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Melatonin for sleep


Altostrata

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ADMIN NOTE Here is background from drugs.com about melatonin's safety and adverse effects.

 

In summary, if you take too high a dose -- we suggest 0.25mg or 0.33mg to start -- you may get headache, dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, or it may not help you sleep. If you are groggy the next day after you take melatonin, you're taking too much. Very rarely, people are allergic to melatonin and should not take it. 

 

Recently, I've found Life Extension 300mcg extended-release melatonin to be remarkably effective.

 

As melatonin is a natural hormone produced by your body to regulate your sleep-wake cycle, if you take it regularly at unusual times, you can change your sleep cycle. In general, it's best to maintain a normal dark-to-dawn sleep cycle.

 

Melatonin is not a sleep drug. Taking a low dose of melatonin in the evening when it's getting dark enhances your own production of melatonin and may help you to relax and get to sleep. It can help you get started in restoring your sleep cycle. When you're sleeping well, you can stop taking it at any pace that seems comfortable to you. It does not cause withdrawal symptoms.

 


 

Insomnia in withdrawal and withdrawal syndrome is very common. Not only is it exhausting in itself, it seems to make all the other symptoms worse.

 

Darkness triggers melatonin, the nighttime sleep hormone made by the pineal gland to signal our brains that it's time to sleep. The natural human sleep-wake cycle is from nightfall to dawn. (Sunrise starts cortisol, the daytime activity hormone, which in excess causes the awful anxiety, depression, and insomnia of withdrawal syndrome.)

 

For several years, I've found a little melatonin helps a lot, at least in getting to sleep. (Staying asleep is a different problem.) Many people find melatonin to be helpful, but like everything else, individuals differ in their reactions. If it works for you, it works very well with almost no side effects other than a little drowsiness in the morning.

 

Studies show you don't need much melatonin to get sleep started, just 0.33mg. Often you can't get melatonin in smaller than 1mg tablets; half a tablet, 0.50mg may be close enough. These are physiological doses, the level that your body ordinarily maintains, rather than medical doses. If you get no effect with 0.3-0.5mg, try a little more. (Personally, under my doctor's supervision, I worked up to 2mg melatonin at night. I've been taking it regularly every night for 3 years. I do not believe I've developed a dependency on it; I get sleepy when it gets dark anyway. Additional melatonin gives my brain a gentle reminder it's time to sleep.)

 

Large doses of melatonin do NOT aid sleep -- they might cause your oversensitive brain to wake up, instead. I found when I took more than 2mg of melatonin, I was weepy in the morning. If you get this or a paradoxical reaction (waking) or are dopey in the morning, it's a sign you're taking too much.

 

According to what I've read and conversations with doctors I trust, your body does NOT get dependent on it and does NOT compensate by reducing natural melatonin output. Of all the difficult choices available to us, melatonin is relatively safe.

 

It is important to take melatonin in accordance to the natural sleep-wake cycle, or you might train your body to a different cycle. Your adrenals also run on a sleep schedule of approximately 10 p.m. to dawn. They tend to reactivate if you stay up later, which may keep you from sleeping. If you can, get to bed by 10 p.m. and retrain your sleep cycle.

 

According to my doctor, a sleep medicine specialist, if you've spent most of your life sleeping fairly regularly, you can get back on the neural pathways for a normal sleep cycle.

 

Here's how to re-establish your sleep cycle with melatonin:

- Start with 0.25mg-0.50mg melatonin for 3-4 days. 

- Take at the same time, nightfall (but, given that it's summer, not later than 8 p.m.), every night.

- Quite often, a small amount of melatonin is sufficient to make you sleepy. (It is not a sleeping pill and will not keep you sleeping all night long.) Only if needed, gradually increase by 0.25mg for 3-4 days at a time.

- More is not better. Use the lowest dose that is effective to make you sleepy.

- Try to turn lights off or keep lights low after sundown. Your bedroom should be quiet and dark. Darkness triggers natural melatonin production. Artificial lighting, including staring into the computer, can give the wrong signal to your pineal gland. STAY OFF THE COMPUTER AT NIGHT.

- Keep to a very regular schedule -- this is what your circadian rhythm needs.

- Do NOT take melatonin regularly and sleep at any time but nightfall or you might scramble your sleep-wake cycle.

 

I have gotten good results with Source Naturals sublingual melatonin, which comes in 1mg tablets. It is very inexpensive, 100 tablets for around $6. Trader Joe's, a food store in the US, is now carrying chewable melatonin in 0.5mg (500mcg) tablets at a very reasonable price, under $4.00. At last, a source for melatonin in the right starting dosage. Those Trader Joe's folks are brilliant. Their supplements are usually reliable.

 

PS if necessary, you can make your own melatonin liquid from ordinary tablets, which will be equivalent to sublingual:

 

From Stability of Extemporaneously Prepared Oral Liquid Formulations – Part IX (Secundum Artem 17:1) from Perrigo Pharmaceuticals

 

Quote

 

Melatonin 1 mg/mL Oral Suspension

Melatonin (C13H16N2O2, MW 232.3; 5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine) is currently marketed as a dietary supplement. Products that are commercially available include tablets, extended-release capsules and tablets, sublingual tablets, intraoral sprays and oral liquids. However, the oral liquid preparations contain alcohol and are not recommended in the pediatric population.

 

Melatonin 1 mg/mL oral suspension was prepared by crushing the tablets and combined with a 1:1 mixture of Ora-Plus and either Ora-Sweet or Ora-Sweet SF. The suspensions were placed in amber plastic prescription bottles and stored at room temperature. Samples were removed at 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days. Results showed these preparations to be stable for at least 90 days.

 

 

PPS Melatonin does not incur physiological dependency, though you might feel you need it. I found it quite easy to reduce melatonin. At some point, when your sleep cycle has been re-established, you will find yourself getting sleepy in the evening before you take your nightly melatonin. Your body is telling you you don't need it anymore, and you can stop it at a rate you feel comfortable.

Edited by Altostrata
updated admin note

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

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it is well known that american take many supplements, i scare , i am totally blocked since my paxil adventures, i fear to trust, i am suspiscious, i am in withdrawal, maybe , a day ...

for anxiety 

12 years paxil - cold turkey 1,5 month - switch celexa 1 year taper; total 13 years on brain meds 

67 years old - 9 years  med free

 

in protracted withdrawal

rigidity standing and walking, dryness gougerot-szoegren, sleep deteriorate,

function as have a lack of nerves, improving have been very little 

 

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Trader Joe's, a food store in the US, is now carrying chewable melatonin in .5mg (500mcg) tablets at a very reasonable price, under $4.00. At last, a source for melatonin in the right starting dosage. Those Trader Joe's folks are brilliant. Their supplements are usually reliable.

 

I tried taking melatonin about a year ago, altho I don't remb what brand or how much I took. I think I may have taken too much. I just remb not liking how I felt. When I come back I think I'll try it again... with TJ's .5mg.

 

 

Charter Member 2011

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  • 2 months later...

I started taking melatonin again a few weeks ago - .3mg. It was like taking a placebo. Didn't do anything to relax me, and I stopped taking it. Some people have had success with it... I didn't.

 

 

Charter Member 2011

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Perhaps you need a little more, summer?

 

I worked up to 2mg -- that's what I take every night.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

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Perhaps you need a little more, summer?

 

I worked up to 2mg -- that's what I take every night.

 

Hmmmm... I returned the bottle but I'm pretty sure I meant to say 3mg.

 

 

Charter Member 2011

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Melatonin is one of those things where you have to take just the right amount. Too little will do nothing and too much will not help.

 

Studies have shown, for most people, as little as .25mg can be effective for sleep. That's why it's a good idea to start very low and work up gradually, to find the lowest effective dosage for you.

 

Too much melatonin can even keep you awake. It can have other side effects too -- grogginess in the morning, moodiness. I'm taking 2mg, when I tried 3mg, it made me weepy the next day.

 

I don't know why stores sell 3mg tablets. That's way too much for most people to begin with. There is a fad, however, of taking large doses of melatonin for supposed life-extension properties.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

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There is a fad, however, of taking large doses of melatonin for supposed life-extension properties.

 

Well, why didn't you say that before? Now, I'm going out to buy every bottle of melatonin I can find. Think I'll try mixing it in with mashed potatoes. :D

 

 

Charter Member 2011

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  • 9 months later...

Dear Alostrata,

 

I was wondering since your doctor is a sleep specialist how long before bed does he recommend taking melatonin for it to kick in? Also I was wondering if he has any advice about how to help nocturia which is causing sleep disturbance?

 

I have chemical poisoning and was also wondering if he has any advice for someone who it takes a long time to fall asleep for example from up to 2-3 hours.

 

Thanks,

Neurosoup

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Hi, neurosoup. I attached your question to the existing Melatonin topic. Just about everything I know about melatonin is posted above.

 

Take melatonin at nightfall. It also helps to turn off all the lights, so your brain gets the message it's time for sleep. Computers and bright lights give your brain the stay-awake signal.

 

A little magnesium can help relax you.

 

Also see these topics Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

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I'm a night person, at least for now after my sleep cycle got decimated by antidepressants, and speaking only for myself I found that taking Melatonin at nightfall didn't work - it wore off hours before I was ready to go to bed. I now take it roughly one to two hours before I plan to go to sleep, and that works for me.

 

Other things that have helped are shutting the computer down early in the evening and not doing anything stimulating or irritating after dinner, such as reading my beloved detective stories, elaborate cooking, or assembling furniture. Gentle, slow exercise seems to be okay, but nothing that gets the heart rate elevated. I leave only enough lights on to prevent falling over the furniture plus a low-wattage bedside light for reading. The idea is to slow down from daily activites and *relax*.

Psychotropic drug history: Pristiq 50 mg. (mid-September 2010 through February 2011), Remeron (mid-September 2010 through January 2011), Lexapro 10 mg. (mid-February 2011 through mid-December 2011), Lorazepam (Ativan) 1 mg. as needed mid-September 2010 through early March 2012

"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity." -Hanlon's Razor


Introduction: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/1588-introducing-jemima/

 

Success Story: http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/6263-success-jemima-survives-lexapro-and-dr-dickhead-too/

Please note that I am not a medical professional and my advice is based on personal experience, reading, and anecdotal information posted by other sufferers.

 

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  • 1 month later...
  • Administrator

Just wanted to note that I have been taking 2mg melatonin nightly for 3 years with no ill effects.

 

I do not believe it causes physical dependency -- half-life is only a few hours -- but I intend to taper off when my sleep is stable.

 

Melatonin does not downregulate any receptors.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

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Hi. Thanks for all the information on melatonin. I am going to TJs later and get some. I have been going to sleep around 10pm and then get up around 4am to feed my cat (she is very demanding) and when I get back into bed the bad/negative thoughts start up. I try meditation, breathing etc. etc. but spiral downward and finally get up around 4:30am. Does anyone have any suggestions about when to stop eating in the evening? Does it matter? I do often watch tv/movie until I go to sleep and maybe that isn't so good either. I recently got DVR so have no reason to watch tv/movie late. What do you think? I am going to shut down the computer at 6pm and see if that helps. I have no trouble falling asleep and even fall back to sleep after I get up to use the bathroom around 3 a.m. Your input will be appreciated. I also read another thread about aromatherapy and am going to get my lavender oil out and start sniffing Thanks. FM

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It seems to me the problem is dear little Fefe waking you up at 4 a.m. If she didn't wake you up, would you be able to sleep later?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

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Hi. I do think you are right. I think I will "banish" her from the bedroom tonight and see how that goes. In the past, she paws under the door and when I open it in the a.m. she is right there. I did buy some melatonin at TJs today and will try it if this doesn't work. I think I'll "banish" her for 3-4 nights and see how that goes. I guess she needs to learn that she doesn't get fed at that ungodly hour either. Thanks!!

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Maybe you could give her a little food before you go to bed and she won't get hungry.

 

TJs had 1mg melatonin, last time I looked. Is that what you got?

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hi again. I will try the food at night; the TJ melatonin is 500mcg - I'm not sure what that is in grams. Could you tell me what it is in grams??? Thanxxxx

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I just googled it. It looks like 500mcg is .5mg. If I take it should I start with .5 mg and work up if needed?

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Right. You could even cut it in half and start with .25mg.

 

TJs is great -- even carrying reasonable doses of melatonin! They make a good fish oil, too.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Hi. Eureka. I hope. Went to sleep at 9pm last night. Slept through til my usual 3:15 to do my business. Gave Fefe a scoop of food. Right back to bed and closed the door. Slept through until 5:15. Got up (enough sleep at 8 hours) and she was lying right outside the door. Fed her. Everyone is happy. Thanks for your suggestion. I still have the melatonin in case I have to bring out the big guns, so to speak.

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  • 1 month later...

Hi I was reading about melatonin and was able to get the Source Naturals 1 mg sublingual. I was just wondering if these are able to even be divided down to half so I could start out with 0.5? I wish I had a Trader Joe's around here. They seem to have so many good things available.

Self-tapered off Effexor after being on for 9 years around 2001

Medication-free until 2006

In 2006 went through divorce and placed on Celexa 20 mg and p.r.n. clonazepam

Stayed on 20 mg until 2011 when began cutting in half and taking 10 mg (Didn't really notice withdrawal symptoms)

Began to plan to come off in spring/summer 2012, continuing 10 mg Jan/Feb.

Tapered to 5 mg March/April (about 1 week mild withdrawal symptoms).

Tapered to sliver of tablet, estimated 2-2.5 mg in (1-2 weeks of withdrawal symptoms progressively diminishing and then stopping)

May 18, 2012: Stopped Celexa.

July 5, 2012: Reinstated Celexa at 5 mg.

July 13, 2012: Increased Celexa to 10 mg.

August 30, 2012: Increased Celexa 15 mg.

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Yes, you can cut them up. I use them all the time.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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Great, thank you.

Self-tapered off Effexor after being on for 9 years around 2001

Medication-free until 2006

In 2006 went through divorce and placed on Celexa 20 mg and p.r.n. clonazepam

Stayed on 20 mg until 2011 when began cutting in half and taking 10 mg (Didn't really notice withdrawal symptoms)

Began to plan to come off in spring/summer 2012, continuing 10 mg Jan/Feb.

Tapered to 5 mg March/April (about 1 week mild withdrawal symptoms).

Tapered to sliver of tablet, estimated 2-2.5 mg in (1-2 weeks of withdrawal symptoms progressively diminishing and then stopping)

May 18, 2012: Stopped Celexa.

July 5, 2012: Reinstated Celexa at 5 mg.

July 13, 2012: Increased Celexa to 10 mg.

August 30, 2012: Increased Celexa 15 mg.

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I haven't yet tried melatonin... Dunno why not, probably the state of fogged confusion I live in played a part...

 

I need some sleep. I know others have experienced insomnia. I have through this process but intermittently. Last few months lack of sleep, waking with anxiety... It is wearing me done and affecting my health.

 

I think the benzos I take used to help but they aren't helping me since I entered this phase after a bad detox bath in Febuary.

 

Some health practioner at the People's compounding Rx recommended melatonin. And I thought, "duh...why haven't I tried that...I have some at home." anyway she recommended a 5mg sublingual and told me shed be okay with me going up to 25mg... I said, "yeah, ok...um, thanks..."

 

25mg is not a good dose for me. And this, any forum browsers or new members, is why it's so critical to check with the collective wisdom before following advice of a naturopath clueless about w/d hypersensitivities.

 

Anyway, I am totally exhausted, totally. I hope I don't spend 5 or 6 hours lying in the dark waiting for the sandman tonight. Need to sleep.

 

Hope everyone is feeling okay.

 

Alex

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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5mg-25mg melatonin is over the top.

 

If you have a 5mg tablet, you might try cutting it into quarters and then taking a piece of one of those.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I've had fairly good success with 3 mg melatonin plus l-theanine (that also includes magnesium). Definitely seems to work better taking both. Doesn't work every night, but helps considerably overall. The melatonin is time-released; I read in a couple of places that that is helpful for STAYing asleep. It seems to help for me, although when I tried it previously, non-time released, I was taking 5 mg so it may have just been the dose.

1994-2009 50-100 mg Zoloft (plus tried Effexor, Lexapro, Wellbutrin at times)
5/'09-7/'09 taper off Zoloft
7/'09-12/'09 no zoloft, rough times after ~ 2 mos.
1/'10-6/'10 50 mg zoloft
6/'10-1/'11 slow taper
2/'11-7/'11 off entirely, ok for 2-3 mos., then rough
7/'11-9/'11 50 mg
9/15/'11 - 11/15/'11 taper off
11/15/'11 - 2/'11 clean, doing well but with some PSSD
2/'11 - 6/'11 depression creeps back, fairly significant by May.

6/'14 (long time...!)  life is good, full recovery, at least in terms of SSRI addiction.  Still digging out from the social and professional hole that it all left me in, but despite the loss of far too many years to this business I'm basically doing pretty well.  Still some depression at times, even severe on occasion, but clearly related to past trauma and current circumstances, all things that I am continuing to work through and work on.  I'd say it took at least six months and perhaps a year to fully get back to normal (neuro-psychologically and sexually) after the last dose in 2011.

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5mg-25mg melatonin is over the top.

 

If you have a 5mg tablet, you might try cutting it into quarters and then taking a piece of one of those.

 

That was my exact feeling.

 

Turns out we had a sublingual. I took .5mg twice. I take my morning blood sugar now and I had a bump of about 15 points. A search showed this sometimes happens. Also, I experienced a positive blood flow effect blow he belt and possibly even a testosterone boost. The morning after the second dosing I had a blood draw check t. It was up a bit. Maybe he better sleep caused this but, if I recall, a google search showed the melatonin as a possible cause.

 

I decided, due to the prediabetic sugars to stop the melatonin. My morning readings have returned to normal range.

 

I may find I can use melatonin safely and effectively by changing the dose or other variables. I sure could use some good sleep.

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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  • 8 months later...
  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey everyone,

 

I'm reading conflicting stories on the net about melatonin.

 

Many sites say not to take it if you're currently taking an antidepressant.

 

Is this true?

 

Thanks in advance

July 2001 prescribed 20mg citalopram for depression;
On and off meds from 2003-2006.
February 2006 back on 20mg citalopram and stayed on it until my last attempt at tapering in September 2011.
By far the worst withdrawal symptoms ever. Reinstated to 20mg citalopram
October 2012 - found this forum!
Nov 2012 to Feb 2013 did 10% taper, got doen to 11mg - was going great until stressful situation. Cortisol levels hit the roof, hideous insomnia forced me to updose to 20mg.
March 2016 - close to 100% back to normal!



****** I am not a medical practitioner, any advice I give comes from my own experience or reading and is only my perspective ******

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i have taken 3mg fairly regularly at different times. I think it works really well, but sometimes i feel a little groggy the next day. I think it helps to get you back into a routine.

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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Interesting that this comes up. I have been unable to take melatonin because it triggers potent benzo withdrawal symptoms. So odd.

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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  • Administrator

Fears of serotonin syndrome from taking melatonin with an antidepressant are somewhat overblown. There was a fad a while back of melatonin as a youth pill with people taking excessive amounts of melatonin, perhaps that's the danger.

 

If you take a reasonable amount, less than 5mg (see the first post in this topic), I doubt it would be a problem.

This is not medical advice. Discuss any decisions about your medical care with a knowledgeable medical practitioner.

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has surpassed our humanity." -- Albert Einstein

All postings © copyrighted.

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Just tried it 0.5mg last night when I woke at 2AM

 

I know you're supposed to take it before you go to sleep but I have no problem at all falling asleep.

 

It's sleep maintenance I have a problem with.

 

I had nothing to lose. I did fall back asleep for a couple of hours.

July 2001 prescribed 20mg citalopram for depression;
On and off meds from 2003-2006.
February 2006 back on 20mg citalopram and stayed on it until my last attempt at tapering in September 2011.
By far the worst withdrawal symptoms ever. Reinstated to 20mg citalopram
October 2012 - found this forum!
Nov 2012 to Feb 2013 did 10% taper, got doen to 11mg - was going great until stressful situation. Cortisol levels hit the roof, hideous insomnia forced me to updose to 20mg.
March 2016 - close to 100% back to normal!



****** I am not a medical practitioner, any advice I give comes from my own experience or reading and is only my perspective ******

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  • Moderator Emeritus

i still think i would try taking it before going to sleep - that way it might help you fall back to sleep faster - did you have any problems with .5mg? Maybe try a little more before you go to bed. What about the lactium? I got mine from a Priceline Phy - Ethical Nutrients - it is packaged as a stress and anxiety formula

Started in 2000 - On 150mg most of the time, (but up to 225mg at highest dose for 6 months in the beginning)
Reduced off easily first time - but got depressed (not too much anxiety) 6 months later
Back on effexor for another 9 months.
Reduced off again with no immediate w/d - suddenly got depressed and anxious ++ again 3 or 4 months later.
Back on effexor - this time for 3 years
Reduced off over a month - 6 weeks later terrible anxiety - back on.
Rinse and repeat 4 more times - each time the period before the anxiety comes back got shorter and shorter
Jan - July 2012 75mg down to 37.5mg;, 8/3/12 - 35mg. 8/25/12 - 32mg. 9/11- 28mg, 10/2 - 25mg, 10/29 - 22mg, 11/19 - 19.8mg; 12/11 - 17m,
1/1- 15.5mg; 1/22 -14mg, 2/7 14.9mg, 2/18 - 17.8mg - crashed big time: back to 75mg where i sat for 2 years....

4th  March 2015 - 67.5mg;   31st March - 60mg;  24th April - 53mg; 13th May - 48mg; 26th May - 45mg;  9th June - 41mg; 1 July- 37.5mg; 20 July - 34mg; 11 August - 31mg; 1st Sept - 28mg;  1st Dec - 25.8mg;  28th Dec - 23.2mg; 23rd Jan-21.9mg; Feb 7th- 21mg; March 1st - 20.1mg, March 30th - 18mg

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  • Moderator Emeritus

Hey Peggy,

 

I'll try that option tonight. I have to work today so I was terrified if I took it before bed it might interfere with my falling asleep (which wasn't a problem before) and end up getting no sleep at all.

 

0.5 mg was fine. I'll go up to 1mg tonight and see what happens

 

I've ordered lactium, that's on its way.

 

Tried the sleep mask, that made no difference. I still wake up regardless

July 2001 prescribed 20mg citalopram for depression;
On and off meds from 2003-2006.
February 2006 back on 20mg citalopram and stayed on it until my last attempt at tapering in September 2011.
By far the worst withdrawal symptoms ever. Reinstated to 20mg citalopram
October 2012 - found this forum!
Nov 2012 to Feb 2013 did 10% taper, got doen to 11mg - was going great until stressful situation. Cortisol levels hit the roof, hideous insomnia forced me to updose to 20mg.
March 2016 - close to 100% back to normal!



****** I am not a medical practitioner, any advice I give comes from my own experience or reading and is only my perspective ******

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My daughter used malatonin for a year or so and it was really good for her.

She bought some for her husband and he did well on it too then suddenly

it's not allowed in the UK without a prescription! It is unlicensed for sale

here and there are just 2 brands that are licensed for doctors to prescribe!

I just tried to buy some online for myself after reading this

and had to order from the US!

**I am not a medical professional, if in doubt please consult a doctor with withdrawal knowledge.

 

 

Different drugs occasionally (mostly benzos) 1976 - 1981 (no problem)

1993 - 2002 in and out of hospital. every type of drug + ECT. Staring with seroxat

2002  effexor. 

Tapered  March 2012 to March 2013, ending with 5 beads.

Withdrawal April 2013 . Reinstated 5 beads reduced to 4 beads May 2013

Restarted taper  Nov 2013  

OFF EFFEXOR Feb 2015    :D 

Tapered atenolol and omeprazole Dec 2013 - May 2014

 

Tapering tramadol, Feb 2015 100mg , March 2015 50mg  

 July 2017 30mg.  May 15 2018 25mg

Taking fish oil, magnesium, B12, folic acid, bilberry eyebright for eye pressure. 

 

My story http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/4199-hello-mammap-checking-in/page-33

 

Lesson learned, slow down taper at lower doses. Taper no more than 10% of CURRENT dose if possible

 

 

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My daughter used malatonin for a year or so and it was really good for her.

She bought some for her husband and he did well on it too then suddenly

it's not allowed in the UK without a prescription! It is unlicensed for sale

here and there are just 2 brands that are licensed for doctors to prescribe!

I just tried to buy some online for myself after reading this

and had to order from the US!

 

That's terrible. I suspect we're heading in that direction here in the US. More states are making it illegal to order lab panels yourself.

 

I expect the big pharma will start buying up the supplement makers and find ways to patent 'improved' vitamins. Meanwhile, smaller producers will be forced out of business by new, costly regulations for 'the public safety' or simply making their products illegal except via prescription. That's my long term prediction ...

 

I take melatonin and it helps me sleep well. At Life Extension they sell a 10mg melatonin so I am comfortable with any dose under 2 or 3mg, personally. However, I am very cautious to introduce supplements at very low doses to avoid adverse or hyperactive reaction.

"Well my ship's been split to splinters and it's sinking fast
I'm drowning in the poison, got no future, got no past
But my heart is not weary, it's light and it's free
I've got nothing but affection for all those who sailed with me.

Everybody's moving, if they ain't already there
Everybody's got to move somewhere
Stick with me baby, stick with me anyhow
Things should start to get interesting right about now."

- Zimmerman

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