Cyproheptadine For Nightmares

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A question for all,

A few months ago I was prescribed Cyproheptadine for loss of appetite due to stress. I stopped taking it when my appetite started to return to normal. I just searched for it on wikipedia and found many links in the footnotes to psychiatric data that indicates Cyproheptadine can be used to successfully treat nightmares related to post traumatic stress. Apparently there are some case studdied that seem credable with EEG data to back up the theory. Maybe I am just filling in what my mind wants to believe but it seems like my nightmares had been reduced shortly after I first got the prescription (and was taking the full dose) then returned after I had stopped taking it.

I thought I might try taking this tonight instead of Ambien (what I am normally prescribed for insomnia and nightmares). I don't think this experiment counts as self medicating since I am taking the same ammount that was prescribed to me (still a valid prescription) just at a different time of day. I plan on asking my doctor about this next time I get to speak with him (which should be soon). I know that when I was taking this medicine before I experienced increased appetite, clear sinuses, some drowzieness, and fewer nightmares. Other than that I had no problems with it.

I was wondering if anybody on this forum had been prescribed Cyproheptadine (AKA Periactin) for nightmares (or any other reason) and what your experiences were. It would be great if I could start using this instead of Ambien and hopefully my doctor will agree with me on my next visit. I welcome all comments and criticisms.

Sweet Dreams,

Liz H.

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Maybe I was a bit too hasty in looking for a good nights sleep. I seem to have found several contradictory stories as well. ::frown::

I guess I should stick with chamomile tea and yoga until speaking with my doctor.

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So maybe I am an idiot but I went ahead and tried the Cyproheptadine instead of Ambien for sleep last night. I had dreams that I would normally count as severe nightmares (included rape, torture, incest) but I did not have the severe reactions to the dreams that I normally would. I viewed the nightmare as an outside observer rather than a participent or victem so I was able to process the triggering elements without screaming or waking up or feeling uneasy the next day. This is just one night so I cannot come to any conclusion yet but I think I will try this again. One side note is that instead of waking up nausious I woke up rediculously hungry. Good thing I had some low fat breakfast items in the house.