insomnia off SSRIs?

Ami · 01-07-2009, 09:03 PM

Hey everyone, ive been on 3 antidepressants all SSRI's.

Fluoxetine (but i was on quetiapine as well so i slept quite well)

citalopram - i got insomnia off but i took some antipsychotics / sleeping tablets too.

And now im on sertraline. I just cant rest! I lay and close my eyes and sleep just doesnt happen! My head just feels so alert! I dont have any zopiclone. I only get a few hours a night, even though i take sertraline in the morning, and i get headaches from lack of sleep.

Does anyone else get this, and does it wear off? does it mean its working? Any tips/advice would be appreciated!
XXX

LaurieR · 01-07-2009, 10:04 PM

Sertraline is one of the most activating antidepressants there (other ones include Fluoxetine and Fluvoxamine) and it can cause insomnia, restlessness and agitation as well as headaches. However side effects should subside over 4-6 weeks. It also takes the antidepressant 4-6 weeks to work, so I suppose you will just have to wait....

Can you ask your psychiatrist for some zopiclone, or a short-term benzodiazepine (e.g. Lorazepam) to conteract the side effects?

Ami · 02-07-2009, 05:09 AM

thats a good idea. My psych is kinda crap but ill just ring up in a few hours and see if i can pick a prescription up later.

If not, i have a GP appointment on monday but they usually tell me to talk to the psych.

So you think the insomnia will go after a few weeks? x

LaurieR · 02-07-2009, 03:11 PM

The insomnia should go after a few weeks as your body gradually gets used to the drug. I have been on fluoxetine for nearly 4 years and have not experienced insomnia myself...everyone reacts to medication differently, some even find SSRIs sedating!

Good luck with your psych/GP. Let me know how you get on

Artychik · 02-07-2009, 06:03 PM

I found this with Sertraline too, it also made me incredibly anxious and gave me the shakes like I was holding an invisible pneumatic drill.

Speak to your doctor

Ami · 02-07-2009, 06:05 PM

the receptionist just told me to ring my care co-ordinater and she does my head in so ive just bourght some OTC sleeping tabs. They're not the best but they'll help for a bit.

Ive also got a fine tremmor too. x

Steel Magnolia · 06-07-2009, 11:30 PM

Ive been on Sertraline for about a year now and I did have MASSIVE problems sleeping but after a few weeks, that subsided. It has made huge improvements for my anxiety and OCD now. Stick with it and see how it goes..

88shelz · 06-07-2009, 11:35 PM

sertraline keeps me away for days on end if i dont take my zoplicome
speak to your doctor ami and make sure you get help you need fr sleep as sleep is very important

Ami · 07-07-2009, 03:17 PM

im loosing faith in drs, they just do my head in.

I dont feel any better, but only been on it 2 weeks. Getting stressed with uni stuff and i still dont have anywhere to live, so the suicidal feelings creep back in. :(
x