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Suggest Treatment For Mild Sleep Apnea

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Posted on Tue, 18 Aug 2015
Question: 73 YEAR OLD WHITE MAILE, OVER WEIGHT 260 # 6'1" WHITE MALE SEEM TO NEED 8 HOURS OF SLEEP, ONE INTERRUPTION TWO NAP[S A DAY, MILE SLEEP APNEA
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Drugs like Mirtazapine or Trazodon can help in good sleep.

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. You have sleep apnea and have problems of poor sleep. In such situations conventional sleep medicines like Benzodiazepines as Clonazepam or Lorazepam or Z-drugs as Zolpidem, Zopiclone etc can't be used considering the problem of sleep apnea and your age. These drugs cause respiratory depression to some extent and in elderly individuals increase the risk of fall in night so should be avoided as sleep medicines or to be used for short durations only.

Some medicines like Mirtazapine or Trazodon can be used. These medicines help to improve sleep and are safe to use in patients of sleep apnea also. These medicines doesn't alter sleep architecture and thus will help in good refreshing sleep.You can discuss with a doctor for prescription of these drugs. Kindly mention that you are also taking Fluoxetine. Doses of Fluoxetine can be reduced and either of these drugs can be started. These drugs will do the work of Fluoxetine also.

Please consult a doctor for prescription.

Thanks, Hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.

Take care
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Mild Sleep Apnea

Brief Answer: Drugs like Mirtazapine or Trazodon can help in good sleep. Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. You have sleep apnea and have problems of poor sleep. In such situations conventional sleep medicines like Benzodiazepines as Clonazepam or Lorazepam or Z-drugs as Zolpidem, Zopiclone etc can't be used considering the problem of sleep apnea and your age. These drugs cause respiratory depression to some extent and in elderly individuals increase the risk of fall in night so should be avoided as sleep medicines or to be used for short durations only. Some medicines like Mirtazapine or Trazodon can be used. These medicines help to improve sleep and are safe to use in patients of sleep apnea also. These medicines doesn't alter sleep architecture and thus will help in good refreshing sleep.You can discuss with a doctor for prescription of these drugs. Kindly mention that you are also taking Fluoxetine. Doses of Fluoxetine can be reduced and either of these drugs can be started. These drugs will do the work of Fluoxetine also. Please consult a doctor for prescription. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts. Take care