|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
Posted by Scott on May 26, 1999 at 07:38:23:Hi:
I have suffered with periodic insomnia over the past seven years due to a high-stress Ph.D. experience and its aftermath. I have been given Paxil in the past for SAD, but have not been taking anti-depressants since 1996, preferring psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies (St. John's Wort, 5-HTP) and modest exercise.
My current dilemma is this: My doctor first prescribed ProSom (Estazolam) in 1998 for bouts of anxiety and sleeplessness I was experiencing quite often. Well, I found it necessary to continue taking it for more than a year, and have lately been suffering the side-effects more than the benefits. Hence, I want to wean myself off of the 2 mg of ProSom I currently am taking, but my nighttime anxiety and insomnia (difficulty falling and staying asleep for 6-8 hours) continue to plague me. My doctor yesterday prescribed 10 mg tablets of Valium (Diazepam) as a substitute for the ProSom, but I am not sure if need to be concerned about any interactions between the two drugs.
My question is: Will I have any complications by taking a reduced dose (1 mg) of ProSom (in order to gradually reduce my intake, as the manufacturer recommends) while starting with a small portion of Valium and gradually replacing the ProSom with Valium?
Also, is Valium compatible with both St. John's Wort and 5-HTP?
Please forgive the length of this message, however, I felt it important to describe the specifics of my history of taking medications. Until I was around 38, I never had to see a doctor--then my Ph.D. happened, and since then I've had to see more than my share. I'd love to get my old health back!
Thank you for any suggestions you can offer.
Scott
scottpk9@hotmail.com
- Re: Switching from ProSom to Valium for Insomnia/Anxiety Jack 5/26/99 (0)
Copyright ©1995-2000 Sleepnet.com, All rights reserved