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Sleep Aids

Posted , 4 users are following.

Aspinan
Aspinan

Does anyone take an over the counter sleep aid to help with sleep, I've been using a Lloyds Pharmacy brand on and off recently due to an anxiety and depression relapse and find it really works but I often have to take 2 or 3 at a go.

Im going to try a YouTube relaxation meditation instead to see if it helps me nod off, on the whole I get a good nights sleep but often find it difficult to relax  which is when I take sleep aids. 

Id much rather take an OTC sleep aid than a prescribed sleeping pill.

Im not sure if they are habit forming, searches on google suggest not but I'm still wary.

Any tips, suggestions or advise welcomed.

Neil 

 

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Anxiety1995
    Anxiety1995 Aspinan

    Posted

    Melatonin, 5-10 mg. Helps me sometimes! Only thing is, it only works in darkness, i.e. avoid using phones or keeping the lights on after you take it. It does work though. 
  • thomas96833
    thomas96833 Aspinan

    Posted

    I tend to find after 3/4 days I get use to most sleep aids. I take 3-4 sometimes and can still be wired!. Tried most OTC ones.

    The doctor put me on 10mg of amitripyline and my god, it works amazing. Stops the racing thoughts and I just get a solid 8 hours deep sleep. Initially i was a bit groggy first thing but it wore off fast. No real side effects either other than dry mouth.

    It's also helped with my tension headaches and leg pains (muslce tension again) that developed badly with anxiety and my anxiety has improved somewhat due to the better sleep. I just have the energy to deal with more things. 

    I would highly reccomend it. It's an older medication but works well (I am 26, male btw). I have tried mirtazapine but that was to sedating and SSRI's all caused more insomnia, so I was happy to find this!

    • Aspinan
      Aspinan thomas96833

      Posted

      Glad you found something that works for you, didn't take any sleep aids last night but listened to guided sleep meditation and it did the trick.

  • johnkov
    johnkov Aspinan

    Posted

    Melatonin administered orally has little beneficial effect as its bioavailability is very low, in the range of 10 – 15%. If a little punch is all you need, it may just do the job, but if you suffer from severe insomnia, it is unlikely to help.

    Another herbal medicine you can find in a pharmacy is St. John’s Wort. It acts in the body as a weak MAO inhibitor – it can certainly help with symptoms like mild depression or occasional anxiety, which may be beneficial in managing insomnia. However, if you take any other medication (SSRI/SNRI in particular), this herb is not for you.

    The other option is to see a GP and ask for a zopiclone or zolpidem script. Just remember that insomnia is not a disease in its own right, usually it’s a symptom of another underlying condition, which should be eventually diagnosed and treated…

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