Insomnia is back after taking trazodone and fluoxetine for 5 years
Please bear with me:
The first time I experienced insomnia which was nearly ten years ago, I was diagnosed with anxiety related insomnia. I was given Trazodone and Fluoxetine which solved the problem. Of course I did the worst thing and tried to come off the meds and plunged almost immediately. So, back to the docs Quetiapine, Trazodone and Fluoxetine resolved the problem. I slowly weaned myself off the quetiapine (I didn't want to put on weight). For the last 5 years I have been well. All of a sudden I am back to square one. No adjustments to medications. I am now taking three nights Zopiclone (plus trazodone and fluoxetine) and then on the fourth night no zopiclone. On this night I do not sleep so my Psychiatrist has prescribed quetiapine. I do not want to take quetiapine I'm perimenopausal and gaining weight fast as it is. I feel desperate, why has this happened again? The first time I was ok with Trazodone and Fluoxetine, now I feel like I'm on a slippery slope with all the additional meds? Will I need to take quetiapine forever? Psychiatrist is adamant I have a chemical imbalance. Isn't this an unproved theory?
I can fall asleep on the sofa (although not stay asleep), in bed I cannot drift off at all.
Thank you, it’s so comforting getting a reply.
I have a good relationship with my psychiatrist, although she is the only one I have seen. (I reside in the U.K. so although I have health insurance it’s not as easy to chop and change docs). I know quetiapine will help me sleep but the weight gain concerns me. Should I just do it? I’m guessing I should probably have some blood tests. Apart from Thyroid and hormones is there anything else my insomnia could be related to? Can perimenopause literally stop you sleeping?
Sorry for all the questions. Anxiety levels always high when I can’t sleep. Can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
I am so glad you reached out when dealing with all of this. It sounds like after several years of doing well on your medications, you are now facing another medication change from your psychiatrist. And on top of that, you cannot fall alseep in bed, are struggling on the sofa, which must just add to your stress. I'm sorry you are going through all this.
It sounds like you have not always been on the same page with this psychiatrist, is that the case? You've felt you need to wean off of medications, what they prescribe isn't in line with how you want to move ahead in treatment? Has this been the same psychiatrist the entire time? This is an article about how one person sought out a second opinion for anxiety and insomnia. She also had experience taking Seroquel (quetiapine)- https://insomnia.sleep-disorders.net/living/med-successes-and-failures . It is so important to work with a psychiatrist you have a good relationship with, I wonder if that's possible. I know navigating that system of insurance can be so hard.
To answer your question, a chemical inbalance is not a diagnosis, and knowing if you have any diagnoses beyond insomnia may help you better advocate for yourself. If that's the case (for anyone on the thread) and you want any support, feel free to reach out here or in the messages. I can direct you to more information that may help. - Liz (Team Member)
