What Causes Sleeplessness While On Antidepressants For Several Years?

Posted on Tue, 24 Oct 2017

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

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 Answered on

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : On anti depressants for over 8+ years now. Not getting timely sleep for the past few days.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more details

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

I request you to provide following details so a fair cause of problem can be made out.

1. How long the problem is there with sleep?

2. How it was started? Gradual or sudden in onset?

3. Whether it progressed over a period of time ?

4. What kind of thoughts you encounter when not able to sleep?

5. How long it takes to go back to sleep after interruption?

6. What are the other symptoms in addition to sleep disturbance?

7. What is the effect of inadequate sleep on your life till date?

8. Do you had similar problems in past?

9. Details of medication you are receiving and their effect till date?

Please note that it is important to provide correct information and try to incorporate possible related details. Answer every question with all details.

I look forward to assist you further.
Thanks again.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (11 hours later)

Hello,

I have responded to your answers:

1. How long the problem is there with sleep?

>> for about a week now.

2. How it was started? Gradual or sudden in onset?

>> Gradual.

3. Whether it progressed over a period of time ?

>> Yes

4. What kind of thoughts you encounter when not able to sleep?

>> Irritated.

5. How long it takes to go back to sleep after interruption?

>> with 5 to 10 mts

6. What are the other symptoms in addition to sleep disturbance?

>> No other visible symptoms.

7. What is the effect of inadequate sleep on your life till date?

>> Fatigue.

8. Do you had similar problems in past?

>> Yes, was treated with Zolafresh 5 mg.

9. Details of medication you are receiving and their effect till date?

>> I am currently on Ciprlex 10 mg dose once a day at night.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.

In my opinion going back to zolfresh is advisable as it helped you in past for the sleep problem. In addition the zolfresh is non addictive medication which is again a plus point over the other available sleep medications.

I also like to clarify that fatigue and irritability are often the symptoms of depression and it is important to follow your doctor on regular basis.

I hope this helps you further.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 hours later)

Thanks. Will need a prescription for the same. Kindly provide the same.

Regards XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.

I am sorry to inform you that online prescription is not a possibility as it can not be issued without physical examination of patient. For obtaining same there is need to present yourself to local practitioner.

I hope this clarifies.
Thanks again.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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