Wont sleep - help

mentalmum08 · 07-12-2008, 04:25 PM

This is my first time. My mother is being weaned off aricept. She is also taking Paroxitine. She wont sleep, fights it for as long as she can. Walks around the house then collapses exhausted. Our GP wont give her a sedative. My sis-in-law has spoken to their family doctor and it's their policy to prescribel sedatives. I feel I cant menton this without adverse consequences. Any suggestions?

Martha H · 07-12-2008, 05:02 PM

If your mother lives with you and you are the person being affected by her being awake all night, you MUST mention it! It is standard practice here to prescribe a mild sleeping pill for AD sufferers with night wandering (sundowning). In fact maybe you can get something over the counter (prescription free).

We have quite a few different ones here that you can buy on your own. Natural alternative is baldrian tea or tablets but that takes quite some time to kick in like all herbal remedies. Good luck!

Do talk to your Mom's doctor again. It isn't doing anyone any good to keep her from getting a good night's sleeps, never mind YOU!

Martha

Titchou · 07-12-2008, 07:20 PM

I don't know what's it's called over there but benedryl, which is an antihistamine, is used in Tylenol PM, a pain med with a sleep aid, is OTC here.
You might try that if it's available in your country.

DGabriel10 · 07-13-2008, 02:17 AM

I agree that you need to discuss the behavior to the doctor. Explain the extent of her wondering and exhaustion and ask what is available. Otherwise I would find an over the counter sleep aid that works for her. It is unhealthy for her and for you to get no sleep. For the health and well being of your Mom (and yourself) don't be hesitant to discuss a situation with the doctor. He has to know to understand and if he doesn't understand the first time then repeat yourself until he does. It is your Mom that is important here.

Benedryl is a non habit forming antihistimine that has almost no side effects except drowsiness. It is definitely something I would try even before a prescription sedative.

Welcome to the forum and hope you continue to return.

Love, deb

rekem · 07-20-2008, 10:26 PM

There are many sleep aid medications - both OTC and prescription. However, Paxil is very potent and suggest you check with her physician about any drug interactions that could occur with any additional medication.