Question:
I have been on Paxil 20mg a day for about a month and a half. I take it every
night before I go to bed. It was worked really well. It helps take the edge
off of anxiety. But, I have real problems trying to sleep. I usually wake up
about once every hour. It's hard to concentrate the next day with little
sleep. Has anyone had this side effect and should I expect it to go away
anytime soon.
Answer:
No, I had that when I was taking some other a/d - I've tried so many that I
can't even remember what most of them *did* at this point. But, I do remember
that Paxil kept me zoned out and sleepy ALLL the time. Lethargic and apathetic
about everything. You coulda told me the house was on fire, and I'd'a probably
just watched the pretty flames. And I sweated constantly!!! Strange how this
stuff effects everyone so differently.
I had problems like this too. My doc said it is best to take in the morning
in this case. He also said the medication stays in the system for about 24hrs,
so it shouldn't matter if you take it in the am instead. Try it and see if it
works... (but please consult your doc about this)
I take Paxil also. When I started my pdoc told me that if it made me
drowsy to take it at night, and if it kept me awake to take it in the
morning. Like so many of the side effects, Paxil can do one or the other.
I think that if the symptoms are still continuing after 6 weeks this side
effect will stay around a while, although it may diminish over time. My
suggestion is to take it in the am. Find out what time works best for you. Why? This is nothing that you wouldn't find in the Physician's Desk
Reference.
I suggest anyone being treated with drugs get in the habbit of looking
it up. I once found that a uncommon side effect was coming from a
perscription and was able to switch to something else.
Face it. There are thounsands of drugse. MDs can't be expected to know
every detail in the PDR. Work with your Doctor.
Re: the original question - yes SSRIs (incluing Paxil) can causer
insomnia. I'm going through that now with Effexor. I decided that the
benefits outweighed the side effects. Each patient/MD team must reach
their own conclusion.
