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Sertraline prescribed to regulate sleep

Posted , 2 users are following.

Busybird
Busybird

Having been suffering with insomnia for several months now, and unwilling to go down the route of sleeping tablets, I finally agreed to try some AD's as my GP says they are also used to regulate sleep. Although I have been feeling very down, I believe this is due to lack of decent sleep, as when I have managed to get more than a couple of hours sleep at a time, I feel so much better the next day. However, reading the majority of posts, it appears that Sertraline is having the opposite effect and giving sleep problems. I am on day three of 50mg and feel zombie like during the day, but little sleep is obviously not helping that. Has anyone else had this med prescribed for insomnia?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi there,

    I think you will find that it probably does help you - but it does take a week or two to get into your system, and the side effects to stop.

    Most people (including myself) are taking them for anxiety - which accounts for the different reaction as we are in a anxious/depressed state and tend to experience sleeplessness to start.

    Personally I have found them very helpful, but it does take time to kick in, so be patient, and be guided by your doctor.

    Wish you all the best, most people on here know about insomnia...it is awful but I am living proof that 7 hours a night sleep can be a possibility!

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi

    Many thanks for your response, it is very encouraging. Having exhausted all other options to improve my sleep pattern (apart from sleeping tablets which I know work but are not a long term solution) I feel I have to at least give these a go. When you say allow time for the side effects to stop, with regard to the fuzzy head, does that actually subside or do you just get used to it? I need a fair amount of concentration for work and it wont be good to feel as if I have either been drinking alcohol, or have a very bad head cold. I really appreciate any info you can give, but am on day four of the medication and am still a bit nervous about taking it.

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Hi again.....it is hard to say because everyone is so different in their make-up, but usually a couple of weeks, it seems to gradually get less, I know what you mean about fuzzy head, it is difficult when you first start a pill, you never know the side effects, and one tends to be waiting for things to happen.

    I work in accountancy so I know what it is like trying to concentrate, I did explain to my boss that I was on new medication and it was having some unwanted side-effects, he was sympathetic & I just took things slower and drank plenty water.

    Wish you all the best, your body will get used to the med, sadly it takes a bit of patience! smile

  • Busybird
    Busybird

    Posted

    Thanks again for the info. I have to admit I do wonder if I should find a different way to beat this insomnia problem, but if I dont give them a go I will never know if this medication could be helpful. I have a months supply and have to go back to my gp after taking them for three weeks so hopefully I might know by then if it is being useful. I also work in accountancy so its good you know what I mean about being fuzzy. On day five now so hopefully might see some settling down soon.
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