Sertraline and insomnia

[Chrisg79]

Hello,
I have been on sertraline 50mg for nearly 4 weeks. I am really struggling to sleep at night and can be awake till 5am, then when I finally get to sleep I struggle to wake up as I haven't had enough sleep.
Does anyone have any advice, I might have to try some nytol, or am I best asking my gp for something? The lack of sleep is impacting on my anxiety more!
Thanks 💚

My DC was given promethizane for a short period to get their sleep back on track while in Sertraline. It did the trick.

Yes I was also given promethiazine (phenergan) which is an antihistamine. I found it really helpful until my sleep levelled out. I think it can take at least 6 weeks to get the full effects of Sertraline. I was actually sleeping brilliantly on 50mg Sertraline but after a stressful run of events I’ve gone up to 100mg & I’ve definitely had the insomnia again!

Thanks for the advice can you buy this medication at the pharmacy or was it prescribed?

When do you take it? I found switching to morning rather than evening helped

I've switched from taking it in the evening (this was initially better due to the side effects) to now taking it first thing in the morning, but still struggling to fall asleep. I can be lay in bed for hours. I've tried relaxation, podcast, reading, exercise before head, hot bath, epsom salts. Nothing so far has helped so I think I need to try some sleep medication.

Taking 5-HTP is helpful for sleep, without the need for anti depressants. A couple of hours before bed, an hour or so after you eat so around 8pm if you can. Have a look at Harrogate Organics, they do a lot of stuff in this area. Founder suffered from anxiety and wanted a natural remedy. I've used their 5-HTP, magnesium spray and pillow spray. My issue is lack of deep sleep and their stuff helps with better sleep as well as lack of sleep.

I would go back to your doctor then, you've tried everything and lack of sleep is torture.
Hope you get it sorted out x

I took a 6 week sleeping tablet course as I started my sertraline. I don’t think the sertraline was keeping me up, my anxiety was still sky high. But the tablets let me rest and recover. I desperately needed them. Don’t be afraid to take the medication you need to get the best impact and result. I was terrified of becoming reliant but it was extremely clear to me when I was beginning to become well again because I’d get dozy on my own. I’ve not taken a single tablet since and that was nearly 4 years ago.

I have to take my Sertaline in the morning, otherwise I struggle to get to sleep. GL

I struggled with sleep on Sertraline for 3 years. I never realised what was causing the insomnia.