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Paxil CR and Insomnia

Some people may experience side effects of Paxil CR, and insomnia is one that occurs commonly (in up to 20 percent of people). Improving sleep habits can often be an effective cure for insomnia. A few suggestions for improving your sleep habits include keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle; avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime; and doing a quiet activity somewhere else if you can't fall asleep within the first 20 minutes. If you are taking Paxil CR and insomnia becomes a problem, tell your healthcare provider.

Paxil CR and Insomnia: An Introduction

Insomnia is one of the most common side effects of Paxil CR® (paroxetine controlled release). In previous studies, up to 20 percent of people reported insomnia as one of the Paxil CR side effects.
 

What Is Insomnia?

People with insomnia have one or more of the following insomnia symptoms:
 
  • Having difficulty falling asleep
  • Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Having non-refreshing sleep.
     

Paxil CR and Insomnia: Suggestions

Some people taking
 Paxil CR find that improving their sleep habits can be an effective insomnia cure. Some tips for better sleep include:
 
  • Keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day.
     
  • Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine in the four to six hours before bedtime.
     
  • Avoiding exercise within two hours of bedtime. Exercising five or six hours before bedtime may help you sleep more soundly.
     
  • Avoiding large meals within two hours of bedtime.
     
  • Napping no later than 3 p.m.
     
  • Sleeping in a dark, quiet room with a comfortable temperature.
     
  • Doing a quiet activity somewhere else if you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes. Return to bed when you're sleepy.
     
  • Winding 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.)
 
Paxil CR and Insomnia Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
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