Medications for Sleep Disturbances in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

One of the main symptoms experienced by Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia is sleep disturbances. The hormonal imbalances associated with both of these illnesses cause the patient's biological clock to go haywire. So even though these patients have a desperate need to sleep at night, often their bodies, more specifically the brain, will not allow them to sleep.

In my own personal situation, I have found that the evening hours after 8:00 p.m. are my most productive. I will have nights that I am up until 2:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m. If you talk to other Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia patients, you will probably hear the same thing from them.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications are available to help treat the sleep disturbances. Each person's body is different so what may work for one person will not necessarily work for the next. Never try any medications without first seeing your doctor.

There are a variety of sleep medications that can be used to help with the sleeping disorders prevalent in CFS and Fibromyalgia. I have tried many of these medications with success for a while. My body tends to build tolerances to medications quickly so I frequently have to switch prescriptions after a while.

Most of the sleeping aids are not meant to be used for long-term use but with CFS and Fibromyalgia, it is the only way some ever sleep at all.

Melatonin

Melatonin is an over-the-counter supplement that you can purchase in any retail store or health food store. This is an inexpensive supplement that increases the levels of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that tells the brain that it's time to go to sleep. Using melatonin is the best sleep method I have found because it is effective in treating the circadian-rhythm problems seen in CFS and Fibromyalgia patients. Supplements are not FDA approved, so companies that make these products that actually work can't make those claims.

Benadryl and Tylenol PM

Benadryl and Tylenol PM are considered antihistamines. These are over-the-counter medications that make you feel sleepy. It is easy to become immune to these medications and they can cause next day drowsiness.

Ambien and Sonata

Ambien and Sonata are in a class of drugs that are called non-benzodiazepines. These prescription sleep aids work by attaching to receptors on brain cells that trigger sleepiness. Some risks involved in using these medications include addiction/dependency and can suppress REM sleep (rapid eye movement). Some serious risk factors include instances where people drive while they are still sleeping. I have found these medications to leave me with a hangover feeling in the morning.

Elavil, Doxepin, Trazadone

Elavil, Doxepin and Trazadone are antidepressants that help balance brain chemicals to treat depression. Because depression can also cause insomnia, these prescription drugs are often used to treat the insomnia from CFS and Fibromyalgia. These medications may cause drowsiness the following day and may reduce REM sleep. I find that after I take Trazadone, I have severe drowsiness the next morning.

If you suffer from CFS or Fibromyalgia, or both illnesses, you may have to work with your physician to find the medication or medications that work best for you. The most important thing our bodies need in order to heal and renew is sleep. Without a good night's sleep, the symptoms of these illnesses will only escalate.