Sleep Disorders - Best drugs to treat strong anxiety and OCD-like tendencies -?
Question posted by Philly59 on 10 June 2013
Last updated on 22 February 2018 by stosch
... relentless compulsive thoughts.
Quick overview: I have dealt with strong anxiety and obsessive thoughts about sleep since an incident in 2002. It started out with the inability to fall asleep and as the worry about not sleeping grew and I continued to search/disect every piece of information to "heal" myself, the concept of sleep became so foreign to me, I actually have a irrational, strong fear of falling asleep. I constantly think and worry about sleep - all through the day, leading up to the next night. In bed my mind often fights my body's natural falling asleep process - it's terrible and results up for hours. I can say the fear is irrational - but its like my mind is protecting me from falling asleep. My thoughts are compulsive and they ruminate. I am doing CBT, but there is not so much negative self-talk it's difficult to stop the thoughts or restructure them... I am currently taking fluexotine and ativan as needed for anxiety. Just wondering what meds have helped with obsessive compulsive thoughts and constant rumination. Thanks for any help
Zoloft has helped my OCD tremendously . I'm on the beginning dose of 25mg. Might go up to 50mg. Many people take 100mg-200mg. I would talk to your Dr. and see what he says.
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RO
Robert roberts
21 Feb 2018
I also have this fear. Dates back to early childhood. Feeling of failure if I don’t fall asleep quickly. I take 5 mg. melatonin. 2 mg. Diazepam & 5 mg zopiclone. Usually works ok. When I am still anxious I listen to a relaxation/hypnosis tape. Often fall asleep while tape is on. My wife looks forward to night and relaxing in bed; I begin to wind up anticipating the “what if... ”
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A2
A2352926
21 Feb 2018
How are you doing now. I'm going through the same thing. I don't have hope of getting out. Just wonder what sleep aid I should take in the future
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PE
PetraHartman
5 Dec 2016
Hi Philly59, I'm currently struggling with a similar problem that you described, obsessed with sleep and constantly anxiously worrying about it. Initially I had insomnia but am now sleeping very well. However I can't stop obsessing about it. Totally irrational and pointless but such a bad habit now for almost 1 year. I was wondering how you got on with your therapy/medication, I know your post dates back a couple of years. Maybe you could let me know how you're getting on. Many thanks, Petra
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TK
tk1966
22 Oct 2014
there are many meds to help you with OCD anxiety and sleep. you definitely should talk to your Dr. but some advice. stay away from alprazolam. it works great for anxiety and sleep but very easy to become dependant on and very very hard to come off of.
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DE
Delila
11 June 2013
Hi, you could discuss with your doctor about adding a beta-blocker? I am taking a combination of medications and find this works well for me. I have quite a few mental health issues, so i take a different medication to treat each one. There are interaction risks between some of them, but i have been lucky, & haven't experienced any of the potential symptoms. It doesn't hurt to do a bit of trial and error. It is good that you are engaging in CBT. Are you seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist that you can talk to one-on-one about your concerns? A psychiatrist is the best person to prescribe you medications to treat mental health conditions. I have recently started seeing a new one, & he made a simple change to my medications & it has made the world of difference.
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LE
lennongurl
10 June 2013
Anxiety and OCD are horrible. I suffer from both myself. I take Luvox for my OCD. It's the only thing that has ever remotely helped my OCD. Not to say that I am OCD-free but I'm better. I'm the same way with sleeping at nights. I take xanax before bed to calm me down and help me sleep. Good luck!
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PH
Philly59
10 June 2013
Thanks for the feedback. You said you you are the same way with sleeping at night... meaning the same thoughts, symptoms of mine? I am just looking for positivity and hope. I meet with a psychatrist next week and will inquire about Luvox/xanax
LE
lennongurl
10 June 2013
Yes they were similar. Please let me know how you do!
FA
Factfinder411
10 June 2013
Are you going to a therapist that specializes in OCD? That's what I had to do, bc the meds on the market don't work for me besides Xanax bc of a sensitivity problem. My transmission went out of gear and I keep having this thought what if my 2 year old was in the car.
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LB
lbrogan16
10 June 2013
I went through a week of not sleeping, its what I describe as hell on earth. I have a few suggestions. My Dr prescribed different medications and through trial and error I found the right one for me. Ask your Dr about Ambien. I take a very low dose 2.5 mgs but it works. Also tramadol works wonders for anxiety. Everyone is different but it's worth a shot I also do some yoga excersizes before I lay down. It does wonders for your mind and body. I wish you the best.
