Steps toward solving insomnia

October 3, 2026

In addition to being medicated for depression for decades, I have also depended on prescriptions for sleep for decades. Because of the abrupt stop of both of these meds, and suffering all the attendant recovery symptoms, it is insomnia that is hard to address. I’ve long known that sleep is healing for my entire body (including my brain). However, until recently, it never occurred to me that my decades long dependence on meds for sleep was detrimental to natural sleep.(sheesh!). Having been without any sedatives for months now, I’m persisting in practicing good sleep habits. Who knew that it means looking at my entire day and evening!? Anyway, it seems that I must break lifetime habits and learn new ones. (Again!!). I am working a program that isn’t punitive, and making teeny progress 🥴.

In my life, have been on Prozac, Wellbutrin, Amytriptiline, Ambien, Seroquel, Zoloft, pamelor, Nortriptiline, Clonazepam, Suboxone (for insomnia), Effexor, Valium, Trazadone, Zanax, and Gabapentin. These, I remember.
Currently on,Duloxetine 60 mg — 2 yr — holding | without clinician

6 Replies

⭐

CatinaOct 4

Community AnchorEffexor

Peggy, I hear you! Insomnia is a tough one. Your proactive research is amazing, and you are to be commended. Your hard work will pay off! 👍

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 17.28 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

Peggy WallaceOct 4

NavigatorCymbalta · holding

After a painful(arthritis in shoulders) restless night with little sleep, I’m not feeling like I’m improving at all! I know that is the insomnia talking and not the wellness I’ve been feeling. I may nap today even though it’s against the rules.

⭐

CatinaOct 4

Community AnchorEffexor

Sorry to hear this Peggy! Have you found anything that helps with the arthritis? Have you tried taking a warm Epsom salt bath before bed? What sort of things are doing to improve your sleep hygiene?

"I may nap today even though it’s against the rules." — @Peggy Wallace

Do what you need to do. I've heard that it's best to nap before 3 pm, otherwise it can really mess up your Circadian rhythm. Does your community have rules about naps? I hope tonight is better for you, hang in there!

Peggy WallaceOct 4

NavigatorCymbalta · holding

No. Rules are set by RESTapp for sleep. Any other suggestions are welcome. Actually, my community encourages naps, a decades long rule here is “no activities and quiet from 1-3pm”😀. I’ve been partially successful about not napping.

Peggy WallaceOct 4

NavigatorCymbalta · holding

🥰🙏

⭐

CatinaOct 4

Community AnchorEffexor

"Rules are set by RESTapp for sleep" — @Peggy Wallace

Got it! 👍 Have you seen the information we have about insomnia and sleep? If not, I can share the articles.

Join the conversation

Need a clinician who understands tapering?

Browse our map of deprescribing-informed providers worldwide.

Find a Deprescriber