Celexa and Insomnia

In studies that looked at the side effects of Celexa, up to 15 percent of patients reported insomnia as a side effect. If you are taking Celexa and insomnia occurs, you can try improving your sleep habits by keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle. Other suggestions for curing insomnia include avoiding exercise within two hours of bedtime, not napping after 3 PM, and sleeping in a dark room with comfortable temperature.

Celexa Drug Information

Celexa and Insomnia: An Introduction

Insomnia is the one of the more common side effects of Celexa^® (citalopram hydrobromide). In studies, up to 15 percent of people reported insomnia as one of Celexa's side effects. However, it is important to understand that almost as many people not taking Celexa (14 percent) also experienced insomnia.

What Is Insomnia?

People with insomnia have one or more of the following insomnia symptoms:

Difficulty falling asleep
Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
Waking up too early in the morning
Non-refreshing sleep.

Celexa and Insomnia: Suggestions

Some people taking Celexa find that improving their sleep habits can be an effective

insomnia cure. Some tips for better sleep include:

Keep a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.
Don't exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime may help you sleep more soundly.
Don't eat large meals within two hours of bedtime.
Don't nap later than 3 PM.
Sleep in a dark, quiet room with a comfortable temperature.
If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, do a quiet activity somewhere else and return to bed when you're sleepy.
Wind down in the 30 minutes before bedtime with a relaxing pre-sleep ritual, such as a warm bath, soft music, or reading.

(Click Good Sleep Habits for more suggestions.)

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