Massive insomnia after detox - help?

[LotusExige]

All,

10 days ago I did a 5 day in patient detox program to end 5 years of dependence on Dilaudid. Was up to 60-70mg of it a day and it was just killing me. I'm a chronic pain patient but haven't had sever pain in 6+ months so was only continuing to take to avoid withdrawl. I'm through all the symptoms (massive RLS was my last bad symptom that left a few days ago). However I still can't sleep - and haven't in almost a week and am just dying. I'll get 2 hours, wake up for a few, maybe an hour, back up maybe 2 more. If I could get 6+ hours straight sleep I'd be a new person.

A friend gave me some 1mg Xanax (never taken them before but have taken 2mg Lorazapam off/on for years - never enough to get dependent). It didn't seem to help/do much as I was back awake 3 hours after taking it. I also have Ambien and Amiben CR but those don't seem to help anymore either.

Advice? I eat very healthy but haven't had much in the last week as I haven't been hungry at all post detox. And no, no exercise yet as I'm just so exhausted all day it's all I can do to move around. I'm flying cross country today and I'm dreading it - maybe it'll tire me out for tonight though.

Advice? I sorta want to pitch the Xanax as I don't want to want yet another pill. I haven't tried melatonin before but might.

 

[lazylazyjoe]

Careful with the benzos. Youll end up with a whole new habit.

Alterill is awesome for post detox sleeping. Has melatonin, valerian root, tryptophan, various other things.

 

[T. Calderone]

What you're experiencing is pretty much to be expected, with PAWS (post-acute withdrawal syndrome) inability to sleep is a common symptom. Like Joe said, taking benzos like Xanax can be harmful to your recovery. Concentrate on eating right, exercise if you can even if it's just stretching your muscles and taking a walk. It can do wonders.

 

[LotusExige]

Thanks guys - that was what I was guessing you'd say. I did take 1mg Xanax before bed and it didn't help at all. Fortunately I've never enjoyed benzos so it's easy to not start that issue. Not only can I not sleep the bad thing is my pain is back - the pain I was taking my meds for. I've been off them 10 days now but for the first time I want a few due to the pain. I could get 4 of them if I wanted from a friend - but I'm somewhat worried about putting me back into withdrawal even if I only took 2. I just need sleep so bad - I feel like a complete zombie.

Today will be a very busy/active day as I'm flying cross country - with my service animal (a 3 year old yellow lab). I'm a dog trainer and she's amazing but still - traveling like that is just hard. She's been sick (bad stomach if you get my meaning) so I'm also worried she might get ill (she's flown 10+ times and never so far). I figure luck isn't on my side right now...

Anyway I'll try Alterill - health food store thing??

 

[T. Calderone]

Yes the Alteril is an over-the-counter medication that you can buy at drugstores. Not sure if it's available outside of the U.S. though, maybe check out their website. I agree if you try and take even a couple pain pills it could set you back so not worth it. Hope you have a safe trip and you and your dog feel better soon!