Sertraline drowsiness....is it just me? what do you do?

Treatment and medication
1

Greetings!

First, I'm new to this site and do not know how to search by subject. after scrolling through several pages, I decided to start a new discussion. Sorry if this is a repeat.

I have been taking Sertraline for 12 months. My dosage is currently at 200 mg. Since nearly day one I have gone through days/weeks where I simply can't stay awake if I'm not moving. Sitting at a computer at work is like asking to knod off. I fight this feeling VERY often. My Dr. prescribed sleeping pills so that I would sleep better and not be tired during the day. They might help a bit - but the pills make me goofy and I like those side-effects even less. 

If you have experienced this also, what have you done to stay awake or make the sleep desire go away. 

This is just one of many undesirable side-effects - but definately the worst (for me). 

Any help or direction would be appreciated. 

DavidUSA

2

Hi David, I found taking mine at night helped with the extreme drowiness, I took them in the morning at first. I found I slept better when taking them at night.   Best wishes, Kim

3

David hi

I can understand the feelings of tiredness I experienced this for the first few weeks but OK now I am only only on 50 mg a day though. Have you tried taking your dose at night before you sleep ? I have read this can help

Good luck

4

Hi, I'm not sure if this will work for anyone else but I cut out caffeinated drinks. I was scared the high was bringing on my panic attacks (probably sounds ridiculous) but after a few weeks I noticed myself starting to even out. I take my sertraline before bed and can get through the day easily enough. Very rarely I'll need a nap when I get home from work but I don't have the bursts of energy and crashing come downs any more. Keep well!

5

yep. i started on 50mg of certraline and had to deal with weeks of feeling like i had run a marathon. it did eventually lessen but never wore off totally. i have recently had my dosage doubled to 100mg and all last week i could barely keep my eyes open. i often have trouble getting to sleep but even when i didn't i still felt like falling asleep at any opportunity. and waking up takes about two hours of feeling like i've had a premed or something.

having just been diagnosed with adult attention deficit disorder and hitting a bit of a wall in my ma studies i'm not sre whether the sleep desire is med-induced or depression-induced. 

it's not helping me function. 

moving around helps a little but i'm meant to be studying. 

not much help i'm afraid but it's nice to know i'm not the only one dealing with this.

6

Thanks Kim!

My doc moved me to nights for this very reason about 8 months ago.  I might sleep a little better, but still always tired. 

7

Thanks Julie!

I moved to nights 8 months ago. Not much improvement. 

8

Thanks! I can see why that might help. I consume caffeine now to keep me awake. Can't imagine cutting it out. I'll post results if I try. 

9

Hi Unusualsuspect,

I just read your message, as I was really fighting hard not to fall sleep. I started Sertraline 2 months ago and I am feeling sleepy the whole time... I can fall sleep at any time, any place....

Are you still so sleepy like a year ago? Or as your body gets used to it, it gets better.

​Thanks​

10

Try drinking water while at work..... it's amazing how much you feel better if your eyes properly hydrated.... I also like to snack on nuts and dried fruits (raisins etc), as these give a lot of energy.