HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Taking Zolpidem And Pristiq. Suggest Alternate Medicine That Helps To Sleep

default
Posted on Fri, 19 Apr 2013
Question: Hi XXXXXXX

I'm been on a dual uptake inhibitor - Pristiq - for over 2 months now. The side effects now aren't that bad, but I'm not sleeping well, and don't want to take Zolpiden too often, because I work full-time and need to drive for 50 minutes to work. I had an accident last year - not too serious - but I had been taking Zolpidem, half a tablet - when I woke up at around 2am-3am. My doctor suggested a take a full tablet before going to bed, and this is better. However, when I stop the zolpidem I inevitably wake up again most nights, especially if my bladder is full

I think a normal SSRI is now my best bet and Cipramil has worked for me over many years - however with a peak of side effects at times. Could you recommend a SSRI that will help me sleep - but not Mirtazapine. What are the advantages of Lexapro over Cipramil?

Thanks,
XXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sundar Gnanavel (1 hour later)
Helli
Thanks for your query. As you rightly mentioned pristiq is desvenlfaxibe a dual snri antidepressant. I understand your need for a mildly sedating antidepressant that diies not disable you from your activities. The ideal choice would be paroxetine a ssri in bith plain and controlled release preparation. It is a good antidepressant and mildly sedating. Lexapro is escitalopram and cipramil is citalopram. The advantage if firmer is better efficacy less drug interaction and side effects. Chemically they are similar molecules. Hope you are clear now. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sundar Gnanavel

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 632 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Taking Zolpidem And Pristiq. Suggest Alternate Medicine That Helps To Sleep

Helli
Thanks for your query. As you rightly mentioned pristiq is desvenlfaxibe a dual snri antidepressant. I understand your need for a mildly sedating antidepressant that diies not disable you from your activities. The ideal choice would be paroxetine a ssri in bith plain and controlled release preparation. It is a good antidepressant and mildly sedating. Lexapro is escitalopram and cipramil is citalopram. The advantage if firmer is better efficacy less drug interaction and side effects. Chemically they are similar molecules. Hope you are clear now. Wish you good health.
Regards
Dr Sundar
Psychiatrist