Insomnia

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Hi There

I stated 5mg of cipralex 12 days ago and had no problems 5 days ago the Dr. increased it to 10mg. The last 3 nights I have had insomnia. Did anyone else this to be a problem and how long until it goes away?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    Did you notice any improvement pertaining to anxiety/depression? There can be two reasons for insomnia: due to anxiety or due to side-effect of medication.

    If insomnia is due to anxiety/depression, increasing your dose might help. A usual dose of cipralex is 20 mg. If you are experiencing insomnia at 10 mg, your doc may have to weigh cipralex benefits against risk. He may feel the need to switch to different alternative

    If the insomnia is due to the medication, switching your dosage time may help. Ask your GP to allow you to take it first thing in the morning along with your breakfast so that it won’t disturb your good night sleep.

    Also it is important to note that it can take up to eight weeks to respond, although it varies case to case.

    Try some soothing music at sleeping time, chamomile tea, mediation might help.

    Hope it makes sense to you.

    Regards,

    Luis.

  • Posted

    Hi Judy

    I started on 5mg of cipralex on 10/04/2014 and then my GP increased it to 10mg on 30/04/2014.  I too have insomnia, as well as other side effects, which is becoming worse.  I have tried relaxation tapes, sleeping pills and have now been prescribed melatonin for three weeks to try and get my body back into some kind of sleep pattern.  Just hope it works.

    • Posted

      Hi Christine. 

      The he sleeping pills worked for me but I don't want to take them to long. I have been taking melatonin, natural calm and l'theanine that the naturopath prescribed. They have been working somewhat but the last 2 nights I have been tossing and turning a bit. I am hoping this is just ablip and tonight will be good. I have been on 10 mg for 2.5 weeks now and am fining I am weepy today. Off t the dr. Tomorrow. 

  • Posted

    Hi Jude, i have been on escitalopram (cipralex) for the last 3.5yrs after several bouts of depression in my lifetime since my 20's. (I'm now 43). The ordinary citalopram before these were dreadful, but the escitalopram maintain my "usual" self at a dose of 15mg day (sometimes I have maintained on 10mg), but due to long term bowel illness & time off work currently I have gone back up to 20mg daily temp until I am back at work & on my feet again. They did take a good 4/6wks initially when I started them to stop the deep overthinking/worrying/tearfulness/sleeplessness, but they are a good stable med if you are prone to suffering bouts of depression in life, & side effects generally disappear once you start to feel yourself again. Of course, everyone is different, but I wouldn't give up on them yet unless you feel significantly worse- give them a good 4/6/wks. Also if you are an overthinker/worrier like me, half of a 1mg tablet of lorazapem will help before bed time to turn your brain off (it's a tiny dose, but does stop that head hit the pillow/think time switching on from occurring).

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