Fluoxetine and natural sleep.

Posted , 2 users are following.

I'm on week 5 day 2 20 mg per day and I have been on Zopiclone to get to sleep since before taking Fluoxetine. 

My sleep has improved slightly, but I'm wondering if anyone else has experenced this and when improved natural sleep may return? 

Thanks 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Craig, me again with a reply wink

    I am also taking Zopiclone. Daily since start of fluoxetine (so 9.5 weeks now), one tablet 3.75mg, but occasionally in the first 6 weeks I took a second one during the night as my sleep was so erratic and sparse, and I would wake up every two hours.

    Since about my 7th week I have started sleeping better, maybe only with 1-2 times waking up at night but managed to fall asleep again for the rest of the night.

    Since yesterday, after 9th week, I decided to start reducing the use, so I took yesterday only half of the doze and I slept very well without waking up. Thinking to stay on half the doze for a month and hopefully eventually stop. I took sleeping pills couple of times in the past when I had breakdowns and I managed to go off them completely both times after 2-3 months as I mentally recovered.

    How are you finding sleeping with Zipiclone? Is your sleep improving over time on fluo?

    Your sleep is likely to improve as you recover on fluoxetine. smile

    • Posted

      Thanks for this. My sleep is improving - it got so bad the Zopiclone was not working (7.5mg x 2!). Now one is putting me to sleep quite easily (since late week 4). 

      Earlier on I was waking every two hours, but I have had a couiple of nights where I have had 6 hours plus and now seem to be sleeping past 4am. 

      I think as I get more confidence with my sleep, I will look to reduce also - it's just too early yet I think. Maybe I consider when I'm week 7 plus and just go with it for now. My doc is not too concerned and said sleep will come naturally eventually. I have to trust him. 

      I have a 10 month old baby at the moment too which is not helping, but maybe I just need to go with it and let the med do its thing over time. 

      Thanks for your support luci11, this is really hard work and I have never been through anything like it...

    • Posted

      Yes your sleep patterns as you describe them are exactly like mine were! It was so exhausting in the first 4 weeks mainly. I was as bad as you and now it is improving, so I hope that gives you some hope too!! Just give it more time. Everything you have been describing in your forums is not uncommon. Just focus on any improvements.

      Oh yes it must be super exhausting with baby on top of it. But you are doing a great thing, to try to recover and be well for your family. It shows lots of strength.

      These forums are amazing for support. It really saved me when I had the most severe side effects, to see that it can just be part of the process!

    • Posted

      Thanks luci11, I really appreciate you support.

      I know some of the items on here I post seem silly, but reassurance is powerful from those that have been there before. I'm looking forward to getting beyond weeks 6 & 7, as I should be seeing some really positive days and  nights then (fingers crossed). 

      Thanks so much!

       

    • Posted

      No please don't see them as silly. You ask very specific questions on your forums and I think this will also help others who have the same problems. So it is important! smile

      Ok, good night...just took my zopiclone half....zzzz

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