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Taking Cipralex And Having Sleep Problem. Given Modafinil. What Are The Side Effects?

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Posted on Sat, 14 Dec 2013
Question: Hi there. I have been taking 10mg of cipralex for 4 or 5 months now every morning. But I have been suffering from some sleep issues for some time now. My doctor just put me on 100mg of modafinil 1x daily. But now I'm reading online that the combination may be a bad one. Could you please give me some in site. Because this modafinil seems to be the best med I have taken this far.,
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Answered by Dr. Haseena Hamdani (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: closely monitor for side effects Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to XXXXXXX As you must be knowing that Cipralex has common side effects on Sleep. It can cause Insomnia as well as sleepiness. Modafinil is a good medicine for your alertness during day time. It is true that Modafinil increases the side effects of Cipralex, by increasing its concentration in blood. SO first we have to determine that whether you really need Modafinil, or by changing timings of Cipralex, we can resolve your sleep issues. I feel that if you take Cipralex in the evening, may be 4 hours before your sleeping time, you may solve your sleeping issues, and may not need Modafinil. Dose, I feel 10 mg is not high, specially if you are not older than 65 years, no Liver disease. In any case if you have to take Modafinil, we have to take certain precautions. Your Doctor must do regular ECG, Blood electrolytes level, Liver function tests, and check the drug concentration of Cipralex, which should range between 20 microgram/l to 80 microgram/l. Modafinil can also cause addiction, so it is better to avoid unless it is truly required. I hope I have answered your query. You are welcome for any further question. Dr H Hamdani
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Dr. Haseena Hamdani

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 290 Questions

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Taking Cipralex And Having Sleep Problem. Given Modafinil. What Are The Side Effects?

Brief Answer: closely monitor for side effects Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to XXXXXXX As you must be knowing that Cipralex has common side effects on Sleep. It can cause Insomnia as well as sleepiness. Modafinil is a good medicine for your alertness during day time. It is true that Modafinil increases the side effects of Cipralex, by increasing its concentration in blood. SO first we have to determine that whether you really need Modafinil, or by changing timings of Cipralex, we can resolve your sleep issues. I feel that if you take Cipralex in the evening, may be 4 hours before your sleeping time, you may solve your sleeping issues, and may not need Modafinil. Dose, I feel 10 mg is not high, specially if you are not older than 65 years, no Liver disease. In any case if you have to take Modafinil, we have to take certain precautions. Your Doctor must do regular ECG, Blood electrolytes level, Liver function tests, and check the drug concentration of Cipralex, which should range between 20 microgram/l to 80 microgram/l. Modafinil can also cause addiction, so it is better to avoid unless it is truly required. I hope I have answered your query. You are welcome for any further question. Dr H Hamdani