What a day. It’s not over yet, in fact for me in the land down under (Australia), it is only mid-morning.
I have had problems with insomnia building for quite a while - have had it actually, on and off for years, but lately the insomnia has been much worse. I began attributing the insomnia deterioration I was experiencing to at least one of the medications I take - “Endep” (Amitripylene?) as Insomnia is a listed side effect.
But these past couple of weeks the insomnia has become unbearable and the lack of sleep has made me feel like I’m losing the plot, Aussie slang, but basically it was making me feel luny. The med I was taking to help with neuropathic pain at night to help me get to sleep was causing me to NOT sleep at all. I’d had that problem with it for some time and my doctor just had me add Xanax, a benzodiazepine to the night meds to counter that. Well that stopped working a long time ago.
So, two days ago I saw my Doctor who said, stop taking Xanax and here is a prescription for a medication called “Tamaze” (this is also a Benzodiazepine). So, for two nights I’ve taken this med, and it really did nothing to help me get to sleep. I was willing to give it one more shot because I really need to sleep more than 2 hours a night and I’m going mad from lack of sleep.
BUT HERES THE KICKER!!
I awoke at 2:30 am this morning. Some spider had bitten me on my chest while I was asleep. I’d only been asleep since 1 am - so again, less than 2 hours sleep this time. THEN, while I was treating the bite, the TN monster attacks!! Blast it!! It wouldn’t go away and after 2 hours I couldn’t take it any more and I took an Oxycodone + an Oxycontin for extra relief then at 4:30 am.
I got VERY groggy, seriously groggy after this - whereas, Oxy doesn’t usually even get a reaction from me at all. I was now in a quite a state. I was groggy to the point it felt like I was sleep walking. I tried to take advantage of this and get more sleep before it wore off. So the Groggy / exhaustion / weakness I felt had to be more than just the Oxy. I remembered then that I had taken the Tamaze the night before…
SO NOW - I lie awake but half conscious in bed. Fully aware of everything going on around me but with barely the energy to turn myself over under the blankets. I doze fitfully ( I suppose that’s the right word for it) for another 4 hours before I get up. AND NOW it’s more than 6 hours later and I’m still suffering these side effects from this interaction.
I confirmed it is an interaction by phoning my pharmacist. I use the same dispensary for all my prescriptions - why don’t doctors or pharmacists warn people of these things. The pharmacist replied to my inquiry with: “Yes, you are experiencing a respiratory depression interaction between the Benzo “Tamaze” & the Endone / 5mg Oxycodone (which is classed as a “narcotic analgesic”. It should wear off soon…”
I am imagining that because I also took a 10 mg Oxycontin (slow release oxycodone) that this respiratory depression will last an extended time frame. Much as the Tamaze as meant to last for only a couple hours - it’s effect should have worn off well before I took the Oxycodone pills.
So a warning to all who read this - only if you were as unaware (or like me, completely naive) to this warning…
Do not take any Narcotic / Analgesics while you may be requiring the use of Benzodiazepines (unsure of the correct spelling) as well. I was told that if I was potentially an asthmatic I would have experienced much more severe respiratory distress. As it was I am VERY lucky. My respiratory rate slowed considerably, as did my heart rate. I know my blood pressure is very low also. I literally have the shakes, still very groggy, blurry vision and a total body weakness!!
I’m proud that I am able to write this much. Considering my brain feels now like it’s been through a compactor I’m surprised I was able to write such a lengthy blog!
Best wishes to all ~ Kerry (aka Ko).
I just haven’t quite been myself