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Suggest Remedy For Excessive Sleep Caused By Depression

Posted on Tue, 10 Nov 2015

Question: I seem to need to sleep after dealing with or socializing with people. For example, today I went to a potluck. Was there for about two and one-half hours. Came home, laid down on the couch, and slept for two and a-half hours. This happened earlier in my life after the sudden death of my father. (I was age 19 at the time.) Now I am 56. I gave up alcohol three months ago as knew I was becoming an alcoholic like my father. Don't know if the two things are related.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question.

This may be a few things. One, it may be worsening depression. Or it may be that you're taking too much Ativan, which is very sedating. It could be that you're learning to cope with social situations without alcohol, and for many people interacting with others is very tiring. In that sense, this could be normal.

I would recommend working with your doctor to eventually wean off Ativan. This is a drug that should only be used for a few weeks and then discontinued. Consider ongoing therapy to deal with the energy drain of interacting with others. And continue to stay away from alcohol - and congratulations on three months of sobriety, that is a real accomplishment.

My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX psychiatrist working in New York City. For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Brief Answer:
Follow-up

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the additional information.

I think Ativan could well be the issue here. Taking it in the AM probably contributes to daytime grogginess. I typically only prescribe benzodiazepines such as Ativan for 4-6 weeks while the antianxiety/antidepressant (Zoloft) is beginning to take effect. I would work with your doctor to taper off the Ativan altogether.

If you're interested, read up on introversion. Some people are tired out by social situations, which is an introverted attribute. There's nothing wrong with it, and you should take time after social interactions to recharge.

Again, for a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (40 minutes later)

Thank you for your detailed answer and kind support. My Zoloft (Sertraline) amount is 100 MG per day, and Ativan (Lorazepam) 0.5 MG, preferably once a day but up to three times as needed. (I have only taken that much once or twice.) Pretty consistently I take one 0.5 pill along with the Zoloft tab in the a.m. This is a step down, since I started with 1.0 MG pills up to twice a day. How long is too long to take Lorazepam? I started on in at the beginning of July after my second pancreatitis attack and hospitalization. I am single, live alone and am not working right now. I'm just trying to live low stress and get better. I did have group therapy, 3xs a week for 3 hours in August and September.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow-up

Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome. And of course I'd be happy and always available to answer any more of your questions or talk about your life!

tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 minutes later)

Again, thank you. I will read up on introversion as you suggested. I never thought of that. I may contact you in the near future at the private link you provided. For now, I am going to say good night, even though it is still fairly early here in Grass Valley, CA. I truly appreciate your advice and assistance.