Sleep and cancer

[Kkmom]

I have been using effexor xr for the past 6 years. It was prescribed to me by my GYN after going to him for severe insomia and hot flashes. It was a godsend. Prior to using effexor, I would wake up every night at 3:30 on the dot and not go back to sleep - it was a vicious cycle, which made it hard to function. The effexor changed everything.

[Bellaokc]

Kkmom,
Can you tell me the dosage of your Effexor? I am on 37.5 mg and am thinking maybe it needs to be raised so I can drop the other meds.

Aussie Girl...let us know how the Mirtazapine wafers work.

thanks!

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

For me the Effexor had no effect on my constant clammy wetness, feeling that I was trapped inside something. And it made me feel weird.

So, slowly, slowly, after begging to be taken off, I weaned off.

Evening Primrose helped during the day. Ativan helped during the night. Actually Ativan was excellent for hot flashes but can't take it by day.

My fav onc since 1995 told me way back, when I resisted taking pills as I never even took aspirin -- YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO SUFFER. THAT'S WHY WE HAVE THESE PILLS. TO HELP YOU. AT THE FIRST SIGN OF PAIN, NAUSEA, WHATEVER -- TAKE A PILL. He's basically very conservative, though aggressive when necessary, always reasoned and caring. I offer that advice to all of you.

I find watching a movie, the more boring the better, I start to fall asleep.

I do add Theanine (natural supplement, calmative) to help stop the non-stop thoughts pounding inside my skull. And melatonin.

I would be walking the hallways in my house till 5 AM if not for help. And that is not good, for my body (it needs to regenerate and rejuvenate). I read a study on nurses who worked the night shift. Their T cells were way lower than the other nurses'. Their immune system was compromised. That's the last thing any of us wants, right?!