Q for Dx: Sleeping & Priapism Med?

NotDave (Howyadoin?)
on 6/26/08 7:10 am - Japan

Hello Dx,

My recent posts on coffee, tyrosine and the like brought me to a realization: If I could drink coffee after 2:00 pm my life would be perfect. Problem is if I drink coffee or any other energy promoting product after that time of day, I can't sleep. From what you were saying, you had a sleep medication that wears off completely by the next morning. Sorry, but I forgot the medication name. What was that again? Thanks!

As I recall, the priapism effect was a rare one. Hope so. Don't want to have to go to the hospital with an ace bandage around my hips!

Kind Regards,

Dave

foobear
on 6/26/08 9:26 am - Medford, MA

RNY on 11/27/07

You're thinking of trazodone (Desyrel). It's a weak antidepressant with strong sedative effects. It's notorious for being one of the few drugs that is associated with priapism, but the absolute incidence of this is extremely low. These days it's probably prescribed more frequently off-label as a sleeping aid that lacks any abuse potential than it is as an antidepressant. /Steve

NotDave (Howyadoin?)
on 6/26/08 9:32 am - Japan

RNY on 03/16/06

Thanks Steve! I hope my night time kickstand won't turn into a daytime flagpole from the stuff.

Caffeine just makes me feel so good it's a shame not to be able to have it in the late afternoon. I'm really sensitive to that kind of pills, though. The jury will have to be out 'til I see if even this one makes me drowsy. I've never been a depressant kind of guy hangovers bum me out and anything else recreational leaves me lethargic.

Best Wishes,

Dave

Dx E
on 6/26/08 10:02 am - Northern, MS

RNY on 07/03/03

Dave, I’d say give melatonin a try first. It also doesn’t seem to have “hang-over” effects, And is over the counter and cheap. The Trazodone is effective if what one needs is a quick knock-out. The melatonin is as effective, just not as instant. I may be wired differently, I drink coffee anytime, and it doesn’t keep me awake at night. Best Wishes- Dx