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Does Intake Of Zoloft Cause Sleep Disruption?

Posted on Wed, 4 May 2016

Question: I started to take Zoloft on 2/13, took 5 pills for 5 days and last 3 day could not sleep. So I stopped taken it. But my sleeplessness still exists, and it's severe. I went to Urgent Care. Doctor there thinks it's coincidence that I started to have sleeplessness at the same time as I taken Zoloft, and also he thinks I should be back on ZoloftI
While I've taken Zoloft it helped my anxiety at day time. I do not take Zoloft for 8 days and feel extremely anxious, afraid of night time. Do not know what to do.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Remeron is a good alternative.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.

Zoloft (and all SSRIs except paxil) can cause sleep disruption in some cases, especially when it is taken in night time.

I think remeron (prescription drug) would be a good choice for you as it will reduce your anxiety as well as help you sleep.

Xanax is a great anti anxiety drug. What problems did you have with Xanax?
Anyhow, If remeron works for you, the single drug will be sufficient for you.

Hope this answers your query.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (20 hours later)

What I've learned about Xanax it's a highly addictive drug, and so far I could not find another drug which helps.I'm not sure, but I think my condition related with my premenopausal and it can last for couple years.
I tried Lexapro for 6 weeks, absolutely did not feel any effect. Then I tried the following and they all elevated my blood pressure and I did not feel any effect: hydroxyzinc, citalopram, venlafaxine They all elevated my blood pressure, and during this time I also did not feel any effect. Right now if any of drug worked I'd consider taking high blood pressure medication with it. Zoloft was the first one which seemed to work. I do not know if remeron will help me. What other drugs can you recommend me to try? I also tried paxil in the past with no effect. I want to sleep and without Xanax. Taking Xanax making me anxious.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Gabapentin.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.

Zoloft was working for you to some extent.
In my opinion, one option would be to reduce the dose of Zoloft to half, from the one which you started. Take it in morning time.
Take remeron low dose (7.5mg) in night also. This will help you sleep.

Another good antianxiety and sedative drug is Gabapentin. This can also help you.

Kindly discuss this with your doctor.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (8 hours later)

I'm currently taking before bed 1.5 pills 0.25 Xanax and 100mg trazodone for 5 days. Before I did not take Xanax for sleep and took 50 mg trazodone for 2 months. Remeron was prescribed to me, and I want to switch from Trazodone to Remerone (Hope it will help better for sleep) and after that will try gradually reduce Xanax. Do you think my plan will work? How better switch from Trazodone to remeron? Can I use something else for sleep during adjustment period?

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cross tapering of trazodone and remeron.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again.
Yes your plan of action is appropriate in my opinion.
You can start with 7.5mg of remeron and reduce trazodone by 25mg. After one week, you can further reduce trazodone by 25mg and increase remeron to 15mg.
Further dose reductions will depend on your symptoms.

I think you would not need any alternatives for sleep while switching.
If you face any sleep issues, you can reduce the speed of cross tapering. Reduce the dose every two weeks.

Hope this helps.
Keep your doctor informed about this.

Regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar