Hi Dr. My question is related to insomnia. I have been on anti depressants since 1989. My diagnosis is anxiety and mild depression. The medicine does stabilize my moods but I have serious constipation issues First it was prozak, then Zoloft and then Effexor XR/Venlafaxine for the past 14 years. I have a terrible time getting to sleep. Once I get to sleep, I usually sleep well. Sometimes I am awake all night, sometimes three nights out of 5. It is very difficult to catch up...actually , I am sure it is not possible. I can go for periods of a couple of months at times with out this extreme problem. I do not take any over the counter sleep meds and I cant take prescription drugs life as I experienced amnesia for half of a day when I tried Ambien years ago. Over the counter sleep aids do not help me get regular sleep. I am at a loss of what to do. I have talked with many doctors about this problem but have gotten no solution.
Can you help me? Thank you, Charlon (Mrs.) age 79 years.