Sleep is going backwards....what's up?

[NeedsEncouragement]

Today (Tuesday) is day 15 on withdrawal for opiates.  During that 15 days, sleep has been an issue, but was continually getting better until 2 nights ago.  Now, no matter what time I go to bed, I am awake at 1am and that is it for the night. In the beginning of this journey, I was taking 10mg of Ambien and 0.25mg of Xanax to sleep.  Now, I am down to 2mg of Melatonin and 1/4 of a Xanax. This did start the first night I went from 1/2 Xanax to 1/4, but I had been tapering for over a week and really do not feel that it could make that much difference.  Has anyone else experienced this?  I was so hopeful because each night last week, sleep seemed to get better, even if only by 30mins.  What else can I do?  I am really apprehensive that with continued nights like this, I am setting myself up for more migranes.  I have always been a person who needs my 8hrs. Thanks!

[NeedsEncouragement]

You are exactly right, the Ambien complicated the withdrawal. Please don't give up. I thought it wouldn't ever get any better, but last night, without Ambien or Xanax and just the OTC Melatonin/herb product, I slep 7.5hrs straight.  It wasn't perfect, but it was the greatest sleep I have had in a month!  I am stoked!!  I do believe that you will find the Ambien withdrawal much easier than the other withdrawal.  Keep pressing forward.  I think day 28 really is going to be like everyone says....a real turning point!

[RandyHunt]

Sorry you had to go to the hospital last night....  I think you are right the lack of sleep does add to my anxiety.  I do exercise every day and it does help.

But, I really think the Ambien is a BIG problem.  I took 10 mg for 12 nights.  I was beginning to see the light at the end for my hydro withdrawal but started the Ambien to help with my sleep.  Didn't realize I was going backwards in my withdrawal because of the Ambien.  I feel today like I'm back at day 4!  I wonder how long this withdrawal will last?

I took 5 mg melatonin last night - and although my sleep is complicated because of the Ambien withdrawal now - I did sleep on and off until about 5:30 - not bad.  The bad thing is the sleep wasn't good at all - I would wake up about every hour with an anxiety attack.  Very unpleasant thing.   I would just have to lay there and bear it until it passed in about 15 minutes and then would drift back to sleep for another hour...

So, give the melatonin a try - it may work well for you - and it's completely save.  Just stay away from the Ambien!

[NeedsEncouragement]

Randy~ tonight would have been much better if I didn't have to get up to go back to the hospital.  I think, once sleep exhaustion sets in, the body starts to "wake up" to the idea that it needs sleep.  Your anxiety is complicated by the lack of sleep.  Are you exercising?  That really does help.  I'm interested to see how you did on the Melatonin last night.

skunkmanh~Welcome!  I have zero experience with subutex, but I think the withdrawal is about the same across the board.  Valium (?) is very addictive too.  polease be careful that you don't replace one addiction with another.

LuxorBust~ Thanks!  That is very encouraging!  I hope this is the last w/d period for you!!

[LuxorBust]

I was an opiate addict for four years and went through several severe withdrawals, some with the help of different mess for the withdrawal and sometimes cold turkey. My experience was that taking meds to help ease off and tapering down of course helps with the pain but my sleeping patterns never returned to normal until I was off everything for a few weeks. I'm also someone who needs my 8 hours or I'm super cranky. Just give it time and you're natural sleeping patterns will return, it's just one part of the long road of recovery. I wish you the best of luck!!! You are amazing for taking the first steps to being sober :)

[skunkmanh]

hiya my names dan ive just recently *** of subutex its my third night last cuppal  nights ive had bout 2hrs each night ive just taken 30mls vallies dnt think ill do that again. but just wounderd if u guys can give me any advise or even just sumone to talk to cos ive got noone to talk to bout it.hope you guys ave a good night and well done keep it up.....

[RandyHunt]

Hi Needs -

The Ambien makes me *very* anxious, which just adds to my major symptom - anxiety.  I'm going to try to load up on melatonin tonight mabe 4 or 5mg and see how it goes.  My Doc says it will take about 4 weeks for our sleep to return to normal.  

Hope you have a good night!