7 replies to this topic

[JoshLee]

I had insomnia before diagnosis and have had it periodically through out treatment. Anybody else experience insomnia while on Tasigna?

[Taylor]

Hi Josh,

Yes and no.  I was having major problems with taking my medicine at about 10PM, hitting the hay at 10:30PM, then waking up wired at 11:15 or 11:30PM, only to fall asleep in a few minutes and stay asleep.  Then I also began waking up in the middle of the night, but most of that turned out to be anxiety.  I've gotten the anxiety mostly under control so I don't wake up in the middle of the night, but I sometimes still wake up right after I first fall asleep.  I usually feel like I've had an adrenaline rush so I don't know if it's still a bit of anxiety or related to the Tasigna, or what.

Taylor

[janner25]

Hi - yes...I do think it has something to do with the time of the day when I take it.  Although I know it's hard with the whole 'food' thing...

If I took the 2nd dose after I ate dinner...I would be up!!!  For hours...exhausted but couldn't sleep.  Now I take an hour before dinner....I'm not as diligent about the 12 hour intervals.

Not sure what time you take that 2nd dose, but may help to change timing?

[hannibellemo]

JoshLee,

I'm glad you started this discussion. I'm on Sprycel and I've noticed that I go to sleep fine, no problem, but I'm awake after around 5 hours of sleep. If I'm lucky I go back to sleep, but normally once I'm awake - I'm AWAKE!

Fortunately, fatigue is not one of my major side effects, but after a week or two of only 5 hours sleep a night it begins to show. I've discovered that power napping really makes a difference. 20 - 30 minutes sleep (no more or I get groggy) when I'm feeling bushed and I'm fine.

Weird, huh?

Pat

[JoshLee]

I take my meds at 6 PM...And then usually some time between 6-8 AM. I am physically exhausted, but my mind is like incredibley alert and I can't get to sleep. If I go to bed at like 11...I don't fall asleep untl 1,2, or on occasion 3 am! I remember having insomnia before I was diagnosed, maybe 5 months or so. I don't know if that means anything. I've been having this for well over a week and a week ago my counts were good...So nothing out of control, at least according to CBC. I do have a prescription for lorazepam..And that seems to help for the nights when it is impossible, but that stuff is kind of addicting. Being on one drug is ENOUGH. I am not particularly anxious, but my life this summer has been pretty simple. No job because my fellowship doesn't run in the summer and I am staying with my parents. I try to get out for a walk and light work out, but maybe my brain just isn't being drained!? Who knows!  Kind of comes in waves I guess. Insomina is actually a side affect of Tasigna so maybe this is normal?

[Susan61]

Hi:  I am not on Tasigna.  I am on Gleevec.  That rush of Adrenaline is Anxiety. I go through it on and off, but when it hits sometimes it lasts for days.

I do not sleep well.  My mind is always on something, and not even anything to do with my CML.  I think everyone is feeling some type of anxiety these days just trying to deal with everyday life and finances.  Then add Cancer to the list just causes a lot of these problems.

    You have to just find what works for you to deal and cope with it.  Everyone has a different way of handling things. Take Care

Susan

[susanlathers]

I have been on Tasigna for a little over a year and it absolutely has made sleep difficult.  Going to sleep, waking frequently and early waking.  I also can not sleep (nap) during the day which some days I would give anything to do. 

   Eyes wide open and not enjoying it.

[JoshLee]

Well....We do have a life threatening illness....Maybe being awake to enjoy life is a good thing? Lol! Kidding! Being awake stinks if you're eye lids feel like sand paper but your mind feels like it's being stimulated by electric jelly!