Sleep problems and other symtoms from medication

[Find_hope]

My Son was prescribed an antidepressant and anti psychotic medication about 8 months ago. The doctor diagnosed he had bipolar. But since then he was re diagnosed. With substance induced psychosis. He has a terrible time getting to sleep and staying asleep. Does anyone have any ideas's of how He can sleep better. Also The medication doesn't seem to help his depression. He is tapering off the anti psychotic under doctor instructions and is having worsening sleep, body aches, stomach pain and worsening depression. His Psychiatrist doesn't like to talk about the possible side affects. There answer is to increase the medication again. I have been told that he should have only been prescribed the anti psychotic medication for a few days. But now its seven months later and he's still tapering. Has anyone had any of these experiences?

[monkey_magic]

Hi Find hope,

I've been on antipsychotics for a year and 3 months and they give me insomnia. I trained myself to go to sleep anyway which I do but wake up a lot throughout the night/ early morning. Unfortunately this medication is strong and I also have loads of side effects.
Professionals usually offer medication to help one sleep.
It's daughnting and uncertain starting medications and not knowing then finding out the effects they have on us.

By tapering off it sounds as though he is having withdrawals hense the side effects.

All I can really do is empathize with your situation. It's a very difficult position to be in and there are a lot of different medication options out there. Many people go through many before they find one that works for them.

I'm hoping to be medication free asap. I feel the side effects are too hard to live with.

Good luck with it all and let me know how things go.

[Find_hope]

Thank you for your reply. How did you train yourself to sleep? he lays there night on night without falling asleep. Then his depression gets worse because he is so tired and can't think clearly. I wish you lots of luck and hope you don't have any withdrawals like my Son. He also is experiencing stomach pain

[monkey_magic]

Hi Find hope,

I just close my eyes even if I'm not tired and somehow sleep. I wake up a lot throughout the night/ morning.

The side effects/ withdrawals are terrible for some of us. Unfortunately I'm going to be going through side effects for at least another 6 months because they increased my CTO...( Community treatment order).

I got the most help from a regular GP. He documented all my symptoms, believed me and sympathized with me.

Is your son coming off the medication completely? Maybe in time when it's all out of his system he'll feel better.

We can't give medical advice here so I'll be sure to go to a doctor or maybe even a different psychiatrist.

Some ppl feel the side effects are worse than the treatment itself. Is he getting any benefit from the meds?

I'd way up your options and come up with the best course of action.

Sorry it's so tough for him currently. I've got many symptoms which get in the way of my life 😞

[bipolarbeauty]

Hi Find Hope

Firstly, I want to say I love your username.

I have been on antidepressants/antipsychotics since I was 19 (I'm 29 now) and it took many trial and errors to get the 'perfect' combination of medication for me - I too have Bipolar and my night medication basically makes me go to sleep within half an hour after taking it- I have no problem with my sleep now, but in my younger years I found some meds cause bad side effects (for me was an increase in appetite and weight gain). Some even made my voices at the time worse too.

I really hope your son will get better sleep soon though. And the side effects won't be as bad. It's a difficult and long journey from here, but you must not lose hope. Medications don't always work the first time, and yes, I believe one might have to try many before finding the 'perfect' one.

I also accept that I will be on medications for the rest of my life. Although I do hope the amount of dosage will decrease in the future, but I can't see myself to be completely 'free of meds'. It's my personal choice.

One way that may help with sleep is doing a: "Guided sleeping meditation" (you can Youtube this). I found this helpful sometimes.

I hope this helps. Do write again if you want to talk.

Suzi