Have Difficulty Going To Sleep. Suffered Depression. Prescribed Sublinox. No Memory. Help?

Posted on Fri, 13 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 Answered on

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Since July 2012, having great difficuliy going to sleep, sometimes up to 2 hours to fall asleep only to awake an hour later and try and go back to sleep. On occassion I sleep walk and awake sitting on my stairs in my house, but only happens when over tired, once or twice a month, or talk in my sleep and leg twitting.
In January of 2013, depression set in and seen my family doctor in February 2013, regarding above situation.
He prescribed Sublinox medication and that night I awoke and left my bed asleep and drove my car to a local bar and I drank wine.
I do not drink, and have no memory of leaving my bed or anything after that on this occassion.
I was informed later regarding my ware abouts, and I need to know is this possible specialy when I have never done anything like this before.
I hope you can help.
Your's truly,
XXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Sublinox can provoke sleepwalking.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there, thanks for asking. Many medication, also drinking alcohol and tiredness can aggravate sleepwalking. Sublinox may not be the best medication for depression and also it is better not to be taken at night. It can also aggravate apnea at night so it change the quality of sleep.
Also a medication from the class of benzodiazepines which has long half life could be the best medication for people who have sleepwalking. Let me know if you have any other question. Best wishes.

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