Insomnia medication on retreat

Peter Peter, modifié il y a 2 années at 27/04/22 03:31
Created 2 années ago at 27/04/22 03:31

Insomnia medication on retreat

Publications: 6 Date d'inscription: 21/04/22 Publications Récentes
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
thumbnail
Chris M, modifié il y a 2 années at 27/04/22 09:11
Created 2 années ago at 27/04/22 07:49

RE: Insomnia medication on retreat

Publications: 5246 Date d'inscription: 26/01/13 Publications Récentes
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.
thumbnail
Noah D, modifié il y a 2 années at 27/04/22 11:31
Created 2 années ago at 27/04/22 11:31

RE: Insomnia medication on retreat

Publications: 1211 Date d'inscription: 01/09/16 Publications Récentes
+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, modifié il y a 2 années at 27/04/22 16:44
Created 2 années ago at 27/04/22 16:44

RE: Insomnia medication on retreat

Publications: 71 Date d'inscription: 10/02/19 Publications Récentes
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, modifié il y a 2 années at 28/04/22 00:08
Created 2 années ago at 28/04/22 00:08

RE: Insomnia medication on retreat

Publications: 516 Date d'inscription: 29/09/11 Publications Récentes
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, modifié il y a 2 années at 28/04/22 14:49
Created 2 années ago at 28/04/22 14:49

RE: Insomnia medication on retreat

Publications: 6 Date d'inscription: 21/04/22 Publications Récentes
Thank you all for your answers. I really do appreciate it!
with much metta,
peter