THE INSOMNIA AT STAGE 7

gampiano

Hello to all,

I am very sleep deprived at the moment, but wanted to post, Please excuse any bloopers.

DH is having very restless nights. He has been on Seraquel 25 mg which has helped with mood , but not with sleep. So we are on a trial and error path for sleep med. The first one, Zyprexa was useless, Now switched to Mirtazapine. He took the first pill, 15 mg last night and was up ALL NIGHT. Also , in addition to other tics like constantly clacking his teeth, he's picking imaginary lint off of clothing, slapping himself, having visual hallucinations, and can't seem to settle down, also mostly at night. Today he must be exhausted, but he cant even seem to fall asleep in his chair which is very unusual. This morning, at 3 am, i just gave up, and let him wander aimlessly around the area because i was too exhausted to get up. Of course, he took the MOLST off the fridge door, so i had to grab it as i haven't made copies yet.

Today I haven' given him any meds yet, Im actually afraid to exacerbate the situation. I wont repeat the Mirtazapine tonight that's for sure. It is possible that he has another UTI, but if we treat, it will be for comfort, and to abate symptoms. Hospice nurse did tell me that they could put him on a broad spectrum antibiotic if that was my wish, not sure what to do here, as he is only going to get worse, and at certain times he can barely stand up. So on any given day we have either inability to walk, OR, ceaseless and aimless wandering around.

My question : Why is it so difficult to find an rx for sleep that will work?

I can tell you that in the past, I tried a CBD oil and it was way more effective than any of these drugs. However, the pharmacist has nixed that idea, and I'm following the prescribed protocol.

TRUTHFULLY, I don't care if his thinking is bizarre, if we have HORSES in the house, or a PIG in the bathroom, I can handle that stuff, but the lack of sleep is not sustainable. Any suggestions would be welcome. Ive just ordered Melatonon 3 mg in liquid form, and am willing to try anything at this point.

Thanks,

Maureen

ImMaggieMae

Maurine, now that he’s on Hospice, don’t they prescribe and manage all his meds? Is there someone there you can talk to for advice? Sometimes with a new med it takes a while for it to work, like a week or more. They also usually start many meds at a low dose and then increase them as needed. UTI’s cause a lot of symptoms. Maybe that is keeping him awake. I hope you find something that works. Lack of sleep makes everything even more difficult.

gampiano

Hello,

Yes, all his meds are being prescribed by Hospice . The nurse visits every week, and this is the latest formula we're trying, I know it can take some time , as you mentioned but this reaction was so over the top I don't think I can go through this again tonight. So far today, he is still not even napping, but at least hes quiet, I'm flat out . Im thinking that if I get a 5 day respite, where he goes into the hospital facility here, they might be able to regulate him .

SDianeL

Oh Maureen. The Geriatric Psychiatrist just ordered Mirtazapine for my DH for depression and she said it would help him sleep. He's been having episodes of confusion and getting lost in our small apartment. He's Stage 5 going into Stage 6. I hope it doesn't affect him like your DH. The prescription is for 1/2 tab (7.5 mg) at night. Wonder if you cut it in half and tried again? Will the Hospice nurse stay long enough so you can get some rest?

Joydean

The liquid melatonin is very bitter tasting, I tried that with my dh and he spit it out, said it was nasty, surprised because he has not been able to taste anything for over 10 years, I tried it and true it is nasty tasting. I give my dh the tablets, he can chew them and they taste kinda sweet. Dh’s doctors told me to give them to him at night, started with 5mg and that didn’t help so doc said give him 2. This is with his regular night meds. He sleeps all night now. Not saying this is something you should try, I just know it has been life saver for us. We both get a good nights sleep. ( most nights)

wishing you peace and hope your doctor can help!

gampiano

thank you for that tip! i will get the tablets

housefinch

Natrol brand makes an oral dissolving tablet of melatonin with a pleasant strawberry taste. It’s not bitter at all. My daughter with autism, intellectual disability, and food related sensory/texture issues (who can’t swallow pills) takes it nightly. It comes in a 1 mg, 3 mg, 5 mg, and maybe a 10 mg strength. I get it either from Natrol’s website or Amazon, etc. Our autism specialist said Natrol has reliable, consistent melatonin doses in their products (as opposed to some brands). I don’t know anything about melatonin safety and dosing in dementia, but if your husband’s doctor has told you a dose to try, maybe this brand and form might work. I hope this helps!

https://www.natrol.com/products/melatonin-sleep-support-strawberry-fast-dissolve-tablets-3mg

Iris L.

There used to be many threads on the use of cbd oil and edibles on the old board. I have no experience with this product. You might do a search for some recent threads.

Iris

White Crane

Maureen, after our episodes of sleepless and restless nights, I am giving DH a 10mg fast dissolving melatonin tablet each night before bed and so far it is working. He is sleeping all night...and so am I. I just bought the generic brand at our grocery stores pharmacy. I hope this helps. You have to get some sleep. Praying for you and sending hugs.

Brenda

gampiano

Housefinch.

Thank you!

gampiano

White Crane,

I was just looking at melatonin Did you start him on 10 mg right away? are you combining it with other sleep/anxiety meds? I'm really desperate at this point and cant keep experimenting . Im going to order the tablets.

Thank you!

Maureen.

ImMaggieMae

Maureen, we use this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GG6D9A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Both DH and I take 6mg about half an hour before bedtime. The tablets are tiny, taste good, and dissolve in your mouth. The nice thing is that you can take as many as you need. Start with a couple and see how they work for you. Add one or two or more if needed. We take them with other drugs but always best to check with your doctor first. They’re inexpensive and arrive quickly.