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Prozac and Insomnia

Side effects may develop with the use of Prozac, and insomnia is the most common one (occurring in up to 33 percent of patients). Some people find that improving their sleep habits helps with insomnia symptoms. For example, keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle, avoiding large meals within two hours of bedtime, and sleeping in a dark room with a comfortable temperature are some of the ways to ensure a better night's sleep.

 

Prozac and Insomnia: An Introduction

Insomnia is the most common side effect of Prozac® (fluoxetine hydrochloride). In studies, up to 33 percent of people reported insomnia as a side effect of the drug. Insomnia was most commonly seen in people taking the medication for bulimia. It was least common in those taking it for panic disorder (10 percent).
 

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.
     

Prozac and Insomnia: Suggestions

Some people taking Prozac 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.
     
  • Avoid eating large meals within two hours of bedtime.
     
  • Avoid napping after 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.)
 
(Prozac and Insomnia Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;