AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question After 20 years of being on valium - 20mg - I withdrew, with the help of anticonvulsants. I took my last valium 4 months ago, didn't sleep for over 5 days, and since then have serious insomnia, often getting no sleep and at most 4 hours a night. I have a lot of other symptoms, confusion, paranoia, general dyphoria, but I think they are in part a result of not sleeping. How long will this last - or will it ever end? I've tried a lot of over the counter sleep aids, but none are working.
thanks
Answer Dear Lee
I agree that your symptoms are due to sleep deprivation. However, the treatment of this needs specialist knowledge which can only be provided by a sleep expert for on the spot treatment. Treatment can be instigated so do not despair but speak to your primary physician about a referral.
