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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Insomnia

I normally go to sleep at 11:00pm. I intend to get up at 6:30am. However, for 2-3 days in a week,i wakeup after 3-4 hours of sleep and am unable to go back to sleep. On these days,I dont get up fresh in morning and am less efficient. On other days i feel enetgetic n quite sharp. I am working n it is office work. Ido not have any mentionable worries n temperament is reasonably cool. I am 54 n normally follow a disciplined routine. In evening i take brisk walk for 45 mtsn meditate for 30 mts . dinner time is at about8:30 pm. Tv up to9:30 and after that i normally read up to 11:00 pm. I have tried many relaxation techniques n ayurvedic herb viz. Ashwagandha without any success. Can you suggest something harmless which i take after i wake up to go back to sleep?
Sat, 25 Jan 2020
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hello,

I understand that you have been suffering from early insomnia (difficulty in initiating sleep) for a long time. Seroquel (Quetiapine) is an anti-psychotic medication which has sedative properties and if sometimes used in the short-term management of insomnia. Unfortunately, you have been experiencing multiple side effects of that medication.

Now, there are several other medication which can be used to treat insomnia. Benzodiazepines are one such group, but the problem with this group of medication is the high risk for dependence. One good alternative, especially for initial / early insomnia is Zolpidem. This is very effective in people who have trouble falling asleep. It is a relatively safe medication and unlike benzodiazepines, there is no risk for dependence.

Low doses of certain antidepressants with sedative properties are also often used effectively in the management of insomnia. Trazadone is one such medication which is used in low doses (25 - 50 mg) for treating insomnia. Since you also mention that you suffer from anxiety-related symptoms also, another good option would be Mirtazapine - which is an antidepressant with both sedative and anti-anxiety properties.

So, I would suggest that you discuss about the above mentioned options with your doctor, so that an appropriate choice of medication can be made.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon
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Suggest Treatment For Insomnia

Hello, I understand that you have been suffering from early insomnia (difficulty in initiating sleep) for a long time. Seroquel (Quetiapine) is an anti-psychotic medication which has sedative properties and if sometimes used in the short-term management of insomnia. Unfortunately, you have been experiencing multiple side effects of that medication. Now, there are several other medication which can be used to treat insomnia. Benzodiazepines are one such group, but the problem with this group of medication is the high risk for dependence. One good alternative, especially for initial / early insomnia is Zolpidem. This is very effective in people who have trouble falling asleep. It is a relatively safe medication and unlike benzodiazepines, there is no risk for dependence. Low doses of certain antidepressants with sedative properties are also often used effectively in the management of insomnia. Trazadone is one such medication which is used in low doses (25 - 50 mg) for treating insomnia. Since you also mention that you suffer from anxiety-related symptoms also, another good option would be Mirtazapine - which is an antidepressant with both sedative and anti-anxiety properties. So, I would suggest that you discuss about the above mentioned options with your doctor, so that an appropriate choice of medication can be made. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Iven Romic Rommstein, General Surgeon