Sertraline and Insomnia

[SeaShell33]

Really need to hear some positive stories as am losing motivation to continue with Sertraline.

Started on 29th December, 6 days on 50mg, 9 days on 75mg (made me too spacey but may also have been from lack of sleep), 6th day of back to 50mg (much better concentration).

From day 1 I have had insomnia. Several nights of absolutely no sleep (3 in a row at one point). I have had three nights where I have spelt naturally (sadly two were when DH was away from home).

Dr has given me Zopiclone 3mg. Have taken it the last two nights and slept.
Terrified of becoming addicted. Only got 7 days worth but feel like I've failed when I take one.

Have done all the sleep hygiene stuff, taking magnesium, pillow spray, lush sleepy lotion

I read my book for about 10 minutes in bed and start to nod off but as soon as I turn off the light I can't sleep.

Have bought a weighted blanket that came today.

I've got a review on 24th and Dr said if the Zopiclone doesn't help me get back into a natural sleep routine she'll try me on Propanol. Also terrified of this and how it would affect me.

On the plus side my anxiety is less. My anxiety is over my mum's cancer diagnosis which she's receiving treatment for. My new anxiety is all about sleeping.

I slept great before Sertraline.

So please some positive stories that the insomnia from Sertraline will go away!

Thank you

Sorry no advice, but currently in the same position, on 100mg and have been trying to sleep since 11pm. Full sympathy

What time do you take the tablets? I found they gave me a real energy boost so took first thing in the morning and come evening I was shattered and slept very well.
Good luck and I hope you get some sleep :-)

What time of day do you take them? My Dr suggested evenings as they can cause drowsiness but unfortunately had the opposite affect on me and like you didn't sleep. I switched to mornings and all good now.

I had the same when I first started on Sertraline. It WILL get better. I was put on Temazepam for 3 weeks as was in a really bad way, then weaned off and slept fine ever since.
Don't be too concerned with getting addicted, you need the sleeping tablets right now and that's what they are for. Your doctor won't allow you to become addicted, they wouldn't have given them to you if they didnt think you needed them.
If I were you I would take them for a week or so and then see how you are after that.
Also, if you're nodding off to sleep with the lights on then waking up when you turn them off just leave them on!

I wouldn't worry about propanolol - that's just a beta blocker (also used for high blood pressure). Not known to be addictive.

Is your blood pressure at a normal level? If it's high, that can cause anxiety in itself (heart has to work harder, so more adrenaline in the body). People are 4 times more likely to have poor mental health with untreated high blood pressure.

I had the same for about 6 weeks after starting and it resolved itself. I take it first thing in the morning.

I had broken sleep for the first 2 months or so along with the other regular side effects but they have all settled down now six months in. Sorry that's probably little comfort to you at the moment

As @reelteeth901 said ... at what time do you take your tablet ?
Morning might be a better time.

I have to take them first thing, as soon as I wake up. Later than that and I can't sleep.

Thank you everyone! I take it at 6am.
I tried only half a Zopiclone last night and didn't sleep.
Will take whole one tonight.
Currently signed off work until I can get back into a sleep pattern.
I'm worried that I've got myself into a psychological rut by not sleeping now all I can think about is whether I will sleep or not. It just increases my anxiety.
I'm week 3 now on Sertraline. Can't imagine waiting another 3 weeks for my sleep to return.
I slept amazing before Sertraline.
Wish I could go back to my old self.

@SpamChaudFroid not sure if I've got high blood pressure, it's normally standard to low.

The nhs funds on line CBT for sleep eg Sleepio in some areas; you could ask your Dr.you could also try streaming music ( google options) which can help you to switch off .

Hi OP

I’m on 150mg and it took about 6 weeks for my sleeping to go back to normal. I was prescribed diazepam 2 weeks in to help but they didn’t have much of an effect.

The difference in my anxiety now to where I was before starting the sertraline though is amazing.

I'd be curious to know why your doctor has recommended sleeping tablets before a different anti anxiety medication. Does he expect your sleep will return to normal once the sertraline has settled? I'd be asking for different meds, not sleeping tablets or beta blockers.

#Bobbiepin# most likely because she's already been on the sertraline for 3 weeks and this side effect will most likely settle down. Changing meds is not as simple as just switching to a different tablet.

I take mine just before bed and it’s made a huge difference

@Bobbiepin same as what @redsky21 said the dr said to take the sleeping tablets to try and restore my natural sleep pattern while the side effects of the Sertraline settle.
The Sertraline has calmed down my anxiety but I don't know what's worse, the anxiety and sleeping or less and anxiety an not sleeping. The not sleeping just makes me more anxious and then depressed which I wasn't before.
Thank you everyone for your help!

@yikesanotherbooboo I found the Sleepio and have been trying it recording my sleep pattern each night.

@CreepyPasta I can't imagine trying to live like this for another three weeks.
Luckily work have been very supportive and have told me to stay off work until I'm ready.
I still feel awful about being off work and this has come at a time when I was actually doing well at work and enjoying it.

I've started on 25mg 5 days ago and feel amazing. Back to my old self. Chilled and happy with a clear head. I take it in the morning and have more energy during the day and sleep at night. Hope it continues...

@Lovekitty that's so good you're having a good experience on them! Hope it continues for you

Hmm, 2 weeks in, still on 25mg, sleeping but now find it incredibly hard to wake up and get moving in the morning. I feel groggy and been trying to get moving since 6am! I take my half tablet in the morning. Any advice from others?