Cipralex and drowsiness

[bah123]

Hi
I am 33 years old and relatively fit.  I have been taking cipralex for approx 3 months, 10mg once a day and have noted substantial benefits.  I have also stopped taking any alcohol.  Despite being very happy with the medication overall, I continue to suffer from drowsiness and the need to sleep more - up to 12 hours a day compared to my normal 7 hours a day before I used to take cipralex.  I am sure this is directly due to cipralex even though the side effect is not listed as a common side effect of taking cipralex.

Could you provide any suggestions on how to combat or reduce this drowsiness or whether I should discuss alternative medications with my doctor,

Best wishes
R

[fltricia]

I can't drink coffee even when I feel normal or else I get bad anxiety.  But some people love it and need it so if you are one of those that can tolerate it that is why I suggested it.  I won't even drink soda with caffeine though.

[Paxiled]

Coffee will just aggravate anxiety.  All these drugs can cause drowsiness.  Lexapro also makes me tired.  Usually it goes away with time, or it doesn't, or it turns into insomnia or it doesn't.  Drugs are weird.  You can try taking adaptogens such as eleuthero and ashwagandha -- they will help energize you as well as help your body adapt to stress.  Spirulina or wheat grass are very high in B12 and chlorophyll, and might give you more energy as well without the nervousness of caffeine.  And meditation not only can help with anxiety, it also can give you more energy.  All worth a try.  Good luck.

[fltricia]

Coffee usually counters the drowsiness.  I like the drowsiness though because it allows me to relax.