Opinions - Which type of Doctor should swim goto for insomnia?

[Triple-Rox]

Which kind of doctor would people recomend swim to talk to about getting something for swims insomnia(hence typing this at 1:01am on a night before classes the next day.

Swim essentially has the choice between going to his psychiatrist(that can't be spelled right), or a general doctor(a new one, his old one retired).

Which doctor do people think swim would be better off going too?


(honestly not trying to doctor shop, just looking for something more effective that Diphenhydramine, and the whole host of herbs swim has tried.)

[Panthers007]

For occasional insomnia not related to chronic anxiety, a general-practitioner will likely prescribe some Ambien or similar. If related to anxiety, one would likely be referred to a psychiatrist. Especially if this were an ongoing situation.

(yes - you spelled 'psychiatrist' correctly)

[Triple-Rox]

Ok thanks for the answer, just needed a deciding factor to choose. Thanks a lot.

[ThusSpokeZarathustra]

Well, I've actually been to my general doctor on 5 different occasions for insomnia. Some doctors are very reluctant to prescribing drugs like Ambien right away. I wouldn't be surprised if the doc told you to go home, and just drink chamomile tea, warm milk, or eat a turkey sandwhich before bed.

[Richard_smoker]

Originally Posted by ThusSpokeZarathustra

Well, I've actually been to my general doctor on 5 different occasions for insomnia. Some doctors are very reluctant to prescribing drugs like Ambien right away. I wouldn't be surprised if the doc told you to go home, and just drink chamomile tea, warm milk, or eat a turkey sandwhich before bed.

so, perhaps it would be in order for one to go ahead and try all these things...then one could explain that one had tried all these methods to no avail.

a tip: regular benadryl (aka diphenhydramine) works beautifully for insomnia. Most people can take 50-75mg without problems for sleep. perhaps taking 1-2 hours prior to bedtime, and of course, until one becomes accustomed to the effects, it is never a good idea to try out a new sleeping pill at 4am, when you've got work in 3 hours.
-DICK

[ThusSpokeZarathustra]

Originally Posted by Richard_smoker

so, perhaps it would be in order for one to go ahead and try all these things...then one could explain that one had tried all these methods to no avail.

a tip: regular benadryl (aka diphenhydramine) works beautifully for insomnia. Most people can take 50-75mg without problems for sleep. perhaps taking 1-2 hours prior to bedtime, and of course, until one becomes accustomed to the effects, it is never a good idea to try out a new sleeping pill at 4am, when you've got work in 3 hours.
-DICK

I flat out told my doctor I had tried all of these things the first time I went it. It really just depends on how your doctor feels about certain drugs. I had also even told her that I sampled Ambien CR from my mom who has similar insomnia issues, and it worked beautifully, and she was still reluctant. I actually never ended up getting anything for it, because I didn't have any classes over the summer, so I was going to be up late most nights anyways.