I’ve been struggling with sleep issues for over a decade now. My Doctor has prescribed me all sorts of medication, all of which has had many adverse side effects. What I do know that works, is Xanax. My wife was prescribed it for some stress issues and occasionally will give me one so I can finally sleep. Obviously asking my Doctor, “can I have Xanax” Will not go well. I’ve eluded to it in ways and the response has always been along the lines of “that’s habit forming, I’d rather you try this”. Of the many medications prescribed, none have worked. Resorting to the dark web is something I’d really rather not do. Fentanyl laced drugs took my sister and it’s a road I hope to not have to explore. Any suggestions?

  • deranger@sh.itjust.works
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    5 months ago

    There are no effective long term sleep medications except possibly THC. They’re all habit forming and you will get a tolerance, which will make sleeping impossible when you stop taking them. Benzodiazepines are garbage drugs and you will get addicted taking them for sleep. I had a nasty habit for years and kicking it was one of the worst things I’ve had to do. Please do not get involved with benzos.

    • weariedfae@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      I don’t discount your experience but I want to point out that benzos can be a very useful tool for people, especially with panic disorder, and they’re not inherently a trash drug.

      While some people may develop a problem, others are able to use them on an as-needed basis long term. I’m sorry you struggled but glad you were able to overcome it. It’s absolutely understandable why you would feel negatively towards benzos as a whole.

      • ultranaut@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        It’s possible to be both a useful and trash drug. Benzos are inherently dangerous in ways that lots of other drugs are not, it is very easy to fuck up your life with them.

        • deranger@sh.itjust.works
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          5 months ago

          I’d still call them bad drugs. I’ve seen more people get their lives fucked up than fixed on both, and they’re frequently inappropriately prescribed for long term use to treat the symptom without addressing the cause. Benzos are also one of the few drugs that can kill you with withdrawal, and the withdrawal lasts significantly longer than opiates. They’re essential for treating acute anxiety, but I really think the manner in which they’re prescribed needs to be improved. I think it would be a good thing to move away from the benzodiazepine class altogether to a more specific drug that doesn’t just hammer GABA receptors so broadly.

      • deranger@sh.itjust.works
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        5 months ago

        Despite their effectiveness at treating anxiety I’d still call them bad drugs. I’ve seen more people get their lives fucked up than get better, as they’re frequently inappropriately prescribed for long term use to treat the symptom without addressing the cause. Benzos are also one of the few drugs that can kill you with withdrawal, and the withdrawal lasts significantly longer than opiates. They’re essential for treating acute anxiety, but I really think the manner in which they’re prescribed needs to be improved. I think it would be a good thing to move away from the benzodiazepine class altogether to a more specific drug that doesn’t just hammer GABA receptors so broadly.

    • Anissem@lemmy.mlOP
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      5 months ago

      For THC I’ve switched over to edibles and they do help sometimes. Had to stop smoking it for various health reasons.

      • Slayan@lemmy.ca
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        5 months ago

        Did you try cbd then? One of my coworker swear by it. One or two drop under the the tongue and he goes to sleep like a baby.

        Edit: nvm i just saw you were already on it. You might try to slow down on the thc and give cdb a bigger chance since too much thc might give you more anxiety.

        • Anissem@lemmy.mlOP
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          5 months ago

          Totally. I’m 100% a burn out and need to tone it down. I’ve battled with learning moderation when it comes to weed but I’ve had lots of bumps in the road. Trying to ween myself off smoking and go straight edibles. I should try the “under the tongue” concentrates though. Thanks