Just back from Sleep Doc- Rozerem?????

Just got back from sleep doc appt. (saw the PA) and she suggested that I use Rozerem to help me fall asleep at night instead of Xanax-which I have been using for several years. Does anyone have any experience with using Rozerem? I am always afraid of sleeping pills for fear of dependency and side effects like grogginess the next day.

She also suggested that I try Mylicon for the aerophagia gas I have been having for months now. Isn't that just simethicone like Gas-X, which I have tried and doesn't really solve the problem. I don't think she really understood my situation nor did she think it was "feasible that gas would be in the abdomen from CPAP"-her words.

She really didn't address my problem of continued fatigue just that it may be caused by many other things. When I asked if they could test my Vit. D and B12 levels along with my thyroid she said that the sleep docs do not want to be used as a Primary care doc. But I said- couldn't low levels of Vit.D and B12 and low thyroid contribute to my continued fatigue? Yes, she said but we are not Primary Care docs. Oh, well so much for killing two birds with one stone.

I'm going to attend my first A.W.A.K.E. meeting Thurs. in hopes that maybe I can locate a FFM that might be good for me. I do think that I would do better on a FFM but haven't yet been able to find a comfortable one.

All in all I feel like my visit was a "wash out" as far as getting any help with my problems. I get more help on this site than paying to see the doc.!!!!! I hate the thought of paying for THAT office visit. I don't think the Rozerem is the answer nor do I think Mylicon will help with the aerophagia.

Your fatigue may be a result of the daily dose of Xanax.
Xanax is a Benzodiazepine.
Don't go of it suddenly if you do decide to switch to something else.
http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm
O.

Mylicon is the same thing as Gas-X. The only thing available for gas is simethicone. Have you tried taking 250mg four times a day. That works for me. -K.

grumpygirl wrote: ........nor did she think it was "feasible that gas would be in the abdomen from CPAP"-her words.

..........

I would never pay that damn sorry doc another copay!

BTW, from personal experience, Rozerem and Xanax are both s%#t.

As soon as I get home and have some time, I will post about something surprisingly effective for my persistent (3.5 years) bad case of aerophagia. Give me another week or two to get home and get tax returns( ) finalized for myself and my mom.

Xanax is an anxiety drug, a cousin of Valium. Sedation is a side effect, not an intended use. And it makes for a pretty crappy sleep med- problems with tolerance and withdrawal. If you're just taking a little to sleep sometimes you're probably ok, but I've seen Xanax DT's that were as bad as crystal meth DT's.

I don't have any experience with Rozerem, but it's classified as a hypnotic drug, intended to promote sleep.

Good luck finding something that works for you.

Grumpygirl,

I was a pharm. sales rep for Xanax when it first came out. It is indicated for anxiety, not insomnia. First, if you have been taking Xanax nightly for several years, I'd suggest you taper to 1/2 tab nightly then 1/2 tab every other night . . . before you go to another drug. Benzodiazepines DO NEED to be tapered when you go off, or you will likely have rebound.

Once you are tapered off Xanax, why not try something natural like sublingual Melatonin 3 mg losenges (http://www.lef.org). I take it regularly, mostly for its anti-aging benefits. If after a week it doesn't help you can always go on to your prescribed drug.

Joy

PS - Any questions, PM me.

People have very different reaction to drugs. For me, Rozerem was a total bust -- actually kept me awake. Whereas the tiniest dose of the generic (non-time release) Ambien knocks me out cold ... for exactly three hours. I avoid Ambien because even after a single night of taking it, I can't sleep the next night without it.