Posted by psychobot5000 on October 12, 2006, at 21:45:29
In reply to Re: Study shows no changes, Lunesta Stage 3/4 » notfred, posted by laima on October 9, 2006, at 14:57:01
A few thoughts
As for how to improve Stage 3 and 4 sleep, apparently evidence was found that valdoxan improved deep sleep. Here's a news brief on it, though I'm sure there's more specific info elsewhere:
http://www.drugresearcher.com/news/ng.asp?n=63465-servier-valdoxan-mt-receptor
Though of course it may be a while before it (hopefully) reaches the market.
Other than that, trimipramine (a tricyclic very similar to doxepin) increases total sleep time without (apparently) altering sleep patterns. Doxepin's sedating effect might be useful for the long-term as well--it is quite powerful, as I understand.
There was a concern about using tryptophan with EMSAM, but I do not think a weak, reversible inhibitor of MAO A like EMSAM would have enough effect on serotonin to be dangerous when used with tryptophan--especially not with 6 or 9mg doses. Why not ask your doc about it?
On builds up a resistance to antihistamines, but they are very useful to me, especially when used sparingly. Why not try benadryl 25 or 37.5mg, every 4 nights or so? It helps me.
For those with anxiety, and who can take some daytime sleepiness, Remeron will help sleep and anxiety (and OCD).
I also have (lately) gotten some help sleeping from Skullcap and even blue vervain. Skullcap seems to have been researched somewhat, and is -supposed- to be safe for depressive and anxious people. I'd recommend it. There appears to be no research on vervain, though it did seem to help me sleep.
Another relaxing herb that is supposed to be safe for depressives is chamomile. Passion flower I think was already mentioned. ...Hyland's 'Calms' contains a combination of 4 herbs that are supposed to be safe for depressives. It is fairly popular, and might be useful. I've taken it, and while it didn't help a lot, it also caused no problems.
But I do wish they'd bring out valdoxan/agomelatine. Melatonin agonist combined with 5-HT2c blocking? Sign me up! Not to mention that its potential profits would bring Servier more capital to develop and market other relatively novel medications.
Psychobot
poster:psychobot5000
thread:692495
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061011/msgs/694312.html