[MMFeb16,15]

Re: Dexamethasone-related sleep problems

by MMFeb16,15 on Mon Aug 29, 2016 11:49 am

Dear Wobbles:

Sleepless nights after dexamethasone was a problem. It starts with 24 hours a week after dex to 48 and finally during 11th and 12th cycle it was 72 hours of sleepless nights. Melatonin did not give any help.

Thank you.

[Wobbles]

Re: Dexamethasone-related sleep problems

by Wobbles on Wed Aug 31, 2016 8:45 pm

Thanks for that input, MM2/16/15,

I saw my hematologist today to review the results of my first round of chemotherapy, which, I am happy to report, were very good. Since I was at her office, I took the opportunity to see what could be done to help me sleep better while on dexamethasone. We decided that lorazepam (Ativan) was worth a try.

Most of my problem is centred on not sleeping a full 8 hours. I find myself getting up at 2 - 3 a.m., unable to return to sleep. When I explained this to my pharmacist, she said I might try taking 1 mg of lorazepam at this point. If that does not work, then I could try taking the lorazepam when I actually retire. In short, I should figure out what works best for me.

I’ll give it a try tonight as I had chemo drugs yesterday and am still buzzing from the dexa­metha­sone. I don’t want to do this every night, just when I need it.

Joe