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[squeaker99]

Hi. New on here.  3-4 years into Peri, periods erratic (not had one for 2 months now) .Worst symptoms constant anxiety and sleep problems. Tried HRTs but came off for hypertension / psychotic reasons.  Recently went to a Meno Clinic for some specialist advise and prescribed Clonidine for my current chronic bout of insomnia. (BP reduction and sedative effects).  GPs have previously said Sertraline which I have so far avoided. Any other experience of? I feel very low, alone and scared at the thought of another insomnia bout. Have tried all usual Sleep Hygine / CBT / books / APPs etc.  I lie down and my mind races all night. Horrid.

[Hurdity]

If you go to the home page of the forum and do a search with Clonidine in Search Box you should find other posts from members who use it. There are also other ways to help reduce BP which I am sure you are aware of? Maintain healthy BMI (ie not too much excess body fat), increase exercise, reduce salt, alcohol, stop smoking (if you do), and improvie diet if necessary by reducing sugar, carbs, refined foods and excess fats. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20046974.  Is your insomnia caused by night sweats waking you up?

There are many different types of HRT and there could be one for you that won't cause the side effects you mention?

I hope you find something that helps soon.

Hurdity  x

[alibeau]

Hi,

I tried Clonidine prior to HRT. It did not agree with me.  I stuck with it for six weeks but was completely zombied the whole time due to low BP I presume.

I have recently been through a devastating family tragedy and have since been suffering with anxiety. I have to tell you that I downloaded an app ‘Calm' and have been following their meditation program along with using sleep stories etc and have found it very useful at bedtime. Stops my mind from racing and going to places I don't want to. You literally just concentrate on your breathing, simple as.

Good luck.

Ali x

[squeaker99]

Thanks to both of you for your helpful tips.

I am pretty sure my BP is hereditary as I have always been slim/active/vegetarian/never
smoked or drunk much. Had it since my late 20s. Anxiety has always been an issue since my teens (family issues related...).
I found ' talking therapy'/(but like CBT ) very helpful but only got it via the NHS for 3 months and no private councillors here.

Funny I used to do Headspace and Calm Apps but had a good (9 month) spell so gave them up. Maybe I should
take them up again as part of a prevention strategy.

My GP advised against the Clonidine (that the Meno Clinic lady recommended . Admittedly after only a 10 minute consultation
in which she looked stressed and barely listened to me!). Said it was for flushes & heavy periods which I don't get.
She think I should try Sertraline instead (4th GP to recommend that now...)so I think I am going to have to
'give in' to my anti-drugs nature (I know, I know) and give it a try.

[Kathleen]

Hello squeaker99.

I know what you mean about ‘ giving in' and trying something that you have always resisted. I have been experimenting with a change of HRT after an informal chat with my GP friend but my jitters are all consuming today so I guess that it hasn't worked! You say that you are a vegetarian so does that mean you eat a lot of dairy and vegetable oil?  I ask because I read that vegans have a blood pressure of about 110/70 which is pretty good.

Wishing you well.

K.

[squeaker99]

I bit the bullet and took my first Sertraline this morning after probably 4 years of indecision.
At the moment I feel a bit sick and spaced out! Anxiety over taking the tablet or side effects?! Who knows.

I'm going to heads down and keep busy today so I don't start freaking out that I have the 101 side
effects written on ' The Leaflet of Doom'.