I ran out of the sleeping pills the doc prescribed....not sure when I can get more.
(a matter of no health insurance and no money)...I took them for 3 months.

I have not been able to sleep for 4 nights now...I feel psychotic...is this a sign of withdrawal? how long will it last?

I would appreciate any advice...has anyone else been through this? It has left me completely unable to function.

[tiki]

Can you take something OTC until you can wean yourself off some? They make OTC sleep aids.

Usually quitting something cold turkey is a little devastating on the bod. If you decide to cut back on OTC's use a method as such:

Day 1: 1/2 pill (if the pill is breakable and not a capsule)
Day 2: Same
Day 3: 1/4 of a pill, or no pill
Day 4: Same
Day 5: None

I'm not a doctor, so don't try to sue me if it doesn't work.

Integrate some type of naturnal sleep aids into your life, warm baths, warm milk, the smell of Jasmine.

Cut out all bed time (time spent in your bed) unless it's strictly for sex or sleeping. Don't even let reading tempt you. Don't watch TV in bed. Don't change your routine, stick to it.

Good luck. If you can't get any relief from this, please consider getting professional help. Happy z's.

[Rosalind]

Yes, it's withdrawal...the pyschotic feeling, and inability to sleep without the pills.

This might last for several nights, then out of pure exhaustion you will find yourself collapsing, and sleeping for something like 20 hours straight.

tiki has some wonderful suggestions......just don't turn to alcohol - it can actually disrupt natural sleep patterns.

Good luck