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Suggest Treatment For Sleep Issues While On Melatonin And Diphenhydramine

Posted on Mon, 26 Sep 2016

Question: I have trouble getting enough sleep. I am 55 years old and this problem has been getting gradually worse for 10 years. I have trouble going to sleep and then wake up too early.

Exercise during the day helps. Currently, I take 3 things before bed: vallerian capsule,
5mg melatonin, and 25mg diphenhydramine. This seems to help.
Currenty I am having a lot of job related anxiety, which makes the problem worse. What are the best pharmaceutical options and non-pharma options (meditation, behavior, what ever)

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Anxiety is best treated in a few different ways. First, medication-wise, the best medication for long-term treatment of anxiety is an SSRI antidepressant such as Lexapro or Zoloft. For short-term management, medications such as hydroxyzine can help alleviate anxiety quickly.

Non-pharmacologic options include psychotherapy (preferrably CBT), or simpler but just as effective options include guided meditation, ASMR, or progressive muscle relaxation (videos available online). Any of these options I would expect to help you greatly.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (16 hours later)

Thank you for the very substantial answer. I still have a few questions.
What is ASMR?

What are the side effects, or addiction dangers of Lexapro and hydroxyzine?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
ASMR is a somatosensory experience that some people have, consisting of tingles down the neck. In any event, some people find ASMR videos on YouTube calming.

There are no addictive dangers of Lexapro or hydroxyzine. Some people find hydroxyzine a bit sedating. Sometimes Lexapro can cause erectile dysfunction. Otherwise these medications are well-tolerated and effective.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee