Pharmacopoeia: Assisted Sleeping
Posted: 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:
Comments/suggestions?
Personal contributions/amendments/additions to the four products mentioned above?
Your experience with managing insomnia in Cambodia?
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:
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.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.
Comments/suggestions?
Personal contributions/amendments/additions to the four products mentioned above?
Your experience with managing insomnia in Cambodia?