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Could my insomnia be due to increase in Zoloft dosage?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been taking 100 mg of Zoloft for a number of years. On 14th, my doctor added another 50 mg which I take at bedtime. For the past few days, I have been experiencing severe insomnia and can rarely sleep for more than an hour at a time. In addition, I have begun taking 25 mg of Seroquel three times a day. Could the increase in Zoloft three weeks ago be causing this recent bout of insomnia? If yes, how long after my doctor returns to the old dosage before this side effect diminishes?

Answered by Dr. Ramchandra Lamba

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ramchandra Lamba is a dedicated Psychiatrist and Sexologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health and sexual wellness concerns. He focuses on personalized, compassionate care to help patients overcome challenges, improve their emotional well-being, and enhance the overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The increase of the dose of Zoloft (Sertraline) can cause sleep problem, as you are facing currently. To manage this, you can change the time from night to morning or afternoon. If you altogether stop night doses of Zoloft (return back to 100 mg per day), then this sleep issue will me resolve within four to five days. Another way to manage sleep is to take Seroquel (Quetiapine) 25 mg in morning and 50 mg at night time. By this, your sleep will be normal as Seroquel has sedative property. Try to manage adequate sleep hygiene, like do not sleep during daytime, no coffee after 5 PM, no alcohol, etc.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Why would my inability to sleep not occur until I had been taking the increased dosage for about three weeks?

Answered by Dr. Ramchandra Lamba

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ramchandra Lamba is a dedicated Psychiatrist and Sexologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health and sexual wellness concerns. He focuses on personalized, compassionate care to help patients overcome challenges, improve their emotional well-being, and enhance the overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, Zoloft has some activating effects that may become evident only after one or two weeks. This may be the cause of your sleep problem. To minimize this, you may take Zoloft total dose of 150 mg in the morning. That works well in few persons.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At June 29, 2018
Reviewed At January 29, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ramchandra Lamba is a dedicated Psychiatrist and Sexologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health and sexual wellness concerns. He focuses on personalized, compassionate care to help patients overcome challenges, improve their emotional well-being, and enhance the overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ramchandra Lamba is a dedicated Psychiatrist and Sexologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health and sexual wellness concerns. He focuses on personalized, compassionate care to help patients overcome challenges, improve their emotional well-being, and enhance the overall quality of life.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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