Insomnia medication on retreat

Peter Peter, modified 1 Year ago at 4/27/22 3:31 AM
Created 1 Year 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
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Chris M, modified 1 Year ago at 4/27/22 9:11 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 4/27/22 7:49 AM

RE: Insomnia medication on retreat

Posts: 5179 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.
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Noah D, modified 1 Year ago at 4/27/22 11:31 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 4/27/22 11:31 AM

RE: Insomnia medication on retreat

Posts: 1211 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 1 Year ago at 4/27/22 4:44 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 4/27/22 4:44 PM

RE: Insomnia medication on retreat

Posts: 67 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 1 Year ago at 4/28/22 12:08 AM
Created 1 Year ago at 4/28/22 12:08 AM

RE: Insomnia medication on retreat

Posts: 516 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.  ;)
Peter Peter, modified 1 Year ago at 4/28/22 2:49 PM
Created 1 Year ago at 4/28/22 2:49 PM

RE: Insomnia medication on retreat

Posts: 6 Join Date: 4/21/22 Recent Posts
Thank you all for your answers. I really do appreciate it!
with much metta,
peter