I would like to stop taking my sleeping pill?
46-year-old woman
I have been taking pro quetiapine for several years and it was prescribed to me to sleep 25mg every night. How can I stop taking this medication without having any side effects and how can I get back to sleep without this medication?
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Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago
Thank you for your question!
To stop this type of medication, we recommend that you go slowly and gradually and at your own discretion: what I suggest is to decrease the dose by 10 to 25% every 1 to 2 weeks. For example, if you are taking 25mg, we can try to decrease to 3/4 of a tablet for 1 to 2 weeks, then 3/4 of a tablet 4 days a week and 1/2 tablet the other days, spaced out, and so on
Your pharmacist could help you make a schedule tailored to your needs, could help you cut the tablets, adjust the amount of tablets you receive, follow up closely with you and of course keep your doctor informed of the process.
In terms of improving your sleep hygiene, I suggest the following:
- At least 1 hour before bedtime, turn off any type of screen: computer, phone, TV, and handheld readers too. Most of them emit a type of light that is stimulating.
- Regardless of bedtime, I suggest getting up at the same time each day, which will eventually help establish a sleep routine.
- Keep the bedroom for sleeping and intimacy only. No reading, work, or TV in bed. This way, the body will associate the bedroom with sleep as soon as you enter it.
- Never look at the clock during the night as this can be a great source of stress
- Avoid naps during the day, and avoid stimulants like coffee as much as possible, especially in the afternoon.
- If you've been in bed for 15 minutes and still can't fall asleep, I suggest you get up, go to the kitchen or living room for a few minutes, and then return to the bedroom. This can have a reset effect.
- If you have a lot of worries, write them down in a notebook or journal at night, so you can be reassured that they won't be forgotten and that you can address them the next morning.
These strategies can take up to 2 weeks to implement, so take your time, gradually, be patient and willing too.
I hope I've been helpful, please feel free to ask any other questions you may have!
Tom Samaha, pharmacist
46-year-old woman · 2 years ago
it is dangerous to stop this medication and why give this medication to sleep when I read that it is for psychotic problems
Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago
It is indeed in the large class of 'anti-psychotics'. It is however widely used in very small doses for insomnia. This is anoff-label use based on clinical experience
If this medication was prescribed for you strictly to help you sleep, no, it is not dangerous to stop.
46-year-old woman · 2 years ago
ok, thank you very much for your answer
Naji-tom Samaha · 2 years ago
It was my pleasure!
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