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SSRI's effect on sleep - Printable Version

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SSRI's effect on sleep - Zandor435 - 06-24-2017

I know this isn't apnea related, but wondering if anyone else has had negative experiences with SSRI's (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)?  I am taking Lexapro because I told my doctor that I was having anxiety about not being able to get enough sleep.  I am not having any negative side effects that I can pinpoint, but I am waking up multiple times a night and wondering if SSRI's could possibly be relevant.

Has anyone else had sleep issues with SSRI's?


RE: SSRI's effect on sleep - C0mbe - 06-24-2017

SSRIs can and do affect sleep. I've never taken laxapro, but I have taken others in the past. A quick google will show you that insomnia and sleep disturbance is a potential side-effect of lexapro.

Generally, SSRI related side-effects start to subside after a period of continued use. If the side-effects don't subside or affect you adversely you can either switch to another SSRI or you can usually be prescribed something to help mitigate the effect - in this case insomnia.

I would personally try to improve my sleep hygene and possibly take sleep aids before switching SSRIs. Switching involves weaning and ramping up to the new medication and you have no guarantee you won't have insomnia on the new med, or other side-effects.

Good luck with it!


RE: SSRI's effect on sleep - ajack - 06-24-2017

I take valdoxan, it kills 2 birds with one stone. Both mood and sleep clock is treated. sleep hygiene is still very important
http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/depression/a8743/valdoxan-agomelatine/
"Agomelatine mimics the action of melatonin and helps to re-synchronise the body’s circadian rhythms. These include mood, anxiety, appetite, body temperature and sleep/wake cycles. These circadian rhythms, particularly sleep cycles, are severely disturbed in people with depression. Agomelatine’s main action is to improve the onset and quality of sleep and this in turn has an antidepressant effect."