How can insomnia, as a result of taking psychiatric medications, be treated?

Insomnia can include difficulty in initiation of sleep, maintenance of sleep and early morning awakening. Some patients also experience unrefreshing sleep. If insomnia occurs as a result of taking psychiatric medications, the following steps can be tried:

1. To try taking medications like fluoxetine and other SSRI (serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor) medications, venlafaxine and bupropion in the day time, rather than at night.
2. To consider the option of adding on trazodone, which can improve sleep.
3. To add on a low dose of sleeping pills as a temporary measure.
4. To consider using other medications that do not have insomnia as a side effect.
5. To look into sleep hygiene issues.
6. To learn a relaxation technique like progressive muscle relaxation or deep breathing techniques.

It is important to let your treating doctor know about your insomnia problem and see what other measures he or she would suggest. Take good care.