MAMEWorld Forums - The Loony Bin - Re: I'm currently running on two hours of sleep...

> which I got on *monday* night.
>
> Also, I had a job interview this morning. That was fun.
>
>
> Need insomnia cure kthnx.

So I eventually went and spoke with a doctor as the insomnia was driving me crazy. A load of standard DSM-IV psychological exams were performed, and while the results showed that I was possibly exhibiting signs of mild depression, the doctor did not feel that it was worth using pharmaceuticals to correct it since the side-effects were not any better than the condition being treated. He did recognize that the combination of all the stress I am dealing with and the lifestyle I lead is causing the problems. So he gave me a prescription for Clonazepam to help me on the nights where I really can't sleep. However, he was very good in letting me know about the side effects. He only only gave me one prescription's worth and said that he would not authorize refills for a number of reasons. One is that the sleep you get with Clonazepam is not a true deep sleep. It's more akin to passing out. Two, if you routinely take the medication you will get physically dependent on it for sleep, and benzodiazepines are really the only medications out there where withdrawal can cause death. Three, I still desire to go out and have a few beers with friends and the combination of benzodiazepines and alcohol can be deadly. He instructed me to take a tab each evening about 30 minutes before I want to fall asleep, and to attempt sleep at that time. If I've been out drinking, don't take any of the tabs.

I do have to say that it has helped, but if you notice the time that I'm making this post, it's not a cure-all. Went out and got/am-still bombed from this evening. So I can't take any meds tonight. But tomorrow, Sunday, and Monday I will abstain from drinking and give this a try. While it's not going to give me back a normal life in one or two doses, I do think it will help me get used to a normal sleep schedule after which I can just ditch this pharmaceutical. For me, it's more about getting back to a regular schedule of sleep, awake, and sleep again.

So the advice I can give is to see a doctor and let him/her know how it's bothering your life. If pharmaceuticals are prescribed, use them as an aide to your ultimate goal, but don't use them as your solution. I'm hoping that in a few weeks, I'll be back to normal.

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I am just a worthless liar.
I am just an imbecile.
I will only complicate you.
Trust in me and fall as well.