Hi All

I have been suffering nightsweats continually now for 37 nights, have been waking about 5 -6 times a night. I am
incredibly sleep deprived. I have tried the herbal way through a natropath 3 months ago but now it is not working. The natropath has
made a new blend for me, but as usual it takes time , I went to a doctor yesterday
and she suggested I try Clonidine 1 a day at 25 mcg. I have become so desperate to have a good night sleep. As I am
a massage therapist I so need to sleep as my job is strenuous.
Previous to the continual sweats they were only happening a couple a week.
Any response would be helpful.

Hi Nicknack

I can relate. I too suffer from nightsweats although I haven't had one in a couple of months now. I know how much they can disrupt your sleep. I haven't asked my doctor about what I can take for them but I will ask about Clonidine

Take care
Tara

Dear'nicknack'
Have to love that name!When I was Menopausal the nightsweats were awful and yes my sleep was interrupted.When I started HRT they became much less but this was the route I chose to take.If I am not mistaken Evening Primrose Oil is supposed to be beneficial .Cut out any caffeine,sugar and no alcohol as these can make things worse.

I have no experience with Clonidine but have heard that it has been used successfully by some ladies.I found that anxiety over my insomnia compounded my problems so used Zanax as needed.Never upped the dose or became addicted and now rarely have the need for any.I also used Prescription Sleeping Pills when it was really bad but tried to use sparingly as had no wish to be addicted.

Hope I have been of some help and I know that all the wonderful Sisters here will offer lots of support and advice.

Keep us posted
Sweet Dreams
Elizabeth

Hi

Thankyou Tara and Elizabeth for your response.
I took my first Clonidine yesterday, no change( I know it wont work immediately), but I was so hoping
for a break in this wiked cycle I am in.
I am having acupuncture today, as I see some of the ladies here have had some good results. I have
had to cancel my clients today due to fatigue.
I never realised how debilitating this whole lack of sleep is on oneself. It brings me back to when my boys were babies!
Anyway again thankyou oh so much. I will let you know how the acupuncture goes.

Nikki

I have had high blood pressure for a while and every few years have to change my meds to keep it under control. I have not had a period since the end of August and just about that time the hot flashes started intensifying. I would have several at night and two or so during the day. At the same time my blood pressure started rising along with my anxiety level. Last week I went to my doctor and he told me to stay on what meds I was taking but to add Clonidine twice a day. It took about 3 days but I noticed my blood pressure was much lower and my hot flashes really decreased. I still have one or two during the night but just one during the day, sometimes none. So the only realy problem is that this med really causes dry mouth so be ready for that. This may go away after a few weeks, I hope so. But for right now it has helped me with two problems, the blood pressure and the hot flashes.....

I wonder what would happen if a person with normal blood pressure took Clonidine. Paganwoman, what a great side effect of the drug for you, you are taking it for your BP but it has reduced your hot flashes as well. Very cool !

I meet Sandra's criteria. My doctor put me on it for flushing, it did absolutely nothing. He seemed surprised, so I googled it. Seems it was originally offered as a remedy to the hoards of women frigthened off of HRT. Also seems it was one point better than placebo. Incidently, it is also indicated for smoking cessation. Didn't work for that, either.

Hi

I have just been looking at some of the posts regarding clonodine (Dixarit). I came off of Triquens a year and a bit ago and I started having menopause symptoms after that. I just could not stand it any longer and went to my doctor. She suggested clonidine 2 x twice a day. I was a bit sceptical at the time but I tried them and I have found success with them. I do have a high BP and already take one BP tab, so she just added these and hey presto, my hot flushes and night sweats have decreased substantially. You have to be on them for about 2 weeks before they work though so dont give up.

chris