Iraqi combat has left me with an incredible startle reflex producing a jump with every sudden noise and sleep problems. I have to say that respiridne did not help but turned me into a zombie. Time is helping but after 12 months, the problem is hardwired. I know a USS Arizona surviver who still has this and Viet Nam Vets who are still plagued with this.
Between you, me and the gate post, a heavy belt of vodka before going to bed helps. Don’t tell anyone I said this.
I've done most drugs available during the late '60's and early '70's, and if this is sanity, I thank God for it, 'cause I sure tried to do damage to myself.
Having said that .. I never got away from my mind ... I am ever present with me ... and THAT is what I'm refering to.
I can only offer my empathy and prayers, brother.
Were you around loud artillery? Yea stupid question maybe but important. The startle reflex may be pointing to Vestibular {Inner Ear} and Sensory Processing damage. No indeed those type of meds will not help in some cases because it is neurological damage involved which can be compounded by stress. It is damage most doctors are simply not checking for. If it isn't ruled out then in some cases like what I went through their text book protocol meds can do more damage because they are not treating the actual problem.
People might scream bloody murder for what I'm about to say but I know this beast real well. Medications like Xanax taken at a low dosage of say .5mg four times a day gives major relief. Antidepressants can make what I am describng far worse and I have seen what the worse can do. Antidepressants to some persons with sensory damage can be as bad as LSD. I've seen it. I've seen doctors miss it too.
Try to tell a shrink about Vestibular related sensory processing damage causing anxiety and a bad startle reflex and they'll likely say rubbish. A few won't but most will. Look up Anxiety +Vestibular Disorders. The Vestibular researchers like Harold Levinson made that connection back in the 1970's. The last thing needed is sensory enhancement as the sensory processing system is already overtaxed and the anxiety is the direct result of that. Xanax slows down the sensory processing too a manageable level so the brain and Vestibular sytem can handle it and somewhat function again.
I still reach a point where I have violent spasms hitting my upper torso from the shoulder blades up sometimes an involuntary jerking and yell. These spasms usually last a second or two and can be as many as several a minute. These are actually seizures and not spasms. The technical name Myoclonic Seizures caused by sensory stimulation. The wrong noise or certain visual stimulation sets it off. It can be auditory, visual, or both triggering it. Things like loud noises can cause the initial damage to the processing system. Add stress and it can really work on you. The way too deal with it so you can function also goes against the textbook protocol for PTSD. I control my sensory enviroment as much as possible. I get out and do things but I do it at times least likely too set me off. This includes even the hours I shop in stores.
I was born with what lead too most of it. But I was also in a Howitzer Battery in the guards and had a fully battery fire mission {155's} go off about 50 feet from my truck while I was asleep. I've had this since 1994 {10 years after my gaurd hitch} and I got hit with PTSD at the same time over non service related traumatic events happening in my life over a 10 year time frame. The PTSD requires therapy. Really that is the best long term answer for PTSD but from what you are saying it sounds like there is more too it than simple PTSD going on.
If this sounds like whats going on drop me FR Mail. Once you understand it you can learn to live with it although as far as working it can be disabling. I had to retire at age 34. There is no cure for what I am describing but you can get some relief if you can find a doctor who thinks outside the box.
Xanax taken correctly in low dosages can be safely taken for over two decades. My wife has been on it for 26 years and I have for 17 years. But you and your doctor must go with low but consistent level in the blood stream dosage.
You hang in there! I am married to Vietnam Vet with PTSD. I know it never goes away, but I pray that you can find a way to live with it. Be kind to yourself. It should get less intense. Learn what triggers you and try to distract your mind during those times. I know what triggers my husband and it helps to know what to expect.