Insomnia

[master6]

I had back surgery on 28/4/17, as a result of losing feeling in my right foot. I was prescribed three different pain killers, plus panadol. At 4 weeks I followed pain specialists instructions and began weaning myself of these drugs. Three days after commencing reduction, I suddenly went from my usual experience of good sleep, to still being awake until at least 3am.
I went to bed about 10pm last night, and soon had about 30 minutes sleep. I woke at about 10.45 pm, and here I am still bright and alert at 4.55am. This is typical of my experience since onset of the problem. It has been over a week since I ceased use of any painkillers

I am planning to see my GP today, but would appreciate any advice here.
Thanks,
Jeff

[PA]

Look on the bright side, only 4 sleeps till Xmas.

[RonK]

At a guess, it sounds like you are suffering withdrawal symptoms. Were any of the pain killers opiates?

[master6]

All of them, apparently Ron.
Fentany(Patch)
Tapentadol slow release tablet
Amitriptyline tablet


My GP today suggested resuming the Amitriptyline once daily for 7 days, then every second day for 7 days, then back to see him.

[battler2]

the latter is not an opioid as far as i can tell. it's an anti-depressant used for pain killing as well.

its also apparently used for insomnia but it's not supposed to be. probably hence the recommendation to go back on it.

my opinion, just ride it out. the brain can recover from this, it just takes time.

might be the abrupt cessation of the opioids.

maybe try a low dose benzo like Temazepam. only when you really need it, every few days. sleep is important but drug addiction is worse.

[master6]

Problem solved. I hope.
I have just checked my diary to ensure accuracy. Monday night 12 June was my eleventh consecutive night of very little sleep. As reported above, I went to my GP yesterday, and he advised that I resume Amitriptyline.
At about 4.30pm yesterday, I felt tired, so decided to rest in bed while my wife prepared dinner. It seems that I fell asleep quickly, and slept until the 6pm call for dinner.
On the basis of this development, I decided to postpone resumption of the drug , and went to bed at around 9pm. I dont recall any waking time during the night, except for rising briefly twice to urinate. Sleep resumed immediately. I rose at 8am this morning. I am optimistic that the problem has been overcome. Thankyou for your responses. Jeff

[find_bruce]

Insomnia is an awful condition that affects your body and mind - glad you seem to have found a drug free solution

[cyclotaur]

Not sure of your caffeine intake but my chronic poor sleeping has improves a fair bit if I restrict (eliminate) tea consumption (don't drink coffee) after lunchtime. Also less need to urinate overnight if you sleep well as kidneys slow down urine production during sleep, as I understand it.

Re: pain, if I'm sore at all (usually in the legs and/or lower back) I'll sometimes take Panadol or Ibuprofen on the way to bed (maybe an hour before), just in order to relax in bed and not toss/turn for an hour before dropping off.

Of course your pain has been more serious, though I also recently had a back problem which was very painful until properly resolved and that left numbness in lower left leg and foot which has just recently (6 months later) reduced to an occasional minor tingling/ache.