Addictive Pharmecuticals

[nailit]

Just what is the problem with prescribing addictive meds, if they help?
As ABers know, ive had my share of mental health issues...issues that before now, ive been embarrassed to admit, but Ive come to the conclusion that they are no different to physical problems.
I'm caught up in a cycle of not sleeping-suicidaly depressed-drinking to cope with it. I don't drink-remain depressed-cant sleep.
My GP wont prescribe sleeping tabs because they are ''addictive'' so leaves me caught up in the cycle. (and addicted, at least mentally, to alcohol as it gives me some form of relief at times.

For the past 2 weeks ive resorted to buying sleepers from a dealer. The difference that I feel in myself is unreal. I can function normally, I'm getting up early, eating well, not drinking and I AM NOT DEPRESSED OR SUICIDAL... but I am having to resort to illegal activities in order to do so.

I have been on Tramadol (an addictive med) for years and no one questions that I need that. Heroin addicts are prescribed methadone (an addictive med) for years and no one question that. My mums on morphine (an addictive drug) and no one questions that she needs it.
So why is a drug that greatly helps my mental health denied me? Yes its addictive (like the above drugs) but it keeps me sane and functioning and doesnt have the 'side effects' of alcohol (like getting me arrested ...)
So what if its addictive if it helps?

[murraymints]

Agree entirely..I climb the walls trying to sleep and docs not interested..

[Old_Geezer]

I'd suspect that any med prescription is a balance between the good and bad it may do. Permanent dependence on something the ceases to be good, on balance, isn't a good thing, and ideally should be avoided if there are alternatives.

[nailit]

Glad that I'm not on my own then Minters.
O-G //I'd suspect that any med prescription is a balance between the good and bad it may do//
They are fond of pushing me on to anti-depressents though, when the side effects have been horrendous. Get non of that with a small dose of zopiclone. And agree that addictive meds should be avoided if there are alternatives, but there arnt any (except alcohol which does the trick for me but that's more toxic than a sleeping tab)

[nailit]

Spath, someone suggested Nytol some time ago on here, I found out afterwards that a friend of mine takes them periodically and swears by them. She gave me a few but cant honestly say that they helped in any way.

[nailit]

Spath, just speed read through ur link above. Interesting that you mention tramadol in one of ur replies as been addictive as ive mentioned it in my OP. And thats exactly what I'm getting at..Ive been prescribed Tramadol for years and GP never questions it. I ask for something that will keep me well *mentally* and I'm denied it and have to resort to illegal means in order to stay well.

[Islay]

What happens if you get caught buying these tablets?

[jennyjoan]

If you a chronic insomniac OTC sleep medication is not strong enough.

[nailit]

//Nytol is a bit different to say Chamomile Tea or potentially Cannabis?//
Herbal teas just don't do it for me Spath and cannabis is illegal, not my drug of choice anyway.
Last time I saw my GP re: sleep problems, he just went through a list of 'sleep hygiene' procedres, like Id never tried them all. The fact is I have major sleep deprevation where I can stay awake for days and then start to go insane, and all they want to do is push anti depressants down my throat, label me an alcoholic, refer me to a psychologist or put me in a mental hospital when what I really need is the ability to sleep.

[nailit]

//What happens if you get caught buying these tablets? //
Then I'll probably get another criminal conviction.

[bednobs]

im not sure it's just the addictiveness that's the problem - your body can build up a tolerance to them, meaning that you then have to take more and more to have the same effect, and your body completely forgets how to sleep itself. Pretty soon you are taking massive doses, then having to use uppers to have a normal pattern

[chrissa1]

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question1590688.html

Don’t know if you saw my thread a few weeks ago. I totally agree with you.

[nailit]

Spath, I have to say that I'm all in favour of using cannabis *medicinally*. I do think that long term recreational use can have unwanted side effects (paranoi etc)
bednobs, I think the same could be said of most drugs (morphine, Tramadol etc) Not to mention that my alcohol intake when I cant sleep and feel as tho I'm going mad.

[chrissa1]

As sqad said in my post, sleeping tablets are not addictive, but you do become dependent on them. There’s a difference.

Contrary to what you said, bednobs, I’ve never had to up my dose in 8 years and wouldn’t, even if I wasn’t getting my full 6-7 hours.

[nailit]

chrissa, yes I did see that.

[Cloverjo]

If you know someone in USA or going there, ask them to get you some Unisom or Wal-Som. They are brilliant. We always stock up when we go.