HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Chronic Insomnia

default
Posted on Tue, 7 Jul 2015
Question: Hi, I am a chronic insomniac and have tried just about everything a Doctor can prescibe and various otc meds to no avail. I was told by a friend that piriton can help but I have no idea at what dosage it would help. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
piriton probably would not help

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Piriton contains chlorphenamine maleate. It is anti-allergic medicine. Sedation is side effect of the same.It is not indicated for insomnia. However if you have tried most of the medicines for sleep, piriton probably would not help.

It comes in 4 mg strength. In general recommended dose is 4 mg every 4-6 hours and maximum adult dose is 24 mg per day. You can take maximum 2 tablets at time for sleep.

Please revert back to me with list of medicines you have taken until now for sleep with dose so I can give some comments.

Regards,

Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (36 hours later)
Hi, over the years I have taken zopiclone 7.5 mg. Nitrazepam 5mg. Tamazepam 10mg . Every otc drug available and just recently mirtazapine. However my insomnia is at an all time high and feel I will lose my sanity if not resolved.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
drugs you have used are not enough potent for severe insomnia

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for follow up.

Zopiclone is used for sleep initiation.
Nitrazepam 5 mg dose is not enough for severe insomnia and I do not prefer it as more chances of dependence.
Temazepam can be given up to 30 mg and it is not as potent as lorazepam.
Mirtazapine is antidepressant and sedation is side effect of the same. It is not specific drug for insomnia.
Considering above facts of drugs you have used there is need of other potent medicines as I mentioned in previous answer.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (10 hours later)
Thanks for reply but I am still confused as to what drug would be of most help to me.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Dose of temazepam can be increased or lorazepam can be prescribed

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I am extremely sorry for my sentence " as I mentioned in previous answer" in my last reply. Actually same type of question was asked by another patient in a raw and I mentioned medicines to other patient and by mistake I wrote that I have mentioned medicines to you.

In your case temazepam dose should be increased to 30 mg or lorazepam 2 mg can be prescribed for severe insomnia.

Ask your doctor for such prescription.

Try to follow some measures called 'sleep hygiene' which would help in sleep. You can find the same in below link.

sleepfoundation.org/ask-the-expert/sleep-hygiene


All the best and take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2406 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Chronic Insomnia

Brief Answer: piriton probably would not help Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. Piriton contains chlorphenamine maleate. It is anti-allergic medicine. Sedation is side effect of the same.It is not indicated for insomnia. However if you have tried most of the medicines for sleep, piriton probably would not help. It comes in 4 mg strength. In general recommended dose is 4 mg every 4-6 hours and maximum adult dose is 24 mg per day. You can take maximum 2 tablets at time for sleep. Please revert back to me with list of medicines you have taken until now for sleep with dose so I can give some comments. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.