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Can Lexapro Or Cipralex Worsen Sleep Disorders?

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Posted on Tue, 27 Jan 2015
Question: I was prescribed a low dose 10mg of lexapro/cipralex for generalized anxiety(first time On an Ssri). Have not started taking this yet.
I currently am taking tryptophan to help with some sleeping issues, probably caused from my anxieties. Worried that the lexapro /cipralex may make sleeping issues worse. Can I still take tryptophan at night with lexapro in the morning. Worry about serotonin syndrome . Don't want to take sleeping pills an like herbs/amino acids better so long as they work
doctor
Answered by Dr. Abhishek Kapoor (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Take cipralex at low dose

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.

Initially, SSRIs could lead to increase in anxiety symptoms, but these side effects stays only for few days. In case, you have fear of using them, better to start at low dose like 5mg cipralex. That would help to maintain the drug dose in blood and to control symptoms. After that, you can increase the dose up to 10mg. You can also take this with tryptophan. There is nothing harm in taking both drugs together. At such a low dose, chances of getting serotonin syndrome is very less. For sleep, you can continuously take melatonin. Rest, you can discuss with your physician.

In case, you need further help, you can ask.

Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2496 Questions

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Can Lexapro Or Cipralex Worsen Sleep Disorders?

Brief Answer: Take cipralex at low dose Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query. Initially, SSRIs could lead to increase in anxiety symptoms, but these side effects stays only for few days. In case, you have fear of using them, better to start at low dose like 5mg cipralex. That would help to maintain the drug dose in blood and to control symptoms. After that, you can increase the dose up to 10mg. You can also take this with tryptophan. There is nothing harm in taking both drugs together. At such a low dose, chances of getting serotonin syndrome is very less. For sleep, you can continuously take melatonin. Rest, you can discuss with your physician. In case, you need further help, you can ask. Regards Dr. Abhishek Kapoor Psychiatrist