Re: Weird Sleepiness, Edema + Some Other Symptoms - to Sam

[Guest guest]

Sam,

There must be some explanation for the extreme sleepiness that you

and are experiencing. I know that I've felt a dramatic change

in my alertness, too, and have been napping much more than normal

these last several weeks. I haven't done this much napping and felt

this fatigued since I did before my low thyroid was diagnosed. I've

also noticed an abundance of hair loss when I shower, which I was

also having a problem with before my doctor tested my thyroid and

found out that I was low. Once I started on Synthyroid, both the

fatigue and hair loss stopped. I'm beginning to wonder now if it

might be that my thyroid medication needs an adjustment again.

Fortunately, I'm due to see my Endo in September and all the bloodwork

will be done to test those levels and an HbA1c will be done, too, a

week before I meet with the Endo. I plan on discussing the fatigue

issue with him then.

You didn't mention how long you've been using the Duragesic patch,

but you do need to be aware that the duragesic patches do claim

drowsiness as one of their main side effects. It's especially common

for a new patient during the first few weeks of use, and " usually " ,

if the dosage of the duragesic is correct, will wear off after the

second or third week of use. If the starting dosage of the patch is

incorrect, and too high, (25 mcg. is the recommended starting dose),

the patient can experience extreme sleepiness. Pheneragan and

prilosec, also list sleepiness as one of their main side effects:

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/phenergan_ad.htm

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic3/prilosec_ad.htm

You mentioned that you are on all three of these medications, and

since all three list drowsiness as common side effects, this may be

part of your problem. I noticed that you're also on Synthroid, so it

might just be that you may need an adjustment on your thyroid

medication, too. I know how you feel about giving up the duragesic,

it's my favorite and most effective form of pain control,and truly

the only medication that I've noticed such distinct progress

with in controlling my pain. I use that in combination with

Neurontin, which is not a narcotic, and together they are very

effective.

Since I've been using the duragesic for over 3-1/2 years, and the

Neurontin for 2-1/2 years, I don't believe these could be what's

causing my fatigue at this time, since my body is so accustomed to

them. But a change in my thyroid condition could be the culprit,

since we know that our thyroid problems can change over time. I

haven't changed or added any new medications in the last year.

It's very frightening that you're experiencing this fatigue while

trying to drive to work. I was having problems similar to that when

I first started taking the Neurontin 2-1/2 years ago, being sleepy

at the wheel and falling asleep during the day in the middle of a

conversation. It frightened me so much that I stopped driving all

together until I could meet with my doctor and discuss it. He put

me on another medication, called Provigil, which is used to treat

narcolepsy and patients with extreme sleepiness problems. When I

started taking 200-400 mgs. of this every day, my drowsiness problems

ceased. It has only been in the last several weeks that the fatigue

started up again.

You need to discuss this problem with your doctor as soon as you can.

It's not safe for you to be driving if you're feeling this way, and

he or she needs to be aware of the problems that you've been having.

Your doctor may have a suitable solution for you.

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International

Note: All comments or advice are based on personal experiences or

opinion only, and should not be substituted for professional medical

consultation.