To continue where we left in our discussion of insomnia, we should start reviewing the treatment options. First, we should address the pharmacologic therapies (both prescription and over the counter medicines) and later on will get to the non-pharmacologic (such as behavioral or psychological meth...
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chronic insomnia
Nassim Saliba
Thursday, August 02, 2007 at 01:18 PMI have read your article with interest as I have suffered from chronic insomnia for over fifty -five years. When I was 18 years old I became ill with serious case of TB. My cousin doctor who was treating me did not tell me about my disease as his fellow doctors saw no hope of recovery. Kowing my background and sensitivity at that age he advised I stay home without even telling any of my parents. With rest, good food, and fresh mountain air I improved over 80%. I decided to rest one more year after which I was ready to resume mystudies. The village doctor who was put incharge of me suddenly told me that I was lucky to get cured as one of his patient was dying. Instantly I knew what I had and panicked of a "taboo disease". That night I lost my sleep, frightful of even hearing the word TB. Although my fear of the disease has gone long ago Icould not regain my sleep. Afew nights I loose all sleep and in good night s I sleep 3-4 hours. Despite my deprivation of normal sleep "rationalised" my life and managed to have a good family and a sucessful career. Now I am in retirement and insomniia is catching up with me and suffer gravley. I used prozac for sometime, helped some how and quit. I use other medication like Ativan and I am afraid I have become addicted with heavier doses (3-4 gm every night) and with little sleep. I have used Am bien which helps better but with half a dose (5mg) I feel dizzy and tired the second day. I talked with two pshchiatrics friemds of mine and recomended only prozac (10mg). I feel to live all my life with very little sleep and do what I did is (sort of a miracle). Of course my faith has been of a help. I feel now real tired and exhausted. Besides, I have some heart problems which could worsten due to sleep deprivation. Should I continue using medecine and which one could make me sleep longer. My primary doctor is aware of my problem and writes for me prescrptons for Ativan.
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