Depression and Insomnia

For years, doctors have known that depression and sleep disorders are linked. Up to 80 percent of people with depression also struggle with insomnia, the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. About 15 percent of people with depression suffer from hypersomnia, or chronic oversleeping.

When treating people with both these disorders, doctors have found that treating insomnia issues often helps patients overcome depression more quickly. There's a misconception that people who are depressed sleep all the time or have trouble getting out of bed.

Yet, in reality this isn't often the case. Studies show that this particular reaction only occurs in about 15% of depressed patients. The majority of people suffering from depression don't sleep well - and depression and insomnia are much more likely to be found together. 

Treating Depression and Insomnia

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used to treat depression. These can be beneficial in treating people who are suffering from both depression and sleeplessness, as they produce both sedating and mood-lifting effects. 

SSRI's include the medications Fluox (Fluoxetine), Celexa (Citaopram) and Zoloft (Sertraline). Sometimes a hypnotic sleep medication such as Zolpidem (Zolbien) or Zimovane (Zopiclone) may also prescribed by your doctor. 

Although medication may seem like an effective course of treatment, it only provides short-term results. In order to obtain a permanent relief from this illness, it is highly important to benefit from a combination of psychotherapy (including cognitive-behavioral therapy) and/or pharmacological (drug) treatment. Each of these therapies can be used to treat both depression and insomnia but psychologists must carefully identify the exact cause of these symptoms prior to suggest a particular course of treatment. However, depression and insomnia is not exactly the most pleasant combination that you should learn how to wive with. 

Insomnia and depression are bad enough on their own, but when combined they can wreak serious havoc on your physical and mental health. If you’re experiencing depression-related insomnia, take your sleeplessness seriously and get treatment for it. You might be surprised how much better it makes you feel.

Zoloft (Sertraline) for the Treatment of Depression

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft, generic name sertraline, is an anti-depressant medication. Sertraline is approved to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and other conditions.

Zoloft is classified as a type of drug known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). It positively affects chemicals that exist in the brain and that may be unbalanced in people with depression, anxiety, or other similar diseases.

Zoloft comes as a tablet or a liquid to be taken by mouth once daily, and should be taken at the same time every day. It may take a few weeks or longer before the full benefit of Zoloft is noticed.

What are the side effects?

Zoloft side effects are usually not severe, and typically decrease with continued treatment. The most common Zoloft side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and diarrhea. Sexual problems are fairly common in both men and women. Fluctuations in weight are not uncommon if Zoloft is effectively treating depression. Individuals, who have atypical depression, may have a decreased appetite and lose weight, while individuals who have classic symptoms of depression may see slight increases in their weight, as their appetite returns. Rarely, severe Zoloft side effects can occur, which can be due to an allergic reaction, or if an individual is prescribed multiple antidepressants that have similar effects on serotonin. High levels of serotonin, called serotonin syndrome, can cause erratic behavior, vomiting and dizziness, which requires prompt medical attention.

How long does it take for Zoloft to work?

Appetite and sleep energy may get improved in one or two weeks of Zoloft usage while depressive disorders may get resolved in six to eight weeks of usage. How long does Zoloft take to work is usually subjective.

Other Options for Depression

Zoloft is not the only choice for treating depression. There are several different types of SSRI's, and if these don't work there are other types of anti-depressants. Talk therapy, with a psychologist, therapist, or social worker, is also an option.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for Depression

SSRIs are the most widely prescribed type of antidepressants. They're usually preferred over other antidepressants, as they cause fewer side effects. An overdose is also less likely to be serious. Fluoxetine is probably the best known SSRI (sold under the brand name Prozac). Other SSRIs include Citalopram (Celexa), Cipralex (Escitalopram) and Zoloft (Sertraline).

How SSRIs Work

Medicines known as reuptake inhibitors increase the amount of particular neurotransmitters in the brain by preventing unused neurotransmitters from moving back into the pre-synaptic neuron. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors - as they are also known - increase the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin has many roles in the body, including the regulation of your appetite, your sleeping patterns, your body temperature and your memory. It also plays a primary role in regulating your mood, which is the main reason why supplemental serotonin, the most common form of antidepressant, is prescribed for people experiencing anxiety or depression. People of both the male and female gender with anxiety disorders exhibit lower levels of serotonin than normal.

How effective are SSRI antidepressants?

About 5-7 in 10 people with moderate or severe depression have an improvement in symptoms within a few weeks of starting treatment with an antidepressant. However, up to 3 in 10 people improve with dummy tablets (placebos), as some people would have improved in this time naturally. So, if you have depression, you are roughly twice as likely to improve with an antidepressant compared with taking no treatment. But, they do not work in everybody. As a rule, the more severe the depression, the greater the chance that an antidepressant will work well.

People who should take extra care with SSRIs
Make sure you tell your doctor if you have, or have had in the past, any of the following conditions (you might need to take extra precautions, or another medicine might be more suitable):
- epilepsy or reduced seizure threshold
- bipolar disorder
- stomach bleeding
- liver problems
Get advice about the risks of taking antidepressants, directly from your doctor or from a specialist information line, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or thinking about becoming pregnant.

Zoloft Sertraline - a medicine used for the treatment of depression

Zoloft (Sertraline) 50/100 mg is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It belongs to a group of antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication is often used to treat depression experienced by adults and teenagers. This medication may also be used to treat adults and teenagers who experience panic attacks, posttraumatic stress, social anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric issues, and obsessive compulsive thoughts and behaviors. Zoloft may help to control the emotions, thoughts, and actions that sometimes accompany these mental health conditions, but it will not cure the conditions.

How should I take this medication?

Zoloft is supplied for oral administration as scored tablets containing sertraline hydrochloride equivalent to 25, 50 and 100 mg of sertraline. You may need to take this medication for several weeks before you begin to feel the effects of this drug. It is important to continue taking this drug as prescribed by your healthcare advisor, even after you begin to feel better.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

As soon as you remember it, take the dose you missed. If it will soon be time for your next regular dose, skip the missed dose altogether. You should not take a double dose to make up for missed medication. Taking two doses over a short period of time may lead to an overdose.

Who should not take this medication?

People who are allergic to sertraline should avoid this medication. Allergic reactions may include difficulty breathing, rashes or hives, and swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face. Elderly people should not take this medication unless it is being used to treat obsessive compulsive behavior. Children should not be given this drug.

How Should I Store This Medication?

Zoloft should be tightly sealed in its original container when not in use. Store the container at room temperature. Avoid locations that are exposed to excess heat or moisture (such as a bathroom or kitchen). 

Possible Side Effects of Zoloft

Side effects from Zoloft will be different for each person. Some people who take it experience no side effects at all. Serious side effects from this medication may include: unclear vision; seizures; rapid or irregular heartbeat; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects of taking this drug can include: drowsiness; disorientation; dry mouth; changes in appetite or weight; restlessness; stomach issues, gas, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation; low sodium levels in blood; headache; pain or tingling in extremities; noticeable differences in sex drive or ability; unwarranted tremors or shaking.

How to Safely Withdraw from Zoloft

People who are taking Zoloft should not stop taking the drug all at once. Formulate a plan with your doctor before reducing or discontinuing this medication altogether. You can reduce the symptoms you feel during withdrawal by slowly reducing this medication in your system. Possible symptoms of withdrawal may include: insomnia; abnormal irritability; an increase in general anxiety; headache; confusion; fatigue.

Speak with your doctor about any negative symptoms that you experience when you stop using this medication.