turtlefairy5 Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 Hey guys,I might've asked this one before. Does anyone out there take a sleep aid such as Ambien on a regular basis (herbal supplements excluded)? Has your doctor been willing to prescribe the drug on a regular basis? Have you noticed if it worsened your other symptoms, specifically the tachycardia? Do you feel groggy or tired the next morning or the next day? Second, a while back I remember someone on here implied that carbohydrates, too many, made their symptoms worse. Is this true for anyone else? One of my other medications causes carbohydrate cravings and I'm wondering if eating carbs is contributing to or worsening my symptoms.Thanks,Amber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iheartcats Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 I take Ambien when I am having a flare-up and/or adrenaline rush and/or stressful situation. I take either 5mg or 10mg and for a few months I THOUGHT it was making my symptoms worse. Someone on here suggested it might be because I take it during my worse times. So I've tried it a couple times when it's not really needed and I was ok.From what I understand, Ambien is fast-acting and out of your system really quickly.I usually have 30 10mg pills last for 6 months and no dependence issues on any medicines, so my doctors are comfortable with this. Plus they know POTS can cause sleep disturbances.As for Carbs. Yes, unfortunately, for me. I ate a huge plate of spaghetti and my heart rate was around 100 sitting/lying around for about 2 hours. But I love my carbs. I need to cut back though. But I have to live a bit. Alas. I wonder why this is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 My doctors have prescribed numerous sleep aids for me to take on a regular basis. The problem with all of them, though, was that they left me groggy for the whole next day. I still take an Ambien when I need a good night sleep; I just have to be prepared to stay in bed for the next day as well.I take Melatonin every night to help me sleep. 3mg is enough to make me fall asleep, but not so much that I'm super groggy in the morning. My sleep specialist is okay with me taking Melatonin long term.Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjb Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 I take Melatonin every night to help me sleep. 3mg is enough to make me fall asleep, but not so much that I'm super groggy in the morning. My sleep specialist is okay with me taking Melatonin long term.RachelRachel, I take melatonin too but am thinking of stopping.I have read melatonin can worsen dysautonomia. Have you foudn this to be true?an w/ Ambien, yes it did worsen my dys ... all sleep aids do for me. Especially dopamine antagonists (those OTC PM sleep aids) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 Melatonin has not worsened my dysautonomia. If anything it has helped it because I am able to get more sleep now. My symptoms flare up very badly when I don't get adequate sleep. If there is any negative effect from the Melatonin, it is greatly outweighed by the benefits for me.All of my doctors, including my autonomic specialists, know that I take Melatonin. None of them have ever told me to stop.Rachel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajw4790 Posted April 3, 2009 Report Share Posted April 3, 2009 Hi,I have been prescribed Ambien, but haven't taken it.As far as carbs they can make the majority of us feel worse. About every one of my drs. have said to make sure to watch carbs/be on low carb diet. My meds make me crave sweets too. Avoiding carbs especially non-whole grain simple carbs are very important for blood sugar regulation, and other parts of ANS. Too many carbs an make people feel a lot worse. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turtlefairy5 Posted April 4, 2009 Author Report Share Posted April 4, 2009 Well, poo. My Seroquel helps me sleep, but causes carbohydrate/sugar cravings. It also makes me very, very lethargic (unable or unwilling to get up) in the morning. I was hoping to get off of it and try Ambien, but it sounds like that isn't such a great option.I've tried Ambien in the past, as well as OTC sleep aids, and I've always wondered if either of those didn't contribute to my sudden episodes of tachy in the night, or first thing in the morning. *sigh* Amber Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iheartcats Posted April 4, 2009 Report Share Posted April 4, 2009 Hmmm.Seems some people take Melatonin without issues, and it bothers others.Seems some take Ambien without too many issues, and it bothers others.I don't know - you may just have to try a few things before you know what works for you. It must just be the Dysautonomia that does this right? Some things work for some people, not for others? I don't know why it doesn't act like other diseases where a set of medicines just work for it. :/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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