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Can Paxil CR Cause Excessive Sleepiness?
Question: Hi! I have GAD & MDD. I had been in Paxil CR for 5 weeks and last week my MD increased my dose to 50mg. I thought I would start feeling better but I feel sleepy all the time and have no motivation and more depressed. I take it at bedtime along w/ .5 of Ativan & 3 mg Melatonin for sleep. I usually need to take another Ativan b/t 2:30 & 3:30am because of early awakening. I am a 44 yr old female; 64" 115#.
Brief Answer:
The doses can be divided.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM
I can understand your concern. Paxil or Paroxetine is a SSRI drug. Paxil is known to cause sedation and thus making you sleepy all the time. Dose of 50 mg is really high and to prevent drowsiness and lack of motivation the doses should be divided. You can talk to your doctor and if possible start taking 12.5 controlled in morning and 37.5 mg in evening. This will help you in good sleep without causing much sedation. Continue to take your other medicines as you are taking. Ativan is rapid acting and instead of this Clonazepam can be taken. Clonazepam is long acting and this will help in long refreshing sleep without interruption. You can talk with your doctor for that.
Thanks, hope this helps you please don't hesitate to ask again for more details.
The doses can be divided.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM
I can understand your concern. Paxil or Paroxetine is a SSRI drug. Paxil is known to cause sedation and thus making you sleepy all the time. Dose of 50 mg is really high and to prevent drowsiness and lack of motivation the doses should be divided. You can talk to your doctor and if possible start taking 12.5 controlled in morning and 37.5 mg in evening. This will help you in good sleep without causing much sedation. Continue to take your other medicines as you are taking. Ativan is rapid acting and instead of this Clonazepam can be taken. Clonazepam is long acting and this will help in long refreshing sleep without interruption. You can talk with your doctor for that.
Thanks, hope this helps you please don't hesitate to ask again for more details.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Will the sleepiness go away with time? Would it be better to be on a lower dose such as 37.5mg? It is hard to function being this tired all day. Is Effexor XR sedating as well? Would it better to take 1mg Ativan before bed? What is the trade name for clonazepam?
Regards, XXXXXXX
Regards, XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Effexor is less sedating than Paroxetine.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again
Yes you will develop tolerance to the sleepiness caused due to Paroxetine. But if possible you can start taking 37.5 mg dose. This dose should reduce your sleepiness.
Effexor too cause sedation but the sedation is really lesser as compared to Paxil.
As Ativan is shorter acting so taking the drug before bed would not have much benefit in your late insomnia. Clonazpem is available as Klonopin. The drug is long acting.
Thanks. Take care
Effexor is less sedating than Paroxetine.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again
Yes you will develop tolerance to the sleepiness caused due to Paroxetine. But if possible you can start taking 37.5 mg dose. This dose should reduce your sleepiness.
Effexor too cause sedation but the sedation is really lesser as compared to Paxil.
As Ativan is shorter acting so taking the drug before bed would not have much benefit in your late insomnia. Clonazpem is available as Klonopin. The drug is long acting.
Thanks. Take care
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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