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The question was submitted 06/24/2008

Subject: Will anti-depressant cause Insomnia ?

hi, i'm currently taking two (50mg each) Faverin at night, my psychiatrist told me it will help me in my insomnia, but somehow it doesn't work for me!

And i can't sleep till 5am without the help of taking xanax. It's causing me dtstress now cos my mum's nagging me for sleeping too much in the day!

Will anti-depressant like Faverin cause insomnia?
I'm also taking thyroid hormones pills in the morning.
I really can't sleep well for the past month already, and i don't really wants to depend on xanax to help me sleep at night! i know depending on xanax can be addictive.

What can i do to improve my problem?

Answer from DepNet

Hi,

Drowsiness to Fluvoxamine (Faverin) is more commonly reported as a side effect compared to insomnia. Fluvoxamine helps in the treatment of depression and anxiety. However, its onset of therapeutic effects will not be apparent until at least a few weeks of taking the medication continuously. The medication must also be taken regularly on a daily basis for its efficacy to be sustained. When mood improves with Fluvoxamine a couple of weeks later, other symptoms associated with depression (such as insomnia and lethargy) will also improve accordingly.
Levothyroxine (thyroid hormines) is unlikely to cause insomnia symptoms.

Knowing that Fluvoxamine has a slow onset of therapeutic action, it is therefore important for one to be patient with the medication treatment. Doctors sometimes give a temporary short course of fast-acting benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax or Alprazolam) to help one to relax/sleep and to give time to cope with the acute symptoms initially, while awaiting the longer-lasting effects of Fluvoxamine to turn up.

In the meantime, some behavioural and relaxation techniques associated with good sleep hygiene should also be employed, such as the following examples:
1. Avoid the use of caffeine-containing products, nicotine and alcohol especially later in the day.
2. Avoid heavy meals within 2 hours of bedtime.
3. Avoid drinking too much fluids after dinner to prevent frequent nighttime urination.
4. Avoid environments that will make you really active after 5pm (i.e. avoid noisy environments).
5. Only use your bed for sleep. Sit in your chair when you just want to relax.
6. Avoid watching television in bed.
7. Establish a routine for getting ready to go to bed.
8. Set time aside to relax before bed, and utilise relaxation techniques.
9. Create an atmosphere conducive to sleep: Keep yourself at a comfortable temperature by modifying the number of blankets you use. Use earplugs if it is too noisy. Make the room darker if there is too much light (e.g. close the door).Put an extra mattress on your bed if is uncomfortable.
10. When in bed, relax and think pleasant thoughts to help you fall asleep.
11. Get up at the same time every day, including weekends. Use an alarm clock if it will help.
12. Avoid taking daytime naps. If you have to take them, make sure you do so before 3.00 pm and that the total napping time does not exceed one hour.
13. Pursue regular physical activities like walking or gardening but avoid vigorous exercise too close to bedtime.

Hope these techniques can be of help. Please take care.

Regards,

Depnet

The answer was published on DepNet 07/01/2008