Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Insomnia

my name is Nilanthi. After going through high doses of citalopram for moderate anxiety, I developed extreme anxiety and insomnia, 3 years ago. with much difficulty I m now out of extreme anxiety, but insomnia is still there. I tried virtually everything, but couldn t get out of it. I think remaining anxiety although it is not unbearable, is making me an insomniac. Please give advice, I m in Sri Lanka.
Thu, 13 Nov 2014
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello

Thanks for asking

High doses of citalopram may result in severe toxic symptoms and rebound increase in anxiety. You had problems of depression, anxiety and insomnia. Insomnia is still persisting. Citalopram is SSRI drug of antidepressant action. The drug is prescribed in morning times as it causes insomnia. Though your anxiety is now under control still for insomnia I would advise you to consult your psychiatrist again and to start some other drug of same class or other antidepressant class.

Medicines like Paroxetine have almost same efficacy but cause sedation which can be used in your problem of insomnia. Other drugs like Mirtazepine can be used as the drug have good role in sleep in 7.5 mg doses. Trazodon is also used for problems of insomnias. All these medicines don't carry abuse potential and are free of serious side effects. Consult your psychiatrist for these drugs.

Apart from that improve your sleep hygiene.

- Fix your time to go to bed
- You can take warm water bath in evening which will help in sleep
- Taking warm milk in evening will also help
- Use your bed only for sleep and don't watch TV or read anything on bed.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, tea or any carbonated drinks in evening.
- Try relaxation exercises and yoga for best results.

Hope this helps you

Thanks.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Insomnia

Hello Thanks for asking High doses of citalopram may result in severe toxic symptoms and rebound increase in anxiety. You had problems of depression, anxiety and insomnia. Insomnia is still persisting. Citalopram is SSRI drug of antidepressant action. The drug is prescribed in morning times as it causes insomnia. Though your anxiety is now under control still for insomnia I would advise you to consult your psychiatrist again and to start some other drug of same class or other antidepressant class. Medicines like Paroxetine have almost same efficacy but cause sedation which can be used in your problem of insomnia. Other drugs like Mirtazepine can be used as the drug have good role in sleep in 7.5 mg doses. Trazodon is also used for problems of insomnias. All these medicines don t carry abuse potential and are free of serious side effects. Consult your psychiatrist for these drugs. Apart from that improve your sleep hygiene. - Fix your time to go to bed - You can take warm water bath in evening which will help in sleep - Taking warm milk in evening will also help - Use your bed only for sleep and don t watch TV or read anything on bed. - Avoid alcohol, caffeine, tea or any carbonated drinks in evening. - Try relaxation exercises and yoga for best results. Hope this helps you Thanks.