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Cindisue, I am glad to have a another who can appreciate the challenges insomnia present. They take their sleep for granted. I am sorry for suffering. I know this is hell for you, too.
I have not tried Unison yet and will try it.
My Dr has tried many different meds. I have a cabinet full of his failures.
You are lucky to have gotten the hypnotics (sleeping pills) and benzos. I dream of those, or I would if I could sleep. I think he resists because I am bi polar and is afraid I might and try to commit suicide. I'm not at suicidal, never have been.
I'm on ability and lamotrigine for that and they don't help my sleep. Incidentally, when I am manic I have revved up everything, so ultimate exhaustion is a hint I'm coming down. The last time I had hypnotic drugs was when the emergency room gave me some. I had exhausted myself to the point I was having panic attacks, etc.
I recently was prescribed tizanidine, an antispastic drug by my pain doctor. It is indicated for MS and spinal cord injuries (I don't have those problems). I got it for the nerve pain and muscle pain due to a very messed up back. Pain is another sleep killer.
Tizanidine works for sleep for me. Two of those do it. For now I'll use those till I can't get them.
I have to be careful, as alcohol is another of my issues. It doesn't do well with many meds. It is self medication and not recommended for anyone. It helps calm the occasional mania and with sleep to a point. Always have an excuse, I say. Another reason I can't get the good pills, most likely. If could sleep maybe I could stay quit. Four months sober until last couple months of insomnia...... Another excuse, I know.
I have rambled on enough for now. I didn't I had that many problems until read back through my list. Unfortunately I got me some more problems, too.
Again, I will give the Unisom a try. Thanks for being willing to share your story. It helps to know I'm not alone, yet makes sad to know someone else is in this kind of pain too. I am literally in tears. Don't tell anyone, tough guy thing.
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Cindisue, first thanks for the hug. I appreciate that. Secondly my sleep is better, not great but better finally. I think the Abilify for my bipolar issues is helping and the tizanidine the muscle relaxer is also. I got eight hours yesterday between night and naps. Most I have had for a long time.
Oh, I remember now trying the doxylamine succinate, it is unfortunately also a antihistamine, but I used it occasionally, as the first few times I use it I'm OK as far as restless legs go. It is the most effective for sleep of most all of the OTC aids for me, indeed. I need to remember to take my reading glasses to the store, so I can see if I find the cheaper store brand again.
The best of the "easier to get" prescription meds is hydroyzine or Atarax. It has antihistaminic and anticholenergic properties and is very, very effective. Longer than a few nights may not work for me, the Restless leg thing, but I may have the PNP I am working with let me give it a try for occasional use. It is indicated for anxiety and preoperative sedation. They also use it to calm unruly patients in hospital and nursing homes, as it is well tolerated and effective. They have an injectable form for those uses.
I had it as a young lad for a case of head to toe poison oak. After taking one of those babies I would sleep for about 6-8 hours, get up for a bit and take another and sleep again. When the pills ran out the poison oak was gone! Slept through it all. You reminded me of it and I got out my old Davis's Drug Guide (highly recommended if your into books versus internet) and the doxylamine section reminded me.
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blackersheep, I no longer suffer with sleep issues thanks to Lorazepam and Amitriptyline. I also take Magnesium Glycinate at bedtime. So you don't have to be sad for me anymore. I'm glad you found a med that works for you. Tizanidine....haven't heard of that one, but happy it's working for you. I am an alcoholic and have been completely sober for 34 years! Good Luck to you!