will not help with the onset of sleep. You should start taking following medication:
- Tablet Zolpidem 5 mg one HS.
- Tablet Clonazepam 0.5 mg one SOS.
- Keep following the sleep hygiene measures.
- Get PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and USG pelvic region (for prostate) done.
Follow up after one week and we will discuss any improvements in your complaints.
For more information consult a sleep medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/sleep-medicine-physician
Thank you doctor,
I have several questions. I want to know what do you mean by 1 SOS. And should I take both two tablets together and is it necessary to take Clonazepam along with Zolpidem? Cause Clonazepam here in my country is 2 mg only, can I make it two pieces (1 mg for each) or is it considered large dose?
And what is the period that I should take the medication before sleep?
And for how long should I keep taking them?
Are they safe for me and by the way regarding PSA, I am female.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
One HS means before sleep with water. One SOS means as when needed. You need to take Zolpidem 5 mg one tablet before sleep (approximately 15 minutes before sleep).
You can take Clonazepam 0.5 mg, if even after 30 to 45 minutes after taking Zolpidem you do not fall asleep.
You need to take these medications at least for 15 days, then after consult to provide information regarding any improvement or worsening in your complaints. Yes, these medications are safe.
And you did not mention about your gender, so I advised for PSA, as benign prostate hypertrophy is common among males in this age group which can cause sleep disturbances by increasing the frequency of micturition at night.
For more information consult a sleep medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/sleep-medicine-physician
Was this answer helpful?
|Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions:
I suffer from insomnia. What can be done to get a good sleep?
.. that you have been in trouble with sleep disturbances for a quite long time. Also, it appears that you have difficulty in the onset of sleep rather than difficulty in maintaining the sleep. Before proceeding to management, I would like to know few thin Read full
I am on Adderall for ADD and I am unable to sleep. Why?.. all, I would like to know how long have you been taking that dose of Adderall (combination of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine)? It is relatively high dose. Usually, with greater than 20 mg it has less effect on ADD (attention deficit disorder) and yo Read full
Can't Sleep? Finding it Really Difficult? Then You Must Read This... issues related to sleeping problems and its management .. ... Read full
Also Read Answers From:
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
iCliniq's FREE Newsletters
Expert-backed health and wellness information, delivered to your email.
Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletters!
Also Read
PCOS and Liver Problems
The hormonal imbalances in polycystic ovary syndrome could cause liver diseases. Read the article to know the relationship between these medical conditions. Read more»
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Lateralization Technique
The inferior alveolar nerve lateralization technique is a surgical lateralization technique to reposition the nerve. Read the article to know more about this. Read more»
COVID-19 and Ebola: Similarities and Differences
This article gives a comparison and broader overview of the outbreak of the two deadliest diseases that showed a greater incidence over the last two decades. Read more»
Ask your health query to a doctor online?
Ask a Sleep Medicine Physician Now* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.