Stress Center Peer Support

Hi all, today is day 10 for me on 50mg of generic Zoloft (can't afford name brand) I am having terrible insomnia! I'm pretty sure that it is the Zoloft because even when I was having full blown panic attacks before I started taking the meds, I was still getting 6 to 7 hours of sleep. I took Lunesta for the 2nd time last night to help with sleep. The first night I took it, I slept 6 hours but last night, I slept about 4 hours and I kept waking up. I wonder how long this insomnia will last? Has anyone else had insomnia on certain meds?

Emma-

I have insomnia from Trileptal.....Took it at 10 and got up at 12 then went back to sleep till 4am, then headed to the gym...Zoloft can defenitely keep u up!

PAtricia

I had horrific insomnia on cymbalta (didn't stay on it) and initial insomnia on Lexapro. I tried Lunesta, had a great first night and then 3 or 4 hours after that with grogginess and weird feelings the next day. They actually announced a few weeks ago that sleeping pills don't help you sleep more, they just cause amnesia which makes you think you slept more. After about a month of Lexapro my sleep definately improved and on the nights I obsessed or whatever I took 1/2 Klonopin. Now I'm off all meds, in session 15, and occasionally get great sleep, occasionally terrible sleep, and everything in between. I'm just floating with it more, not catastrophising so much, 'so I lost sleep...been there, done that'. One nights bads sleep usually means a good one the next. Good luck.

Hello,
I am on zoloft also and for the first month or so I had terrible insomnia. Now I sleep like a baby. I was doubtful that it would ever go away and I would get a good nights sleep but I do! I have found though that this week I have been getting really bad night sweats. If you do, its a side effect! Take it easy and before long the symptoms will start to decrease. OH! I too am on 50 mg...

Thanks everyone! Jody this is encouraging to me to not lose faith in Zoloft!

Yes, I had trouble sleeping when I first started taking Zoloft too. My doctor suggested that I take it in the morning and I have been able to sleep better since I quit taking it at night. Chamomille tea before bed is also helpful to get you to fall asleep.

Check with your Dr. about possibly taking some Benadryl before going to bed. The SSRI's can be very stimulating for some in the beginning. You might also want to talk to your Dr. about increasing your Lunesta, or possibly switching to Ambien. I would first try the Benadryl if your Dr. Ok's it. Good luck....


Gary ***** BSN, RN