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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Medication To Induce Sleep

I took prescribed lortab for 8 months for back pain I just tapered off on my own and have not taken anyfor 10 days. I only took three 7.5 pills per day. I feel pretty good now but cannot get to sleep until well in the morning. What should I take to get to sleep? Ambien is not working.
Mon, 12 Jan 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Lortab is Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is an opioid drug and you have been taking about 7.5 pills per day. The drug can cause dependence and even after gradual tapering individuals may suffer long term withdrawal effects. The problems of sleep you are having are probably due to protracted withdrawal of Hydrocodone. Ambien or Zolpidem will not work because the drug acts on different receptors than opioids.

I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for proper treatment. To prevent withdrawal drugs like Clonidine can be utilised. Clonidine helps in sleep and also reduce anxiety due to opioid withdrawal. Other drugs that can be used to reduce anxiety due to withdrawal is pregabalin. You can consult a psychiatrist for prescription of these drugs.

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Suggest Medication To Induce Sleep

Hello thanks for asking from HCM Lortab is Acetaminophen and Hydrocodone. Hydrocodone is an opioid drug and you have been taking about 7.5 pills per day. The drug can cause dependence and even after gradual tapering individuals may suffer long term withdrawal effects. The problems of sleep you are having are probably due to protracted withdrawal of Hydrocodone. Ambien or Zolpidem will not work because the drug acts on different receptors than opioids. I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for proper treatment. To prevent withdrawal drugs like Clonidine can be utilised. Clonidine helps in sleep and also reduce anxiety due to opioid withdrawal. Other drugs that can be used to reduce anxiety due to withdrawal is pregabalin. You can consult a psychiatrist for prescription of these drugs. Thanks, hope this helps you.