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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Paula_741 on September 29, 2002, at 11:46:30
Hi, I have recently started Prozac for depression and some anxiety issues, but I have problems with insomnia. Before I have used zopiclone (Ambien-like), which works very well, but after a while I am starting to wake up at night and can’t get back to sleep, even if I take some more zopiclone, so that is not an option this time. Neither is sedating TCA, Remeron or antihistamines because of weight gain. I have tried Trazadone and Serzone with no luck.
I use Xanax as needed for anxiety during the day, but my use is always decreasing after a while on SSRI. My long time goal is not to use a benzo for sleep, but fight insomnia with healthy living, exercise and maybe some herbal remedies. But from my earlier experiences with SSRI that is not possible before after a couple of months after I have stabilised on the target dose.
Xanax and Klonopin is the benzos I have used in the past, and I don’t think my doc will toss in a third one, that’s why those two are my options. My concern is the long half-life of Klonopin, so I will then have it in my system the hole day, and stories about Xanax withdrawal really scare me. So basically, which one of those is best for sleep and easiest to taper down after a couple of months?
I am seeing my doc in 2 days, and would really appreciate some advice!
Paula
Posted by BrittPark on September 29, 2002, at 23:18:47
In reply to Xanax vs Klonopin for SSRI sleep problems?, posted by Paula_741 on September 29, 2002, at 11:46:30
Xanax is probably a better bet for insomnia because it has a quicker onset and a shorter half life. However, benzos in general are not good sleeping pills. The body grows tolerant of the hypnotic effect within a few weeks. My psychiatrist, when he uses benzos for insomnia works on a 2 weeks on 1 week off schedule. Have you thought of trying a small dose of trazodone. My wife has been taking it for years for insomnia and it still works.
Hoping you find the right solution,
Britt
This is the end of the thread.
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