I have been suffering from sleep apnea for approximaely a year. I've gone through different sleep study progams and everyone recommends a c-pap unit. I am clostrophobic and cpap makes me feel more anxious. I am not able to sleep and now find myself exhausted and depressed. Will floxetine cause more sleeping problems for me?
Does Fluoxetine effect someone with sleep apnea?
- Posted:
- 10 Aug 2011 by dmyanez
- Topics:
- depression, sleep apnea, sleep disorders, fluoxetine, sleep, anxiety and stress
Answers (3)
10 Aug 2011
Hey dmyanez,
Fluoxetine won't cause more sleep problems for you per say. It can cause some mild tiredness in the beginning but that goes away with continued use. Just not sure that the fluoxetine is what you really need. The lack of oxygen in your body from the sleep apnea will not be corrected by the fluoxetine. The decreased oxygen saturation in your blood is what is causing your exhaustion. There are many types of masks for the CPAP machine. You really need to investigate the options. There is also the option of the mouth guard that forces the jaw forward thereby opening the airway. It works well for some people though the CPAP machine is probably the best. You need to talk to the doctor and respiratory therapist about your claustrophobia concerns. There are alternatives to the full face mask. I think you will find remarkable improvement in your condition with the increased oxygen at night.
Best wishes,
Laurie
10 Aug 2011
Hi, if i'm reading your question correctly, the insomnia and depression are seperate issues (?) and your worried that taking prozac will make the insomnia worse? The prozac, once in your system (for 3-4 weeks) will aid your sleep. As Laurie has said, you may feel drowsy in the mornings initially but this should soon stop when your body is used to the meds
Laurie, Thank you... after reading everyones comments I am now considering researching all the cpap options out there. It's such a terrible feeling not being able to breath at night. Will sleep apnea go away enventually? I can not believe with so much technology and studies that a cpap is the only solution.
11 Aug 2011
With sleep apnea the main problem is that the back of your throat closes while you are asleep - it relaxes so much that your airflow is closed off. CPAP gives you the constant air pressure to keep that area open - so you can breath. This is a very simplified explanation - as I am a simple person - but you get the idea. It's that constant air pressure that does the trick. You can be on sedating meds, but as long as you have that mask air tight those muscles won't relax and you'll get some good sleep.
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