After a failed attempt at going cold-turkey on my benzo and z-class drugs (previously) I reintroduced the zolpidem and continued with no benzos.
While on holiday with Zachary – a trip which is yet to be written up – I halved my dose of zolpidem, reducing from 10 to 5mg/night. The first few days I struggled to get to sleep, but as I was on holiday there was no rush or stress and I slowly became accustomed to it.
Then this Friday I removed the final 5mg zolpidem. Thursday I slept very well. Friday and Saturday’s sleep were terrible, due to having acute tonsillitis. Sunday and then again last night were very good, sleeping for 10 and 8.5 hours respectively; and only waking the once.
I’ve been going to bed later than I usually do – around midnight – as that’s when I’ve been tired. I expect my cycle to change to an early bed/early wake when I start work next week, but until then, I’m happy with late nights.
I can’t emphasise how good this is: Between July last year and five days ago, I either didn’t sleep much, or I had to be heavily medicated to sleep. I have now had two consecutive good night’s sleep, waking a similar number of times as people who sleep ‘normally’. I’m seeing Dr Broadhead tomorrow, I think he’ll be happy with this progress; he was concerned I’d gained a dependency on these meds.
So it just leaves me on 45mg mirtazapine, which I’m happy to stay on for the time being.
I don’t fall for the Correlation does not imply causation line of thinking often, but on Thursday I finally severed all ties with my previous employer. Suddenly I’m able to sleep. Coincidence?
June 15th, 2010 12:41
“on Thursday I finally severed all ties with my previous employer. Suddenly I’m able to sleep. Coincidence?”
To me, it makes sense: you said a while ago that your sleep may be anxiety related, and you said that the work situation was making you anxious. It does fit.
June 15th, 2010 12:51
Wow, 45mg? I’m on 5mg a night, and I find that’s ample to get me sleepy. Problem is, I find I’m sleepy during the day too, but then that’s nothing new.
June 17th, 2010 18:48
Mirtazapine only comes in 15mg doses, I thought. How are you doing 5, pill splitting? Even 15mg is considered a small dose… Are you taking it for the anxiety or depression benefits?
June 18th, 2010 10:38
Pretty sure it’s 5mg. Supposed to be for depression benefits, although all it does really is make me drowsy. Good for getting to sleep at night, not so good at work the next day :s
June 18th, 2010 19:08
Nope, you’re right, it is 15mg.