Sleep issues
I have had insomina for 30 plus years and have tried many medications but find some have the opposite effect. I am currently taking Quetiapine which puts me to sleep for a few hours but then I wake up and can't go back to sleep. Also after I take the medication the next day I have brain fog for a good part of the day. I also have anxiety. I do see someone for CBT therapy which is somewhat helpful. I am 72 years old and in pretty good shape. I walk go to gym etc Any suggestions thank you
Hi
. Welcome to the community! If you don't mind me asking, did your doctor prescribe quetiapine as a last resort or is this the first medication you've tried for insomnia? Is your doctor a psychiatrist or a sleep specialist?
Quetiapine is antipsychotic drug that is sometimes prescribed off label for people with insomnia who also have anxiety. However, there is a lot of controversy in the medical community about its use for people who are not on that spectrum, especially older patients. Here is an article from Cleveland Clinic about Quetiapine that might interest you: https://www.ccjm.org/content/88/5/286.
I have a bipolar relative who takes quetiapine when he feels the onset of mania. It's tremendously helpful in helping him sleep and stave off a full-blown attack, but maybe it's not the right thing for you, or maybe it's not right for you now at 72 years old.
Have you asking your doctor about possibly taking a separate medication for anxiety and something else for insomnia, or have you tried that already? Here is an article about insomnia medications that might help get that conversation going: https://insomnia.sleep-disorders.net/prescription-drugs.
I'm glad to hear you're trying cognitive behavioral therapy. That can be really helpful - with or without medication. I hope you get some feedback from others in the community who've had similar experiences.
Thinking of you and wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)
