Pharmacopoeia: Assisted Sleeping

StroppyChops · Post by **StroppyChops** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 11:45 pm

The topic of chemically assisted sleeping, or at least related comments, seems to occur reasonably frequently so a dedicated and on-topic thread might be in order.

Note: none of the following, or any further posts (unless flagged otherwise) constitute medical advice. If you're going to self-prescribe or self-medicate, it's on your own head. Whatever you do, don't cocktail the following meds, that would just be stupid.

The most common options that seem to be available in Cambodia include:

1.Stilnox (Zolpidem)
Relatively effective but very expensive hypnotic at around $1.25 a 10mg tablet. Not always reliably available - "we have tomorrow" doesn't help an insomniac. Reasonably short half life, for me it lasts around 4 hours and is out of my system in 6. Reasonable sleep, but insufficient REM in my experience.

2. Xanax (Alprazolam)
Intended for a different complaint (depression) but can be used for sleep therapy. Mildly addictive in higher doses. As common as muck in Cambodia at around 3000r (from memory) for a strip of 10, so, cheap. Doesn't work for me, actually hypes me up with a peak about 6 hours after consumption, and zombie the following day. Have not yet tried mixing with alcohol for 'binding' as suggested elsewhere.

3. Dicodin (Dihydrocodeine)
Possibly the up and coming drug of choice for educated CEOers, taken with spirit-based alcohol for binding. An opioid used for pain management. $13.50 for a pack of 20 x 60mg tablets, so cheaper than Stilnox. I have not yet tried these, purchased a box today, some concerns about the hyping effect given my reaction to Xanax, and the experience of other posters.

4. Atarax (Hydroxyzine dicholorhydrate)
Actually an anxiety medication, this is an antihistamine used for treating hives and dermatitis. It's also used as a pre-op sedative and a sleep agent in children (so, more for adults is good, right?). Local pharmacist insists this is the same as Stilnox, dubious. About $4 for a box of 30 x 25mg tablets.

In my case I have diagnosed acute insomnia and have taken Stilnox/Zolpidem for years with relative success, although the efficacy is lessening from constant use, the cost is off-putting and the scattered availability is annoying. I also take ibuprofen for pain management, for rheumatoid arthritis and spinal damage from Grid Iron days. So, dicodin is attractive as it kills a couple of birds - pain and insomnia. Similarly, the Atarax (untried) would be useful for keeping the airways clear for CPAP sleep. Xanax is not an attractive option as I don't want to have to take it with spirits every night.

Comments/suggestions?
Personal contributions/amendments/additions to the four products mentioned above?
Your experience with managing insomnia in Cambodia?

Digg3r · Post by **Digg3r** » Tue Jul 15, 2014 11:55 pm

Valium/diazapam

StroppyChops · Post by **StroppyChops** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:03 am

Digg3r wrote:Valium/diazapam

Together or separately, Digg3r? Someone in the medical field (here) suggested Diazapam to me, but in all honesty I forgot it.

Digg3r · Post by **Digg3r** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:04 am

Don't quote me but I believe that are the same thing.

I use it when flying.

StroppyChops · Post by **StroppyChops** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:10 am

Digg3r wrote:Don't quote me but I believe that are the same thing.

I use it when flying.

Yep, quite right: http://www.drugs.com/diazepam.html

Contraindicated for those on CPAP therapy, unfortunately, but I'm told it's easily available and cheap in Cambodia, and effective.

Digg3r · Post by **Digg3r** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:11 am

The generic Cambodian made diazapam is cheap as chips but I prefer Valium since I can trust the quality and dosage.

I wouldn't recommend regular usage.

StroppyChops · Post by **StroppyChops** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:16 am

Digg3r wrote:The generic Cambodian made diazapam is cheap as chips but I prefer Valium since I can trust the quality and dosage.

I wouldn't recommend regular usage.

The list of side effects for regular use is scary.

rick o'shea · Post by **rick o'shea** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:05 pm

What are the side effects? I have never used any of these meds, and am hesitant to dabble as I might enjoy them too much. Generally I Dont have an addictive personality, but you never know with these things if they give you a wrapped up in cotton wool feeling. Sometimes I need a good sleep, but try to let nature take its course. Do any of these meds not leave you feeling groggy the next day?

StroppyChops · Post by **StroppyChops** » Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:20 pm

Genuine advice, rick, unless you have a clinical need for these, don't mess with them recreationally. It's a slippery slope. Most aren't addictive but you get addicted to the type of sleep they can cause. I would actually suggest someone go for a decent mellow with gunja before playing in this patch, and I'd never say that lightly.

Follow the link above and click the appropriate link for side effects.

rick o'shea · Post by **rick o'shea** » Thu Jul 17, 2014 12:47 pm

Yeah thanks stroppy. Haven't dabbled in the 6 or 7 years I've been here, so i can live without them.

Pharmacopoeia: Assisted Sleeping

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