OTC Sleep Aids | ADHD Information

Melatonin is probably the safest way to get to sleep without drug conflictions.  Nyquil will do the trick but thats really not good for you and you will develop a dependence to that in no time, and the last thing you need is more trouble sleeping.  How much adderall do you take, i have been taking it for 2 weeks and i probably sleep better now because i am really exausted when it wears off at the end of the day


David M

I personnaly have never taken it but Melatonin (can be found in the vitamin section of grocery and drug stores in tablet form) has worked wonders for my Bipolar daughter.  She has never slept through the night unless it was a drugged sleep since she was an infant.  Her psychiatrist recommended 3 mg of melatonin 1/2 hour before bedtime.  After that 1/2 hour she is sleepy and goes to sleep within 20 minutes of going to bed.  If she awakens in the night she must go right back to sleep because she doesn't come and wake me up.  She has never done this before.  He said it is safe for her to take every night.  She also rises more easily and in a rather decent mood which also hasn't been her normal behavior.

I have read however that unless you lack that chemical it isn't very effective.  There is a theory that Bipolars have a wacked out internal clock.

I tried melatonin, bc I never sleep well, and it had no effect on me whatsoever.   

Hi Wicked Me-The melatonin is worth a try because it is safe, but a Doctor of western medicine may not know that much about it!  Perhaps a homeopathic Dr. if you want an opinion about it.

Also-I once read that being on the computer or watching TV just before going to bed can mess up your brain waves and keep you revved up.  I was having a lot of trouble stopping my thoughts before bed until I cut out the computer a few hours before bed time! 

And the melatonin can take a couple of days to feel a solid effect-night,night sleep tight!

[QUOTE=Jillette]I would discuss it with your doctor to be safe.[/QUOTE]

 What has your doctor said about the lack of sleep?  It sounds like it was an issue before the Adderall...so it may not be related, but I'm no Dr, LoL.

 I have had insomnia problems myself, and stress really causes it. I also get some hyperactive moments when my Concerta wears off, which impacts my sleep as well.  My Dr gives me Ambien, which I take when I realize I can't sleep (so as needed).  But the currently available Ambien doesn't keep you asleep.  I dislike the OTC sleeping aids, make me feel foggy/tired the next day....plus, if you miss the "window" you never fall asleep!

I have also started drinking "Sleepytime" tea that my Mom gave me...it actually knocks me out 90% of the time, as long as I lay in bed.

chicx0r38470.6190972222Thanks guys, you've been good help. I take 25 of the XR in the mornings (anywhere for me like 7:30am to 9:15am) The weird thing is I can totally feel it wear off in the early evenings...I just get SUPER hungry for dinner, not matter how much I ate in the day. LOL. So, I know my meds have worn away...still can't sleep. I have always (since I can remember) had problems falling asleep, but now its problems with quality of sleep and staying asleep. Ex. fell asleep after 1am last night (last time I looked at the clock before it went under the bed.) and woke up at 5:15 without an alarm. Geez. Think I'm gonna ask my doc about melatonin, just to make sure...thanks again though.I feel it wear off also and still can't sleep at night! I don't get it. Maybe it's because all the thoughts are racing through my head that were controlled with meds during the day? Then during the day when I get tired, I can't nap to save my life..due to the meds. I don't feel awful without the sleep, but I know it will catch up. Yeah, I think it is due to my brain 'racing' and I've never been keen on napping. Trust me, it will catch up, I know the meds most of us take give people a somewhat energetic vibe, but synthetic 'energy' only last's so long. I reccommend nipping the sleep thing in the bud, don't be a retard like me. Chamomille tea, vallerian rootRemove refine carbs at night also helpK, its like month 4 of adderral and I've just now noticed that the insane lack of sleep is catching up to me. I've tried all the traditional ways of getting more sleep (hiding the clock, drinking tea, taking a bath, etc) Do any of you have a reccomendation on any drug store sleep aids? I've tried a few before (unisom and tylenol PM) with no success. Anyone?I would discuss it with your doctor to be safe.

My Dr told me to take Niquil (sp?), especially my first week on Adderall when I didn't sleep at all. But I am not sure if you should take it on a regular basis.

Good luck.

I've used ZMA supplement going on about three years now. It isn't made for sleep but works for me.

Women take two about an hour before bed and men three. I started Strattera a month ago and it is still working unless I get overly tired.

Having a regular wake up and bedtime also is very helpful.

I order my ZMA from the internet but some health food stores carry it. Just do a search for it.

I have found Melatonin very effective. I haven't had a good nights sleep in years then heard a Psychiatrist who specialiazes in medication for ADD/ADHD speak and he mentioned melatonin as a sleep aid for people on ADHD medication.  From what I remember this is the chemical that let's your body know it is night time(it already exists naturally in our bodies).  I take 1 pill 1/2 before bed and am asleep in no time and I sleep through the night soundly-yum! You can purchase it at GNC-the flavored ones taste the best!  Good-luck and good-sleeping!Benedryl, an antihistamine, always successfully knocks me out and is supposed to be fairly benign.

I'd check with the pharmacist, though, to make sure there arent any drug interactions with anything else you're taking.

I would recommend 5-HTP, which is also recommended for combating depression.  Sunday nights are hell for me, my mind is racing like the dickens.  Two 5-HTP seems to smooth it out enough for me to sleep. 

When I was on stimulants I made sure to not take any after 3:00 pm.  It was the only way they would wear off in time for bed.  And then I'd just crash like a fallen log when they wore off.