donR
34 posts
Jan 12, 2010
10:39 PM
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Hi Mark, Can you describe some options we have to help combat insomnia? Are there different classes of medications? I have tried natural alternatives but still have trouble sleeping.
I'm early stage PD and just started Selegiline. Nothing else.
I know that you can't prescribe but hopefully you can help me sort through the options.
Thanks, Don R
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ThePharmacist
491 posts
Jan 19, 2010
3:49 PM
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sure don, Option 1 is the over the counter products. This included diphenhydramine (benadryl) and melatonin. The side effects of benadryl is drowsiness and melatonin is a natural product we have in our body that decreases in amount as we get older. Option 2 are prescription products like desyrel, amityiptiline, and many antidepressants. The main use of these is to try and slow down the brain before bed allowing you to sleep. Also, some antianxiety meds may be used. Option 3 are prescription sleep meds. These include ambien, lunesta, rozerem, and temazepam (to name a few). The goal of these is to help you get asleep and stay asleep. The main thing you need to do is figure out the cause of insomnia. This will better help the dr fine tune a choice for you. Is itbdrpression, anxiety, meds, etc... Best of health, Mark
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ThePharmacist
501 posts
Jan 24, 2010
11:19 PM
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for stress I see some lexapro or celexa used. If no improvement, the a low dose of Ativan, klonipin, or Xanax seems to work well. Best of health and happiness, Mark
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