kuroi Posted April 5, 2014 Share Posted April 5, 2014 Hi, I have been fighting for a way to get my sleep as it very long ago was. I am closing in 30yo now, having sleep problems for about the last decade. I have been on alprazolam (xanax and the slow releasing type), victain, and some others meds like cipralex and others I don't remember. What is most important is that none of them worked, I quit alprazolam cold turkey(yes very dumb I didn't know at the time), I was very desperate was taking sometimes 8mg to sleep and consuming alcohol to help. It reached a point (the start of this year) that I just quit my job because I couldn't take it. I even thought I was bipolar or something because I couldn't take the pressure and started making very bad decisions and not seeing things clearly. I also had some panic attacks and anxienty but I think that was because I was afraid of not being able to keep up with my job and things in my life. Anyway at the moment I ocasionally take xanax, for instance at the moment I took 0.5mg xanax about a hour ago but zero effect. But this has to end, I can't funcion normally, can't focuse, don't have energy... I was browsing and read some page.. and got the ideia that maybe I have a lack of GABA? Sorry if I am being ignorant I am honestly seeking for help. I am sick and tired of going to the doctor and getting nothing resolved, along with the many money I spent last year on docs and meds for nothing. I wish I never got on alprazolam because honestly I think it ruined my brain a bit. I have always been a big coffee consumer.. don't know the role that played but honestly I can drink 6 expressos or 0 and at the end of the day it makes no difference. At the time I think this disorder staarted I was taking the meds (cipralex and alprazo) and using estimulants (green tea, coffee, ginseng, etc..) I think that and a whole group of factors made me tip over. I tried the gym, actually had some days that I really pushed myself but I only slept worst.. Anyway have anny suggestion on how I can re-establish equilibrium? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuroi Posted April 5, 2014 Author Share Posted April 5, 2014 (edited) Oh yes forgot to mention, about 2 years ago I was living in a bad place, like the next door neighbor had some very shady activities and some nights I got really scared because of the noise (seemed like 4 blokes or something were fiighting) at 4am was usual. And I was abroad and alone. That and other things got me maybe traumatized. I also suffered from tingling in my left hand whenever I tried to go to sleep or got really anxious. Also have suffered for many years from sleep paralysis and apneia (don't know if it is exactly apea but it is like I forget to breath just as I am entering sleep and wake up panicking for air). That and family issues and the fact that I couldn't cope with the presure at work got me into this state. My whole body fears sleep. Edited April 5, 2014 by kuroi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indigo 'n dye Posted April 5, 2014 Share Posted April 5, 2014 Therapy to begin to work through your fears would be a starting point. Followed by a sleep study. Is your Xanax prescribed by a psychiatrist? Do you have a therapist that you are working with? Do you practice good sleep hygiene? http://sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vanderk Posted April 5, 2014 Share Posted April 5, 2014 Between all the caffeine and anxiety, never mind the duration of your sleep disturbance, this is going to take time to resolve. Likely a lot of time. I don't say that to discourage you, only to help you to manage expectations. Yep, good sleep hygiene is an essential ingrediant (strict adherence to bedtime and awake time, no stimulants anywhere near bedtime, no computer work while in bed, dial down the room temp...). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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