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I've been taking Lorazepam for years, 2mg, for sleep. Tapering off of it now, my Psychiatrist wants me to substitute it with Trazodone, 50mg. I've started taking it while tapering off the Lorazepam. I really want to be off both meds, and will discuss that at my next visit next month.

I would like to know what all of you do at night to sleep, if you have insomnia, or other sleep problems. I am sure some of you take Melatonin. I haven't tried that in a long time, if you do take it, how much… read more

July 28, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members shared their varied experiences with tapering off prescription sleep medications, with many describing both the benefits and... Read more

Members shared their varied experiences with tapering off prescription sleep medications, with many describing both the benefits and challenges of Trazodone, including initial grogginess, vivid dreams, and the importance of careful tapering rather than stopping cold turkey. Several members recommended natural alternatives like melatonin (dosages ranging from 3mg to 7mg, with time-release versions mentioned), high-dose magnesium in the evening, chamomile tea, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding blue light and electronics before bed, morning bright light exposure, and creating calming bedtime routines. A recurring theme was the struggle to balance the need for restorative sleep with the desire to minimize prescription medications, alongside the recognition that finding the right solution is deeply personal and may require trial and error.

A MyFibroTeam Member

I used to take Trazodone for two years. It was pretty potent stuff for sure. If you want to get of scripts you could try the no blue light rule 2 hours before bed. Meaning no electronics, dim lights and sounds, then get in bed with a book and a small lamp, drink some sleepy time chamomile tea, and maybe a melatonin. I also sleep a lot better with some kind of noise app running. Relax MD is a good free app.

July 29, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I too take Melatonin. I take 7mg and I sleep so good. I take the time release kind helps me go to sleep and stay asleep.

August 7, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I've taken Trazadone for awhile, used to take Elavil but gained a lot of weight, so I got off that! Have tried Melatonin and other things but came back Trazadone! It's the only thing that lets me get the deep restful sleep needed for fibro patients! Without the good sleep we hurt and the cycle goes around and around!?? My main problem is now no energy and fatigue! I also hate taking lots of meds other than my 5-6 blood pressure pills and one for diabetes! I stopped all statins because of the leg pain!

August 3, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I don't go to bed early but the severe insomnia has got better since taking high dose of Magnesium during the evening

July 31, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

That is the dose I took for years. If I tried to increase it, I got dizzy and no sleep. I am very sensitive to most meds. I know someone with fibro who took 400mg!! I am on gabapentin now--I take 300mg at dinnertime and 200mg a hour before bed. I sleep about half the nights although most nights I do go to sleep very soon. I just keep waking up half the nights, but I am really tired during the day. That is the same effect I had on Trazadone. I was much more alert without meds, but couldn't get to sleep and never got into deep sleep. That was with Melatonin (3mg which I have been on for 20 years and probably not effective anymore but I take it because I hope it will help. I have tried many other natural ways to sleep but nothing seems to help me. Wish I could be of more help. A great book I just got which I am working through is "The Fibro Manual" by Dr. Ginevra Lipton, M.D, She has Fibro and has a clinic for fibro. I hope to work through some of the things she suggests. I encourage you to check it out. Amazon has it.

July 30, 2016

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