Posted by redjr on May 16, 2005, at 11:01:15
In reply to Effexor w/ Traz or Remeron; which better for sleep, posted by Sabino on May 15, 2005, at 21:07:52
Sabino,
I was on Effexor for about 2 weeks before my GP switched me to Cymbalta. Besides having negative sexual side effects, I was still plagued with insomnia. She thought that maybe the Cymbalta would help both. Well, after being on Cymbalta for 10 days now, I can honestly say it has not fixed the sexual side effects, nor lessened the insomnia. I too, have a high metabolism - since being a teenager. Most of my adult life I have been taking Elavil (in small amounts) just as a sleep agent and not for depression. Since starting the recent, new drug therapy for depression however, my GP took me off the Elavil and put me on Ambien for sleep. Well, like you say, Ambien has worked with limited success for me and never effectively overcame the side-effects of either the Effexor, or Cymbalta. Not being able to get a good, sound nights sleep alone can lead to depression! Not to mention a host of other issues that we as adults should not have to worry about during our day - when we're just trying to survive in the first place. On a ppositive note, I must say that from a mood standpoint, the Effexor was far more effective than the Cymbalta has been. I generally felt better (more upbeat) on the Effexor than now on the Cymbalta.
So, having said all of that, I have another appointment with my GP in a couple of weeks, and I'm going to suggest she switch me to Remeron. I understand it's not as bad on the sexual side effects, but I also realaize that everyone is different and can be affected differently by these drugs. Hopefully it will help with the insomnia as well.
Another new sleep drug that been advertised recently is Lunesta. Maybe you've seen the ads. It supposed to provide a better nights sleep without the next-day groggy feelings. And it has been approved for long term use for us stubborn insomniacs! I may investigate the use of this instead of Ambien as a longer term solution to my sleep issues if they cannot be resolved with the normal treatment of the ADs.
I am a 53 yr old male.
Cheers,
redjr...
poster:redjr
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050516/msgs/498466.html