Insomnia medication on retreat - Discussion
Insomnia medication on retreat
Peter Peter, modified 3 Years ago at 4/27/22 3:31 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/27/22 3:31 AM
Insomnia medication on retreat
Posts: 6 Join Date: 4/21/22 Recent Posts
Hello,
I am doing both mahasi noting and TMI for about two years now. I have been to a few Mahasi retreats, about two weeks each.
I am a terrible sleeper (Genetically Predisposed I am afraid). During daily life, I use a low dosage of sleep medication about 5 times a week. This keeps me thriving and does not seem to affect my mindfulness during my daily 1 hour meditations.
What is your opinion on continuing this medication during retreats?
I use oxazepam (5 mg) or quetiapine (aka seroquel, 25mg). The latter being prescribed off label by my doctor to treat insomnia. I take it in turns so not together.
All the best,Peter
I am doing both mahasi noting and TMI for about two years now. I have been to a few Mahasi retreats, about two weeks each.
I am a terrible sleeper (Genetically Predisposed I am afraid). During daily life, I use a low dosage of sleep medication about 5 times a week. This keeps me thriving and does not seem to affect my mindfulness during my daily 1 hour meditations.
What is your opinion on continuing this medication during retreats?
I use oxazepam (5 mg) or quetiapine (aka seroquel, 25mg). The latter being prescribed off label by my doctor to treat insomnia. I take it in turns so not together.
All the best,Peter
Chris M, modified 3 Years ago at 4/27/22 9:11 AM
Created 3 Years ago at 4/27/22 7:49 AM
RE: Insomnia medication on retreat
Posts: 5749 Join Date: 1/26/13 Recent Posts
JMHO, but if you use it in your daily life then keep using it on retreat. I can't envision a reason why it would be a bad thing to continue.
Noah D, modified 2 Years ago at 4/27/22 11:31 AM
Created 2 Years ago at 4/27/22 11:31 AM
RE: Insomnia medication on retreat
Posts: 1230 Join Date: 9/1/16 Recent Posts
+1 to what Chris said. Also seroquel may be having slight mood stabilizing & anti anxiety effects (even if that's not the reason your taking it) that you wouldn't want to suddenly remove while on a retreat.
Robert L, modified 2 Years ago at 4/27/22 4:44 PM
Created 2 Years ago at 4/27/22 4:44 PM
RE: Insomnia medication on retreat
Posts: 127 Join Date: 2/10/19 Recent Posts
Oxazepam is a benzodiazipine, sudden stoppage could lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and death. So....+1 on continuing it while you're on retreat.
T DC, modified 2 Years ago at 4/28/22 12:08 AM
Created 2 Years ago at 4/28/22 12:08 AM
RE: Insomnia medication on retreat
Posts: 533 Join Date: 9/29/11 Recent Posts
Basically, from a meditation perspective it's not at all necessary to stop your meds.
And from a medical perspective, best to talk about it with your provider. ;)
And from a medical perspective, best to talk about it with your provider. ;)