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]

Thank you so much for your words of encouragment! I think the lack of sleep has caught up with me today.  It feels more like day 5 than 15.  I'm not going back....that ship has sailed!  I have no choice but to deal with it.  I just get crabby without sleep.  I can't imagine how good I would feel if I woke up and the sun was actually up too!

[RandyHunt]

I was taking 5mg hydrocodone for one year for muscle pain from Lymes disease.  I never increased the dose and never gave dependency any thought.  I just took 5mg every day with all my other meds and vitamins.  About 3 months ago I began to get depressed and it got worse.  I never thought the hydro would be doing it - it always made my mood better - not worse.  WRONG.  The evil nature of the drug had my body demanding MORE.  I was too clueless to realize it.  Then 15 days ago, I DID realize it was the hydro making me depressed and I stopped immediately.   I had been on Cymbalta for 2 weeks when I quit the hydro.  My depression got worse,  I had typical withdrawal symptoms and typical timings.  I had trouble sleeping.  

I wake up about midnight, started taking 5mg Ambien some nights when I woke up and then would sleep another 2 hours, sometimes would take another 5mg.  I have been doing this for about a week and a half.  i took 10mg at midnight last night and slept about 5 hours.  

I don't like what I read about Ambien and would much rather use melatonin because it's MUCH safer.  I'll try some tonite.  

No, I have more trouble sweating than being cold.   I'm sure the worse is now behind us, and the rest will gradually clear time the days to come.  We are lucky this is all (almost) behind us.

Nice talking to you - let's keep in touch and compare our progress.

[NeedsEncouragement]

Sounds great!  I hope the Melatonin works well for you tonight!  

[atthebeach]

were you able to get the valerian root,passion flower or the teas?
i hope and pray you have a more restful night.keep the faith, keep fighting the good fight.
sending hugs and prayers,
debbie

[NeedsEncouragement]

I wish I could report last night was better, but last night was zero....however, I think it was because I was in a hospital room with my brother who got suddenly ill yesterday.  I went to the local pharmacy when I found out I needed to stay with him and got a product called Sleep by Nature Made.  it has Melatonin, L-Theanine, Chamomile Flower Extract, Passion Flower Extract and Lemon Balm Leaf Extract.  I took it and I felt sleepy.....so I am very hopeful for tonight. Thanks for everything...I really appreciate it!!

[RandyHunt]

Hi Needs and everyone else -

Congratulations!  We made it to day 17!  I tried 2mg melatonin last night - it helped but I still couldn't really sleep, so I took 10 mg Ambien and slept for 4 hours or so.  But then the anxiety set it big-time.  About 3 AM couldn't sleep anymore, just tossing and turning, with lots of anxiety.  Seems the Ambien is not worth it all all for me - I'm done with it.

My Doc suggested Benadryl for sleep but that aggravates my prostate and so can't take it.  Anybody have any other OTC or generic suggestions for sleep?  Should I try a larger dose of melatonin?  How long does the sleep disturbace last from the hydro withdrawal?

Thanks -