maddog_mike
11-06-2006, 12:26 PM
My wife suffers from depression and insomnia. She has been on many medications for the last 5 years. We have had a problem in the past with her taking more than the prescription calls for. She went on Friday to the doctor after being off of all medication for the last 3 months. He put her on Ambien and Prozac. She went to bed Friday night and slept all day Saturday. On Sunday morning I discovered that out of 30 ambien prescribed, there were only 10 left and 23 out of 30 prozac. She said she spilled some down the sink, not sure I believe that. She said that her old doctor told her that if she takes one and it doesnt work that she could take up to 4 a night. It seems to me that the Ambien affects her judgement so that she doesnt know what she is doing or how much she has taken. I took her Prozac and Ambien from her and told her I will give her it as it was prescribed. Is it okay to give her more than one Ambien if the first one doesnt work? This is causing a huge strain on our relationship, can anyone offer suggestions on how to deal with this?
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Jennita
11-06-2006, 08:46 PM
Tolerance issues of benzos, side effects of SSri's all can lead to sleep problems. People definately become dependant on sleep meds to the point that they will take whatever they need in order to sleep and avoid any tolerance withdrawal symptoms that come with tolerance to effects of normal doses. Tolerance withdrawals are actually withdrawal symptoms that can occur without actual withdrawal of the med.
The Ashton Manual online is free and gives advice on benzodiazepines. SSris have their own issues; downregulation of serotonin receptors or cell death can occur on them over time. This may mean less natural serotonin in the brain for the drugs to try and recyle(re-uptake). SSri's also are implicated in insomnia, since serotonin is an excitatory neurotransmitter.
This is a bad road she is going down; anyone can become physically addicted(not the same as complusive drug-seeking or euphoria seeking addiction) to these pills so it's not her fault but many cannot stand what it will require to slowly get off the medications as withdrawals are worse when severe tolerance sets in.
I know; it happened to me but I was able to do it as I felt there was no end to the hell unless I did. It took me a very long time to regain natural sleep but it was well worth the stuggle. I really sympathize with your wife.
The Ashton Manual online is free and gives advice on benzodiazepines. SSris have their own issues; downregulation of serotonin receptors or cell death can occur on them over time. This may mean less natural serotonin in the brain for the drugs to try and recyle(re-uptake). SSri's also are implicated in insomnia, since serotonin is an excitatory neurotransmitter.
This is a bad road she is going down; anyone can become physically addicted(not the same as complusive drug-seeking or euphoria seeking addiction) to these pills so it's not her fault but many cannot stand what it will require to slowly get off the medications as withdrawals are worse when severe tolerance sets in.
I know; it happened to me but I was able to do it as I felt there was no end to the hell unless I did. It took me a very long time to regain natural sleep but it was well worth the stuggle. I really sympathize with your wife.