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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Treat Sleeplessness Which Hasn't Improved Despite Taking Anti-depressants?

Too many sleepless nights. I am 55 years old and about 70 pounds overweight. My family doctor keeps prescribing anti depressants and teling me to get a full night's sleep. I'd love to1 I usually sleep a couple of hours and then am up 2-3 hours before sleeping again for a couple of hours.
Mon, 20 Jan 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Dear User,
Thanks for using healthcare magic.

The problem of sleep and depression is related quite often but they may be different entities that present together.
If you are taking a antidepressant that does not cause sleep you can discuss with your doctor to prescribe an antidepressant that have the sedative properties. If he is doing this already than taking a sleeping pill along with your antidepressant will be the ideal choice.

Lack of sleep also indicates that you are still having some residual symptoms of depression. You may need to increase the dose of current medication if it is not reached to the maximum level and no tolerability issue.

Thanks
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How To Treat Sleeplessness Which Hasn't Improved Despite Taking Anti-depressants?

Dear User, Thanks for using healthcare magic. The problem of sleep and depression is related quite often but they may be different entities that present together. If you are taking a antidepressant that does not cause sleep you can discuss with your doctor to prescribe an antidepressant that have the sedative properties. If he is doing this already than taking a sleeping pill along with your antidepressant will be the ideal choice. Lack of sleep also indicates that you are still having some residual symptoms of depression. You may need to increase the dose of current medication if it is not reached to the maximum level and no tolerability issue. Thanks