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Can Morphine Cause Insomnia?
Question: I have severe cervical and spinal stenosis as well as neuropathy. Have had 3 cervical surgeries and looking possibly at a 4th. I am not a candidate for laser surgery and nerve blocking has not worked for me. I am in good hands at Barrows Neurological In XXXXXXX Arizona and have accepted my fate as I was a semi pro bronc rider and broke my neck and low back at a young age. I have 2 questions; first, I have bad insomnia due to pain and have used Ambien for years but am starting to have issues with the side effects. I have tried most natural and prescription options with not so great results but am curious if you could offer suggestions of meds to speak with my Dr about. I do not have sleep apnea. My next question is in regards to pain medications. I am on Morphine 15 3x per day and Percocet 10-325 for break thru pain which does not work very well. I do monthly resets to avoid opiate addiction and am told that could be part of why it doesn't work great but would rather take a medication when my pain goes above 6 or 7. My pain stays around 5 most of the time and I have a high tolerance but again am looking for options to discuss if any. I also have CKD. Thanks in advance for your time.
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Morphine can lead to insomnia and sleep apnea
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, unfortunately opioid pain medications can disrupt sleep and prevent you from entering into deep sleep , it can also cause sleep related breathing disturbances as sleep apnea.
the regimen that you are following is the typical medical regimen for management of chronic spinal pain consisting of analgesic , muscle relaxant and an anti convulsant ..
Since laser surgery and nerve blocking did not work for you then you can try on if the following psychological and recent techniques that might help you further ..
1) cognitive behavioral therapy which includes number of strategies that are designed to help patients with chronic pain change their thoughts and behaviours that interfere with sleep.
for example: bed time routine for most people include elimination of any distraction in order to relax and fall asleep .. actually a quiet environment can cause problems for people with chronic pain because the only thing left to focus on is the experience of pain.
2) electrotherapy with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation . this includes low voltage electric stimulation that interact with sensory nervous system.
3) Radiofrequency radio-ablation which involves deadening of painful nerves via heat. it is successful in 60% of cases
I hope you find this helpful.
Morphine can lead to insomnia and sleep apnea
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir, unfortunately opioid pain medications can disrupt sleep and prevent you from entering into deep sleep , it can also cause sleep related breathing disturbances as sleep apnea.
the regimen that you are following is the typical medical regimen for management of chronic spinal pain consisting of analgesic , muscle relaxant and an anti convulsant ..
Since laser surgery and nerve blocking did not work for you then you can try on if the following psychological and recent techniques that might help you further ..
1) cognitive behavioral therapy which includes number of strategies that are designed to help patients with chronic pain change their thoughts and behaviours that interfere with sleep.
for example: bed time routine for most people include elimination of any distraction in order to relax and fall asleep .. actually a quiet environment can cause problems for people with chronic pain because the only thing left to focus on is the experience of pain.
2) electrotherapy with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation . this includes low voltage electric stimulation that interact with sensory nervous system.
3) Radiofrequency radio-ablation which involves deadening of painful nerves via heat. it is successful in 60% of cases
I hope you find this helpful.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
Thank you for your quick response Dr.
I do actually see a therapist as recommended above which has help on several levels and am pleased to see you recommend this. I use the Tens units provided by my dr. and, did the radio-ablation for many months. In all cases we had early success that slowly dwindled. I still do them for general comfort just not as frequent. We also worked with a sleep clinic in setting up my bedtime process including low level music and sound. I cant do the tv at night as I also get severe migraines especially with the muti colors and light flashing/fluctuation in a dark room.
Sounds like my doctors are using all the options out there to help me. I am, of course discouraged as we always hope for that new suggestion that isn't popular yet but, oh well.
May I ask if you have a preferred sleep medication that you have seen work well for others in similar situation to mine? I keep hearing that I'm on the common path but like to check now and again for new possibilities.
thanks again. XXXXXXX
I do actually see a therapist as recommended above which has help on several levels and am pleased to see you recommend this. I use the Tens units provided by my dr. and, did the radio-ablation for many months. In all cases we had early success that slowly dwindled. I still do them for general comfort just not as frequent. We also worked with a sleep clinic in setting up my bedtime process including low level music and sound. I cant do the tv at night as I also get severe migraines especially with the muti colors and light flashing/fluctuation in a dark room.
Sounds like my doctors are using all the options out there to help me. I am, of course discouraged as we always hope for that new suggestion that isn't popular yet but, oh well.
May I ask if you have a preferred sleep medication that you have seen work well for others in similar situation to mine? I keep hearing that I'm on the common path but like to check now and again for new possibilities.
thanks again. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Estazolam
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir the following preparations are as good as Ambein; Estazolam, Eszopiclone ( Lunesta) , Temazepam ( Restoril) .. I hope I answered your question.
Estazolam
Detailed Answer:
Dear sir the following preparations are as good as Ambein; Estazolam, Eszopiclone ( Lunesta) , Temazepam ( Restoril) .. I hope I answered your question.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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