Alternative Treatments for RBD?

1228lori · Joined: 14 Aug 2005 Posts: 2 Location: Tega Cay, SC

My husband began showing symptoms of RBD about 8 years ago at age 45. He was diagnosed after a couple of years with REM Sleep Behavior Disorder at a sleep center and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. He has been on Clonazapam and Mirapex and several other drugs. They all have side effects that disturb him and interfere with his work. He had success for about a year using a homeopathic remedy called Stramonium but it lost effectiveness after that. He also had success for about a year following a Naturopathic Physician's directives concerning specific supplements but again, the symptoms returned full-force. He tried brain wave therapy to no avail. He saw a Jungian dream therapist who determined that there was no psychological component. This is strictly an organic disorder. Has anyone had any success with other therapies besides drugs?

aislinn2000 · Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 3 Location: Michigan

I've had excellent results with taking 25 mg amitriptyline (generic for Elavil) each night before bed. I've been on it for 2 years now, and it doesn't seem to be losing effectiveness or giving me any odd side effects.

But, you asked about non-drug therapies. I can tell you that I've done extensive research on the disorder, and haven't found anything besides various drug therapies as treatment for RBD. It's has an actual physiological cause, so psychological treatment generally will not work to alleviate it. I haven't heard much about homeopathic remedies. I've been considering going to an acupuncturist for my sleep issues as well as other various medical issues, but haven't gotten around to going yet, so I can't tell you if it works or not.

Sorry. I wish I had more advice or suggestions for you.

Danielle

sleepinglizard · Joined: 27 Dec 2004 Posts: 1037

Hey all,

Montel Willams is doing a segment on sleep disorders they are going to have a person with insomnia addicted to Ambien, a person with REM Behavior Disorder, and a girl of 13 who has Narcolepsy with Cataplexy. Check out the segment on October 20th!

Here's the link to Montel's site

http://www.montelshow.com/show/past_detail_1_13_2004.htm?showID=4990

Be aware there are two different eppisodes that air every day. Make sure that you catch the right one!