How Can Sleeplessness Be Managed When Lorazepam And Escitalopram Cause Side Effects?

Posted on Mon, 12 Jun 2023

Question: I would like to no what to do about my sleep issues.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more details

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

I request you to provide the following details:
1. How long has the sleep problem been there?
2. How much time do you take to sleep after retiring to bed?
3. Do you have frequent night awakening? If yes, how long does it take to fall back to sleep?
4. Do you awake early these days in comparison to the past?
5. How many hours do you sleep in a day?
6. How many hours do you sleep in 24 hours time on average?
7. Do you have any more symptoms? If yes, provide details please.
8. Have you tried any medication? If yes, provide details please.
9. Are you diagnosed with any medical or psychiatric condition?

I look forward to getting relevant details from you to suggest you the best option as per your needs.

I must inform you that if you find it difficult to answer all the questions accurately a one time option of Phenergan-25 can be used for the time being. It is an over the counter medication and you will not need prescription.

Hope I have answered your query. I wish you great health ahead.

Thanks and regards,
Dr. Ashok Kumar
Psychiatrist

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (22 minutes later)

1 hr to 2 hrs to get to sleep I awake early, I wake 3 to 5 times per night, sleep 3 to 5 hrs per night, did use lorazepam and escitalopram but didn't like the way it affected me, head aches, little dizziness, some anxiety to probably.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

From the available description it appears to me that your sleep problem is a result of anxiousness which is manifested by frequent breaks in sleep ad delayed onset of sleep.

Although Escitalopram is a good option considering your profile if it is not suiting you, you can request your doctor to prescribe Mirtazapine. This is an antidepressant which has good anti-anxiety as well as sedation properties.

I hope this assists you.

Thanks and regards,
Dr. Ashok Kumar
Psychiatrist

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