March 6th, 2010
currently im taking about 6+ sominex each night. they are 50mg each. i really need to stop taking them but am clueless since there isnt a whole lot of info on over the counter sleeping pill addictions. surely im not the only one taking 6 often times more of these things to get to sleep.
Exercise might help. Jogging. Get a lot of fresh air during the day to wear you out. Ease gradually off of them.
start taking only half a pill for a week, then just take half a pill every other night. then try to stop all together.
Ok listen carefully because this is very difficult….
STOP TAKING THE F!@#$N PILLS!!!!
It’s that easy, you only have the addiction because you allowed it, so do something about it instead of complaining.
It’s time to visit your family doctor and be truthful. He will help you and will know what to do.
They are not physically addictive (Sominex). It’s just an over the counter sleep aid. You are taking too much and it’s probably making you more awake. Sominex is an antihistamine which can actually hype you up.
I would just stop taking it.
START BY WEANING YOURSELF OFF OF THEM-FOR 2 NIGHTS TAKE 5-THE NEXT 2 NIGHTS TAKE 4 AND SO ON AND SO ON UNTIL YOUR DOWN TO NONE.
Cut them down gradually and try to introduce other methods of getting urself off to sleep. Things like having a glass of hot milk, avoiding caffiene from 4pm, eating pasta and sleepy carbs for dinner. Relaxing fragrances, sounds ect can all help.
I find that if I write all the stuff I have to do the next day down then my mind realises it doesn’t need to think about it any more, and if I remember anything new, I simply add it to the list. Really helps me switch off.
Taper your dose down each night. For example, tonight only take 5 instead of 6. Do that for a week. Then the following week, take only 4 for the week, etc.
Have you tried any of the prescription sleep aids which are supposed to be non addictive? For example Ambien or Sonata? (I wouldn’t recommend Lunesta because it leaves such a metallic taste in your mouth, you’ll think you’ve been poisoned.)
Try exercising if you don’t already, or if you are, maybe step it up a notch. Exercise is one of the best cures for insomnia.
Good luck to you, I’ve been there. Insomnia SUCKS big time.
You need to give your Dr a call, there must be a reason you cannot sleep, the Dr can help you.
You have an addiction to the Benadryl which is the active ingredient in Sominex.. Just because it is Benadryl doesn’t make your problem any different than someone who is addicted to other stronger drugs or alcohol… Taking that high of a dosage can have very harm full health effects.. i would definitely discuss this with my Dr. Good Luck!!!
Taper back the sominex, while using a good vitamin B complex. This helps with withdrawing from chemicals.
Increase your exercise routine. If you don’t have one, get one. It really does help.
Don’t drink alcohol before bedtime, or smoke.
Ask your Dr. for the best advice.
i dont want to sound rude but sex or masterbation is usually a good way to help you drop off to sleep, i find it works for me. as i live on 4or 5hrs a night.
call dawson mcallister on sunday during 10:00pm to 1:00am his number is 1800-394-4673 or 1800-394-HOPE also check out his website. dawson helps people through the ages of 13 to 25 with addistions, depression and more.