Depression and CPAP, help needed !!!

snamvar · Post by **snamvar** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 8:28 pm

Hi,
I have not been here for a while, so I have some reading to catch up with. I am going through a difficult time (divorce) and after 8 months of seperation, the depression is hitting me hard. I have not been able to use my CPAP for the past few nights. I can not get to sleep even without it. I am taking Ambien and Paxil. Ambien and no sleep is not good. Feeling like a zombie.
I asked my doctor for Lunesta and got some.for tonight. Anyone experience any problems with switching from Ambien to Lunesta?
I don't want to get into the cycle of depression->anxiety->insomnia->more depression->more anxiety-> ....
I will be fine with god's grace and I am much more prepared this time. I appreciate your support.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 9:05 pm

Snamvar,

Sorry you've had such a hard year....sounds like things can olny get better. As far as the depression I realize that sleeping is important but keep in mind that sleep aids (especially the good ones) can worsen depression....maybe an antidepressant that helps with sleep would be a good alternative...I'm thinking trazodone or even amitryptiline. Coming off of the sleep aids will definitely cause some sleepless nights but it sounds like they aren't working for you. And by all means don't give up on your CPAP.

Well, no matter how bad it gets....don't hesitate to talk to someone. PM me anytime to talk or something...I'm sure the others on the board will help anyway they can too.

Hold your head up and feel better.....Life isn't easy....but it's definitely worth the trouble.

Take Care

jdschooler · Post by **jdschooler** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 9:06 pm

Oops...I just realized that I wasn't logged in in my previous reply...

LDuyer · Post by **LDuyer** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 9:10 pm

Yeah, you're welcome to PM me as well. I've not been through divorce, but depression is something I've gone through as others have too, and I've lost close friends in several ways. As said, it's always good to talk about it.

glassgal · Post by **glassgal** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 10:16 pm

Snamvar,

I'm so sorry to hear about your difficulties. I have done the divorce thing too and it is never easy disrupting your life, losing a friend (although my ex and I are still friends), picking up the pieces. My son is now going through a divorce also, so that is bringing it all back to me.

I have never had much luck with medication for depression -- therapy is always a good option -- or do as I do -- talk your friend's ears off! A good book can help to take your mind off things also. I read as much as I can find time for!

Do try to stick with the hose -- it will only get worse if you don't treat the apnea! Good luck and never give up! Things will get better! I am enjoying my independence and taking charge of my life.

snamvar · Post by **snamvar** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 11:42 pm

Thank you for all your heart warming support. Life sure gets challenging at time, but I have been through so many and will get through this one too.
I am so glad that you are all doing well
Thank you for your support

Night Owl · Post by **Night Owl** » Fri Apr 29, 2005 11:47 pm

I've been through a very sad divorce and the dark days that hang over you for awhile. It's your job to be good to yourself. Something nice just for you everyday. You count. Just you are important, There'll be bad days and better days. That's OK. Dig down where your "grit" is. Do you remember what comforted you before this ? Indulge yourself. Try some chamomile tea before bed. It works. Warm baths and warm milk. Make your bed a soothing place just for you. New sheets. New jams. Keep a routine the hour before bed of relaxing, self-centered soothing. Be happy to take care of yourself by using your good cpap. Hang in there. Life will sparkle again.

ITeach · Post by **ITeach** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 7:48 am

I find trazadone very effective for both my insomnia and depression. I take one dose at night and then read until I can't stay awake (usually 30-40 minutes. Hang in there and know that there are a great many of us that have dealt with depression. Keep hanging on until you get the help you need. It took me a while to find the right sleep/depression/anxiety/insomnia treatment adjusted. But, it was well worth my effort.

2listless · Post by **2listless** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:21 am

I have dealt with depression most of my life. You get in a vicious cycle of guilt, responsibility etc and then depression. Lack of sleep and/or the disruption of the sleep cycle is a major cause of depression. I was put on a plethora of drugs over the years and most of them made me so sleepy during the day and an insomniac all night. It is a trying thing to deal with........ But I will just tell you a little of my experience. I was put on paxil 3 years ago - I started to gain weight. No matter what I did I gained weight, then I became nore depressed. They upped the paxil and then I did not care about anything. I did not worry about anything, I did not care about anything and......I kept gaining weight. I finally decided that this was a crap way to live and slowly weaned myself off the paxil. The depression returned with a vengeance. Went to my doctor, she said, "We need to get you off the paxil - there are new studies showing it can cause major weight gain" DUH I told her I had stopped it but I could not take the depression, so she started me on Wellbutrin XL. In 4 weeks, I lost 39 pounds. I did not change my diet or excercise program. I was shocked that a drug could do that to my system. I am basically an insomniac and wish I could offer some wonder cure for sleep - I have tried Ambien which did nothing and recently I have tried xanax, which equally does nothing. The only thing that makes me sleepy is zyrtec for allergies. Unfortunately, it makes me sleepy all day, so I do not use it either. My biggest complaint with CPAP is the doctors tend only to address the issue of apneas and heaven forbid you have another sleep issue. My sleep study stated "severely broken sleep architecture", severe insomnia and 256 Global arousals. All they are treating me for is the supposed apnea. Maybe if they would treat all of us and our other issues as a totality, we might all be able to get a better nights sleep. I wish you a lot of luck and support. Check out all your meds, you will be surprised how many say "may cause sleep disturbances". You have the support of everyone here. Feel free to PM me any time!!!!!!!

SleepTalker · Post by **SleepTalker** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 10:25 am

Hi,
While I am new to cpap, I am not new to depression, infact a new psychiatrist suspected my lifelong depression was caused by apnea and well, here I am. Trazadone is good as an antidepressant that helps your brain realise it's time to sleep. Be sure your apnea isn't returning as I know that can aggravate depression. Studies have said that patients recover best with combinations of meds and cognitive therapy, and if your sad situation is what's keeping you from sleeping, so Therapy might be just what you need to get over this hump.
I wish you well and will be praying for you.
ST

snamvar · Post by **snamvar** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 11:48 am

Thank you for all your support. I did take Lunesta 3mg last night (instead of Ambien 10mg) and slept so nicely with my CPAP all night long
I have had depression since I was 18 and several major episodes. I have come to believe that you have to address all the underlying issues and I have been trying to do so. Genetics is a major factor and medication seems to work the best in this case (my case). Therapy is important for dealing with your feelings and emotions and negative thinking. OSA could definitely make depression worst and I am treating it with CPAP.
I really think that life puts you in challenging spots at times and you have to learn from it, deal with it and move on.
Support of family and friends are so important at those times and I have them too. I am always counting my blessings and this forum has been one of them. Thank you all.

neversleeps · Post by **neversleeps** » Sun May 01, 2005 1:24 pm

I find it very telling that so many of us have been diagnosed with clinical depression. I've been struggling with it my whole life (though only knew what to call it since the actual diagnosis 20 years ago).

My sisters cornered me a month ago and made me go to a 'highly recommended' therapist. They insisted I wasn't acting 'alive' anymore. I asked my sisters to attend the session with me and one of their chief complaints was that I would bring my son over to visit, and promptly fall asleep. They said they were annoyed with this because it fell to them to entertain my son while I zoned out on the couch. They felt used. Their theory was I needed to switch antidepressants and therapists!

Interestingly enough, the therapist got into a discussion with me about sleep. I said, "Sleep eludes me," which has been my standard reply for years when anyone wants to know why: A) I'm always exhausted and B) why I'm up at 3:30am every morning cleaning the house and doing laundry.

She said she believed sleep apnea was THE MOST UNDER DIAGNOSED CAUSE OF DEPRESSION. She said changing medication might be a consideration after being on CPAP for a few months if there are no positive results. She also told my sisters they should help me out by inviting me over more often so I can sleep while they play with my son! (Not what they wanted to hear!!) She explained to my sisters that I need to 'grab sleep when I can get it' and as my loving family, instead of being angered by it, they should present more opportunities for me to do just that.

So, no change of antidepressants for me, and no new therapist. The theory is if the time ever comes when I'm not sleep-deprived, my depression will be greatly alleviated.

I hope it's true. It seems all my life I've been like a camera, watching things happen (even watching myself interacting with others) and not actually being there. Does that make sense?

Anyway, so this is yet another reason not to give up on CPAP. A BIG, HUGE, ENORMOUS, GIGANTIC, GARGANTUAN reason not to give up on CPAP.

(By the way, neither of my sisters, who were so gangbusters about getting me in to this new therapist, has called me since then to invite us over. I guess they were hoping the answer was a new pill, not a sacrifice of their time. So as always, I am one who never sleeps.)

Vicki · Post by **Vicki** » Sun May 01, 2005 2:05 pm

Well, I can certainly relate to both the depression and the divorce. From these posts, I know you realize there is a lot of support for you out here. I'll echo that you absolutely have to try really hard to keep your apnea under control because, as you noted, it can become a horrible vicious cycle.

Also, be aware that medicines (and alcohol) can affect the laxity, the muscle tone, of the muscles responsible for your apnea. Therefore, the more lax your muscle tone, the more pressure needed to overcome apnea. I'm not saying to not take meds., I'm just saying to compensate your apnea accordingly if you need to.

Vicki ZsPlease

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun May 01, 2005 3:14 pm

neversleeps wrote:
I hope it's true. It seems all my life I've been like a camera, watching things happen (even watching myself interacting with others) and not actually being there. Does that make sense?

I can relate to this so much. I really feel disconnected with people at times. It's feels like me and the rest of the world. I tend to become really anoyed at friends and people around me. No wonder we folks with depression tend to isolate ourselves when we are depressed.

I feel so blessed that my OSA was detected and using the CPAP. I have also purchased an Auto CPAP with the software which I see how much my pressure requirements varies each night.

I think that being ready for depression (medications, therapy, CPAP, ...) is so important, so it does not catch you off guard.

Thank you for all your support and take good care of yourselves

snamvar · Post by **snamvar** » Sun May 01, 2005 3:14 pm

Sorry, that was me.

Mask