The insomnia may go away or it will last. Do I have to wait to change? Can the pharmacist change the prescription?

Question

Hello, I have been taking Cipralex 10 mg for anxiety since February 8th. Since the beginning of the treatment I can't sleep anymore. I go to bed around 10pm and I wake up every morning without exception at 1:30am without being able to go back to sleep. I know that the medication can take a long time to take full effect. I would say I don't really see a difference. Or very little. But insomnia is every day!

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello ma'am, did you have at least partial effectiveness with this dose? Thank you for the information. After more than 4 weeks of treatment, we should have noticed an improvement in your symptoms, including the effect on sleep. I strongly suggest that you discuss this with your pharmacist who can customize a plan with you and contact your doctor to suggest alternatives and then follow up closely with you. For insomnia, the most important thing is to look at non-pharmacological measures to improve sleep hygiene and quality. Here are some of them: At least 1 hour before bedtime, turn off any type of screen: computer, phone, TV, and handheld readers too. Most of them emit a type of light that is stimulating. Regardless of bedtime, I suggest getting up at the same time each day, which will help establish a sleep routine eventually. Keep the bedroom for sleeping and intimacy only. No reading, work, or TV in bed. This way, the body will associate the bedroom with sleep as soon as you enter it. Never look at the clock during the night as this can be a great source of stress Avoid naps during the day, and avoid stimulants like coffee as much as possible, especially in the afternoon. If you've been in bed for 15 minutes and still can't fall asleep, I suggest you get up, go to the kitchen or living room for a few minutes, and then return to the bedroom. This can have a reset effect. If you have a lot of worries, write them down in a notebook or journal at night, so you can be reassured that they will not be forgotten and that you can address them the next morning. Cognitive-behavioral therapy with a psychologist or psychotherapist can greatly help sleep disorders. Most group insurances cover this type of service. These strategies can take up to 2 weeks to implement, so go at your own pace, gradually, you must be patient and willing too. Sincerely, Tom Samaha, Pharmacist