[chlorina]

I'm recently diagnosed with REM behavior disorder. Any help or advice for timing of medication? My Klonopin doesn't help me with falling asleep. Any ideas? Thanks in advance . . . chlorina

[nurseamp]

Must you take the medication at all? Can your wife tell when its coming and stop you as my husband does? He tells me I start to talk and my legs begin to move. He either shakes me awake or just yells stop and I do. I have read that a larger bed or separate beds is another way to go...good luck

[Pickels]

I've been recently diagnosed, but my neurologist seems to want to wait and see if it will no away...I don't think so. I sleep alone so I have no one to 'warn' me when I act on my dreams. Any suggestions?

[nurseamp]

Hi Pickles, I have since given in and gone on Klonopin. My husband tells me I still move (thought this med was to stop that) but have not been aggesive. I am sure the medication is to insure a good nights sleep without movement (except at the appropriate times.) I had fallen asleep behind the wheel just minutes from home and awoke in the other lane. I did not want to go on medication but if I sleep better maybe that won't happen again. One never knows. As far as I can tell I sleep very soundly, fall asleep as soon as my head is on the pillow and only wake in the morning. However, I do recall some of my dreams and most of them are not pleasant. My husband thinks because I read a lot and some are mysteries that is why I have the bad dreams...I don't agree. So, should you be on medication? I guess it depends on if you lose a lot of sleep and therefore can't function during the day. The medication makes me a bit tired but I am 72 so who knows, I might be tired anyway lol. Good luck and let me know how you do....nurseamp

[Pickels]

Hi Nurseamp,

I am your age, but have had wild dreams for so many years, I can't remember what sleep is, without dreaming. It is only in the last year that this problem has escalated to the point where I almost walked out of my second story window, thinking it was a door. So, I feel there is urgency, although it doesn't seem to bother my neurologist much.

I have taken clonozapam on occasion as it makes me wake up with my muscles more relaxed. I'm not sure it has helped the situation. Still, I suppose if I took it each night it might have cumulative value. It doesn't leave me sleepy and I have never fallen asleep during the day unintentionally.

Have you heard any comments on hypnosis as a possible help? This was mentioned to me. Also, the info I have read made comment on people who have RBD as having precursers for Parkinsons and dementia. On the other end of the scale, children can also have this problem. Right now I'm trying to gather as much info as I can. I may consider getting a second opinion, but must wait until my current doctor decides what her will or won't do.

[nurseamp]

Hi Pickles, With things being what they are for you I would get a second opinion. Your actions can be very dangerous. From what I've read this condition gets worse and what you read about Parkinson's is correct. This happens mostly to men and comes about our age. In 38% of the cases Parkinsons comes within ten to twelve years following the onset. I can't understand why the doctor would not put you on the medication. It must be taken every night for the rest of your life and must be decreased slowly by a doctor if you choose to go off it. Our bodies can't be getting the proper rest if we are acting out our dreams all the time (which is exactly what we are doing) In rem sleep the mind continues to function but the body is in a coma like state which allows us to rest. We do not reach that state. The doctor told me that RBD occurs in the same part of the brain that Parkinson's comes from. I pray for all of us that have this that this is not our fate. I still dream and talk and move to some degree so I will talk to the doctor about this. I was told by my pharmacist that this drug is just like Zanax just stronger. Good luck and please keep in touch. AMP

[Pickels]

Hi Nurseamp,

Thanks so much for you input. I feel like I'm stuck for the moment. I will go to my internist on the 8th of Sept., as my neurologist requested. I think he just wants to have me checked over before starting treatment...at least I hope so.

I will try to update you, and thanks for replying to my posts. Good sleeping!