I was just coming to respond to sumi, also. Spironolactone is a blood pressure drug, and statins (as I'm sure you already know, since you're taking one) are for cholesterol. Is it possible your doctor prescribed spironolactone and didn't tell you? (That's seriously not as implausible as it sounds.) But yeah -- taking a BP med when you don't need it is a recipe for passing out.

ION, I actually slept the whole night last night without taking an Ambien. This is probably the first night in maybe 10-11 months that that's happened. I started taking Wellbutrin about a year ago, so the insomnia tracks. (Plus the Year Of Many Loved Ones Dying As Well As Other Serious Shit started about a year ago. Stress + Wellbutrin = no sleep ever again without Ambien.)

My doctor, who I otherwise worship (as I believe I've mentioned a billion times) doesn't like to medicate insomnia with actual insomnia drugs on a nightly basis, because of developing dependence, etc. And while I can see that POV, I think the effects of chronic insomnia are worse than dependence on a drug that lets one sleep. His *suggested* alternative is to prescribe Remeron, b/c it's sedating. But, WTF? I went OFF Wellbutrin in May; I don't want to go on another antidepressant.

So he grudgingly refilled my Ambien for 1 month. At the beginning of July, I called his office for a refill. He was on vacation, so one of the other doctors refilled it for 3 months (I didn't ask for 3 months; I just hoped for another month). I almost wept with relief.

Anyway, I've been TRYING to get to sleep without it, assuming that sooner or later all the neurotransmitters that the Wellbutrin fucked with would calm their asses down and let me sleep. No dice. I've tried valerian root, I've tried melatonin, I've tried benadryl, and I've tried a combination of all 3. No dice.

Last night I had a small adult beverage (a wee bit -- seriously -- of Crown Royal and ginger beer, with dinner). About 3 hours later I took valerian and melatonin. I fell asleep while Tim was talking to me (I was lying down watching him try to pack a bag). I woke up a couple of hours later and thought, oh my god, I fell asleep without Ambien! And then I thought, well, I probably won't be able to fall BACK asleep now. I fell back asleep, until 7:30.

I might not be able to repeat it, but it was a fucking miracle, I tell you what.

Steph, that is a fucking miracle, and I am in awe of it. (I haven't tried sleeping without Ambien for a very long time.)

Yay for sleepiness, Teppy.

And while I can see that POV, I think the effects of chronic insomnia are worse than dependence on a drug that lets one sleep.

Yeah, I would think so! Fingers crossed you have many more nights of good sleep without it.

StW thinks I need Ambien. Maybe I do, but I can't afford to go get it prescribed, and he can't prescribe it for me, so.

I'm glad you could sleep last night Steph!

Steph, that is a fucking miracle, and I am in awe of it. (I haven't tried sleeping without Ambien for a very long time.)

The only reason I started trying is because my doctor was getting grumbly about refilling it, and I don't want to take Remeron, even if it is sedating. I'm hoping I can start a pattern (though I don't think a nightcap every night is necessarily a good idea -- for me -- either).

Steph,

you have had a flareup this week, yes? Maybe your body was just tired out and gave in.

Good on you for having good rest. When I've had insomnia, I have felt like a flat out crazy person.

On the very bad nights when Hubby can't take any more pain pills, he'll pull out the Jagermeister. It sounds like a recipe for catastrophe, but he sleeps peacefully and pain free and wakes up remarkably cheerful and rested. But he's always metabolized alcohol insanely fast. Darned Norwegian genes.

Okay, lasagna is in the crockpot, brownies are made for shindig tonight, laundry is on the clothesline. Now I have a dog who really wants a W-A-L-K.

you have had a flareup this week, yes? Maybe your body was just tired out and gave in.

I didn't even think of that! Makes sense, though. And I'm still fighting my innards and getting a little tired of oatmeal.

I feel like a big part of the insomnia is the learned pattern of sleeplessness -- if I can break it, then I'd be willing to say the IBS flare is worth it. As long as it calms the fuck down soon.