menopause

I'll be 50 in 3 weeks. I believe I am beginning menopause. I am 2 1/2 years post op rny surgery. What can we take or do to sleep through the night? On another note...What about bursitis? 

I take Effexor for menopause symptoms (anxiety but not depression, insomnia etc) - I supplement that with OTC sleep aids that I get from Walmart or Costco.

Thanks. I'll talk to Dr. about Effexor.

If the only thing you are experiencing is sleep issues, the doctor is very unlikely to prescribe Effexor (which is intended for anxiety/depression and just has the added benefit of aiding with sleep problems).  

Rather than a drug that messes with your brain chemistry (I am NOT in any way against anti-anxiolytics or anti-depressants when needed, BTW), you would be MUCH better served by simply buying the OTC sleep aids like the NyQuil Zzzzz or one of the many generic versions of diphenhydramine (which is the active ingredient in Tylenol PM and in cold medicines that makes you sleepy, so is now being offered by itself).

Lora

If you are having trouble sleeping due to night sweats you can ask for Neurontin in a low dose, 100-300mg a night before bed.  It has been a flipping miracle for me.  I was a MESS because of the night sweats and the sleep interruption.  The neurontin has completely taken them away.  I like it because it is not hormonal. Menopause is not for the faint of heart!

Thanks. I haven't experienced the night sweats as of yet. Mine is insomnia. At first I thought I was having anxiety. Once I would wake up to use the bathroom I wouldn't be able to go back to sleep. Tossing and turning and getting up and watching tv, doing dishes and other chores for 3 hours or more. I'm going to try OTC Etroven night time to see if that helps. Thanks again!

Some of the OTC menopause night time meds have valerian in them. I just started buying the valerian by itself and it did help. Never could take melotonin, it didn't agree with me, for many people that helps with sleep as well. I download a background noise sleep app for my phone.. the ocean, babbling brook etc. you cans set it for how long it plays and then it gradually fades out....