In this blog post, we are going to talk about celexa induced insomnia. Celexa is an antidepressant which is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions.

This antidepressant is associated with a number of side effects. This blog will cover insomnia and we will also discuss some ways to make your sleep quality better.

Does Celexa cause insomnia?

Yes, celexa is associated with insomnia or inability to fall asleep. This side effect is reported by a lot of people on this antidepressant and it can be quite disturbing. However, experts suggest that it only lasts the first few weeks of your treatment and begins to subside within 2 to 3 weeks.

Side effects of antidepressants, including celexa, depend on a lot of different factors. The first and the most important factor is the kind of symptoms you’re having.

Several studies suggest that people with depression tend to spend more time in their bed as compared to people who are not depressed. In fact, hypersomnia is commonly reported in people who are depressed.

It’s their way of escaping reality and they would just fall asleep on a weekend rather than going out and having some fun. Studies suggest that when such people start taking celexa or any other SSRI, the med eventually starts to make their symptoms go away.

With time, hypersomnia gets replaced with insomnia, because people who used to sleep a lot end up losing their sleep on antidepressants.

However, studies have also suggested that some people on celexa experience extreme drowsiness, dizziness and fatigue which not only make them sleep more, but also interferes with their daytime alertness.

The mechanism through which celexa causes insomnia is still unknown. However, several studies suggest that as Celexa is an SSRI, it increases the amount of serotonin in the body.

Now, this increased amount of serotonin might mess up your sleep pattern during the first few weeks of antidepressant treatment. Side effects should begin to subside when your body gets used to the presence of celexa and the excess availability of serotonin.

Infact, after a few weeks, your sleep pattern might start to get better than it previously was. This indicates that medications have different effects on different individuals and there’s no way to predict what kind of side effects your antidepressant will cause in you.

Just make sure to reach out to your healthcare provider if you exhibit any sign of an allergic reaction or any other unusual side effects.

Is there anything you can do to enhance your sleep quality while being on Celexa?

Celexa induced insomnia begins to go away within 2 to 3 weeks of your treatment. Side effects associated with this antidepressant usually stay as long as your body tries to adapt to the presence of this antidepressant.

Once your body is fully adjusted, you begin to notice your side effects fading away. However, there are a few tips that can help you with celexa induced insomnia. These include:

Take your celexa in the morning

Taking celexa at bedtime is more likely to cause insomnia. It is preferred to start taking celexa in the morning, instead of taking it at night time. Always talk to your healthcare provider to guide you through it.

Choosing the most appropriate time to take your med is a smart way of avoiding the unwanted effects. You can set the best time for celexa, in accordance with your side effects.

The best way to switch is to miss your night dose and take it the following morning. Again, you need to talk to your healthcare professional before making any changes by yourself. Even if you want to switch, do not proceed without your doctor’s approval.

Create a peaceful sleeping environment

Always make sure your bedroom is peaceful when it’s time to sleep. Temperature, lighting and sound should be controlled as per your liking.

Sleep on a comfortable bed

It is difficult to fall asleep on an uncomfortable bed. Make sure your bed makes you feel relaxed as you drift off to sleep.

Keep your sleeping hours constant

Make sure you keep your sleeping hours constant by going to bed and getting up at the same time, everyday. This helps you to maintain the number of hours you sleep.

In this way, your brain is programmed in such a way that you automatically start feeling sleepy at your ‘go to bed’ hour.

Stay active

Regular exercise releases tension from your muscles and makes you feel relaxed. Exercise at least 3 to 4 times a week. It is not recommended to do a high intensity workout before bedtime, as it will make it difficult to fall asleep.

Lower your caffeine intake

Do not consume caffeine in the evening. The half life of caffeine is 2 to 12 hours, so make sure you do not consume it in the evening, as it might remain in your system till bedtime. Instead, have a warm cup of milk or herbal tea.

Do not overeat before bed

Do not consume high amounts of food or alcohol before bedtime. You don’t need to keep your digestive system working while you sleep. It’s already not preferred to lie down right after eating. It will not only ruin your sleep quality but it will also keep you bloated throughout the next day.

Get up, if you can’t fall asleep

If you can’t fall asleep, get up. Do something that makes you feel relaxed until you feel sleepy again.

Try to calm yourself before you go to bed.

Try to relax before you get to bed. Take a warm bath, light some soft scented candles, listen to some soft music or do some yoga to relax your mind and induce sleep.

Do not smoke

People who smoke fall asleep later than the normal individuals. Nicotine is a stimulant. As long as it remains in your system, it keeps you awake.

Can you take something natural to make you fall asleep?

There are some natural herbs and foods that can help induce sleep. These include:

Chamomile

Chamomile is well known for its relaxing properties. Chamomile tea has been used for decades now to regulate good night’s sleep. Studies suggest that chamomile possesses natural antidepressant and antianxiety properties and can help stabilise your mood.

Lavender

Lavender is a herb which is well known for its relaxing and calming fragrance. Studies show that lavender has antidepressant and antianxiety properties and can be used to help treat insomnia associated with disturbed mood and mental condition.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a plant that’s used to make medicines. This medicinal plant is native to Africa and Asia, and is most commonly used by the Indian population.

This plant is said to be an adaptogen, which can help you respond to daily life struggle, anxiety, stress and fatigue. In some Indian practices, it is also used to treat insomnia within 3 months of its use. It is also safe to take with your antidepressant.

Passion flower

Passion flowers can also be used to enhance the quality of your sleep. Study suggests that this herb can help reduce the time taken for a person to fall asleep and also reduces the chances of waking up in the middle of the night.

Few studies suggest that the sedative effects of passion flower can be enhanced when it is used with other herbs like valerian root, chamomile or lavender.

Turmeric

Research suggests that turmeric acts as a mild tranquilliser. Its pain relieving and sedative effects have made it a big part of herbal treatment. Some studies suggest that drinking lukewarm milk with turmeric can really help you calm down and induce sleep.

When to call your doctor

Call your mental healthcare provider if your insomnia gets worse by the day. Make sure you give your body a few weeks to get settled on the medication. If even after a few weeks, your insomnia keeps troubling you, talk to your doctor.

Do not leave celexa abruptly, after being pissed at your side effects. Otherwise, you will end up suffering from withdrawal or discontinuation syndrome. Such medications are always tapered off if one needs to stop using them. This too, is done under the supervision of your doctor.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed celexa induced insomnia and how long it usually takes to go away. Most side effects begin to subside in 2 to 4 weeks, when your body starts getting used to the increased amounts of serotonin.

The increased serotonin then enhances your mood, sleep quality, cognition, reward pathway and learning. You feel happy and go back to enjoying your favourite activities.

Just don’t give up if you experience side effects, it gets better. Meanwhile, you can try the tips we have discussed in this blog and I’m sure you’ll see some good changes in your sleep quality.

FAQs: celexa insomnia

Can citalopram cause insomnia?

Does SSRI insomnia go away?

Yes, SSRIs induced insomnia is temporary. Side effects associated with these antidepressants start to fade away when your body gets used to the medication. You might struggle with your sleep pattern at first, but within a few weeks, your sleep quality starts to get better.

Is Celexa better taken at night or morning?

The most appropriate time to take celexa depends on the kind of side effects it causes in you. If it causes loss of appetite, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness or fatigue, it is recommended to take it at night. However, if celexa causes loss of libido, insomnia or urinary problems, then it is recommended to take it in the morning.

What is the most common side effect of Celexa?

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea or Constipation
Acid reflux or heartburn
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Weight gain or loss
Excessive sweating or night sweating (nocturnal/night hyperhidrosis)
Frequent urination
Polydipsia or excessive thirst
Tremors
Muscle twitching and pain
Drowsiness
Dizziness

Can you take a sleep aid with citalopram?

There are multiple sleep aids which can be used with citalopram, like benzodiazepines or one of the three Zs (Zolpidem, zaleplon or zopiclone/eszopiclone), but only if prescribed by your doctor.

The combination of these with citalopram can help relieve your insomnia associated with either the depression or the antidepressant itself. These meds, however, should be used with extreme caution and only when your doctor prescribes it.

How can I stop celexa insomnia?

You can prevent celexa induced insomnia by taking it early in the morning. It is preferred to start taking celexa in the morning, instead of taking it at night time. Always talk to your healthcare provider to guide you through it.

Choosing the most appropriate time to take your med is a smart way of avoiding the unwanted effects. You can set the best time for celexa, in accordance with your side effects.

If you’re currently taking celexa at night and you wish to switch, ask your healthcare provider. The best way to switch is to miss your night dose and take it the following morning.

Again, you need to talk to your healthcare professional before making any changes by yourself. Even if you want to switch, do not proceed without your doctor’s approval.

References

JUNFENG WU, FEI CHANG, and HENGBING ZU (2015) – Efficacy and safety evaluation of citalopram and doxepin on sleep quality in comorbid insomnia and anxiety disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4578014/#__ffn_sectitle
Insomnia Plagues People Taking Antidepressants https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2011/04/21/135609459/insomnia-plagues-people-taking-antidepressants
Adam Wichniak, Aleksandra Wierzbicka, Małgorzata Walęcka, and Wojciech Jernajczyk (2017) – Effects of Antidepressants on Sleep https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5548844/
Daniel Becker, M.D. – Insomnia and SSRI Medications https://www.sutterhealth.org/ask-an-expert/answers/insomnia-ssri-medications
Sleep Disorders: Sleep Problems Linked to Depression https://www.webmd.com/depression/sleep-problems-and-depression
Insomnia https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/insomnia-symptoms-and-causes#:~:text=Insomnia%20is%20a%20sleep%20disorder,for%203%20months%20or%20more.
10 Tips to Beat Insomnia https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/insomnia-tips
10 tips to beat insomnia – Sleep and tiredness https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/10-tips-to-beat-insomnia/

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Does Celexa cause insomnia? (5+ Tips to get rid of it)