I’ve been taking trazodone for help sleeping for the past couple of years. While it doesn’t put me to sleep anymore, it does help me stay asleep. Without it, I wake up about four to six times during the night.
I’ve taken two 50mg tablets the entire time. So when I saw my meds management doctor, he offered to combine it into a single 100 mg pill. Which was great… if I’d remembered that change when I filled the scrip two weeks ago.
Instead, I was apparently taking a double dose lo these last 14 days. I planned to get some sleep aids to fill the gap, but I figured I’d just try it on my own on Saturday.
Not-so-funny story: I didn’t sleep. Not “I didn’t sleep much” or “I tossed and turned.” I didn’t sleep at all. I was tired, but not sleepy. I finally made myself go to bed around 12:30 a.m. I gave up around 3:30 a.m.
I figured I’d watch some TV and tire out my eyes. I was still watching around 6 a.m., when Tim got up. (Between his back and Patches, he rarely sleeps past 6:30.)
I was dizzy and exhausted, but not sleepy. I even went and laid down on the bed to watch more TV. Never even closed my eyes.
Oh, did I mention that my lower back decided to act up on Saturday. It’s hurt to do much of anything all weekend. Because, really, why not?
I spent most of yesterday nauseated and dizzy. I made sure to eat regularly. Well, protein bars mainly. And Tums. But it was about all I could, pardon the pun, stomach.
I went to bed at 8 p.m. (34 hours after the last time I’d slept) and fell into a blissful slumber… until 6:15 a.m. when Tim woke me up to tell me that someone had just thrown a rock through the guest bedroom window.
Because… of course they did.
Ten hours’ sleep meant I was at least coherent. I was able to look up what the hell you do in this situation (plastic sheeting) and even read/understand work emails. I’m like 99% sure my replies were even intelligible.
But I still had to stumble (kind of literally) back to bed. I got two more hours of sleep, but my body still isn’t happy. My stomach is still upset, and I’m dizzy if I’m upright for too long. Thankfully, email volumes are light on holidays.
I’m keeping up the Tums and some-sort-of-food regimen. I’m trying to drink water in case I’m partially dehydrated (although on a bad day I drink around 72 oz of water). When we went to Fry’s, I picked up some pita bread and cheese. I think bland is the order of the day.
But I did make it through Fry’s and Home Depot without falling or puking. I’m counting that as an accomplishment.
And we even managed to get the plastic sheeting up. Tim cleaned the glass up.
Unfortunately, we keep our unfolded laundry on the guest bed. And we often don’t fold our laundry. In other words, Tim’s probably going to have to rewash a bunch of stuff just to be safe.
At least there are no peak electricity rates on holidays. So that’s… good?
I’m off to answer emails and then probably stumble back to bed for another nap.
Revanche says
Awful. I’m so sorry – not sleeping is just torturous. I assume you were trying to go it alone because you used up your RX in half the time, is this one of those RXs they won’t fill again within a short time frame if you make just such a mistake?
(And I wish twisted ankles on whoever threw a rock through your window. Make ’em easier to spot.)
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Abigail says
I just assumed I couldn’t get it fixed. Insurance is a hassle. Granted, so is this but… I dunno I’ll figure it out when I’m able to think clearly again.
Donna Freedman says
That sucks! Are you filing a homeowner’s insurance claim or just fixing it yourself?
I hope you feel better soon.
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Abigail says
I doubt it will hit the $500 deductible we have. Even if it did, it wouldn’t be by much. May as well not give Farmer’s a reason to raise premiums.
Catseye says
Abby, I am so sorry! Not only because of your messed up sleep pattern but because someone threw a rock through one of your windows. What the hell?!?
Please feel better soon.
Abigail says
Yeah, that’s our thought. Pretty sure it wasn’t kids, either. Tim ran outside when he heard, and a pickup truck squealed away.
Tonya@Budget and the Beach says
When I did my half marathon I didn’t sleep for 4 days STRAIGHT because I was so nervous I totally understand the dizzy/woozy feeling. I was also very tweaky. Hope you get such much needed sleep soon. Sleep is glorious when it goes well!
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Abigail says
Yes, it really is, isn’t it? I can’t imagine running on so little sleep, even without chronic fatigue. Way to go you!
Kat says
I’m sorry, that sounds like a really crappy series of events. Considering your symptoms, and the fact that you’ve been on the medication for a prolonged period of time- have you thought able t calling your doctor to see if there are any risks associated with the sudden withdrawal from a higher dose? I know trazadone is technically an anti-depressant, which means some of those symptoms could be from the step down.
I hope things get better!
Abigail says
That actually makes sense. Hadn’t thought of it. I’m starting to feel better, though, so I guess it’s moot at the moment.
carrrie s says
Who throws rocks at windows?! I mean, seriously!? I’m so sorry 🙁 Here’s hoping it’s an inexpensive fix.
Abigail says
Yeah. If it were kids, I guess I’d get it. But Tim saw a truck peel away right afterward. There was a kid, but he was walking at a normal pace. Probably not something you do after that kind of thing.
Practical Parsimony says
File a police report. Consider that if you report this to insurance company, your rates may go up. Try vacuuming the clothes before washing in order to stop the spread of tiny shards of glass. Have you ever taken melatonin tablets? They work well for me.
Taylor Lee @ Engineer Cents says
I second the melatonin tablets. And aerobic exercise, insofar as you are able or have the time.
All that really sucks. Heart goes out to you.
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Abigail says
Yeah, exercise is far down the road — even when I’m not sleep-deprived. But given my back problems, I need to start taking some small steps toward that. Specifically, crunches.
Abigail says
We don’t plan on filing a claim. I highly doubt the fix will be much more than our deductible, and like you said, no reason to sniff around for a higher rate. Unfortunately, we don’t have a vacuum. Tile floors and all.
Prudence Debtfree says
Sleep is the answer to just about every ailment I think. So sorry you’ve been struggling with this. I hope that you find your way back to a regular dosage of trazodone before too long. The broken window just adds insult to injury. Of course it had to happen right then!
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Abigail says
You’re probably right. I’m slowly starting to feel better. Let’s hope that holds!
lake livin' says
Ugh, that sounds awful! So sorry. Curious how the accidental double dose of the sleeping aid for two weeks affected you.
Abigail says
Yeah, well as one person pointed out, it may be withdrawal more than anything. Who knows? I feel a little better today, so let’s hope the trend continues.
AuntLeesie says
So sorry to hear about the vandalism… GRRR!!! I looked up trazodone on Google, specifically for women who are pregnant or want to become pregnant. I’m with PP and Taylor Lee on the suggestion to try Melatonin as an alternative. Given your history and everything you’ve gone through, it might be a good idea to slowly wean off of as many meds as possible before trying again to carry a baby. My niece was on bipolar meds, but was weaned off them before IVF and given prenatal vitamins and folic acid before conceiving after she’d had several miscarriages. Her son is now 5 yrs. old.
Abigail says
I’ve already looked over the dangers associated with all of my meds. It’s all a gray area, and most potential links aren’t for miscarriages but instead of things like cleft palates. So I don’t think that’s the issue.
Tim and I have already discussed weaning off other meds. It’s not feasible. I’ve tried easing up on the mood stabilizers a tiny bit, and I felt like I was barely holding on. So there’s no chance I can function without any at all.
That said, this trazodone incident may push me to finally try melatonin. I have to check to see whether that’s a good idea while pregnant. I assume so.
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life says
Rest up (if you can) and feel better. I’m a mess when I don’t sleep. I did Ambien for a while- so grateful to have better sleep rhythms now.
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Abigail says
I was on Ambien for awhile, but it stopped working. So the trazodone actually replaced that. Sigh.
Kristin says
Why on earth would someone throw a rock in your window?! Jerks! I’m on the ground floor in my apartment, but we have a fence between us and the sidewalk. I’ve always had some concerns being so close to the sidewalk and dread this kind of thing happening!
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Abigail says
Yeah we wondered that too. I mean, who’s even up at 6 a.m. on Memorial Day anyway? Let alone someone who’d want to throw a rock through a window. Well, the good thing about renting is that at least the complex would take care of it. But let’s pray it doesn’t come to that.
Kalie Brooks says
Sleeplessness is so frustrating! I never had a problem with it until last year, and it was more circumstances than anything medically wrong, but it is really maddening. I hope you can get your meds straightened out & get back on track. And sorry to hear about the guest house window. I had someone break my car window once, and all they stole was a Bible. The irony!
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Abigail says
Wow that is ironic. I’m starting to feel a little better today, though I’m sure a nap wouldn’t hurt. I’m now armed with some zquil, so I’m hoping for some really solid rest tonight.
jane says
Abby, you need to check and see if the manufacturer for the new script is the same as the previous lower dose scripts. I have been having some similar problems with long time meds (not effective or not as effective) and the problem has been a change in manufacturer. Call you pharmacists and check. If this script is from a new manufacturer ask if they can fill the higher dose with product from the previous manufacturer. Good luck.
Abigail says
I’ll try to remember to ask. But the problems didn’t start until after I *stopped* using the meds. So I’m guessing that’s not the real issue.
Tony @ Inequality Today says
I find that going out for a light jog helps clear that dizzy sort of feeling. The nature of my job requires me to wake up early, so by the afternoon I usually start to feel a little whoozy. I usually just go outside for a 2 mile jog, and by the time I’m back I feel much better.
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Abigail says
Well, this was a wooziness that wasn’t conducive to any exercise (barely even conducive to walking over to a chair to sit down). So even without the chronic fatigue, I don’t think that’d have been an option. But I’m glad it works for you.