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What Causes Insomnia While On Haloperidol?
Question: Hi. I have taken haloperidol since 1978. I am taking 2mg/day currently. I have had a lot of trouble with insomnia the last few years. I am 58 yrs old. I have taken melatonin intermittently for the last 2 yrs. It helps quite a bit but sometimes I feel sluggish. Are there any reactions between the two? Also is there any thing else that could help the insomnia? Bless you. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Haloperidol and melatonin do not have a direct interaction between the, but as they both have some sedative effect, when taken together this effect can be more marked and explain your sluggishness.
That possibility though will be present for whatever drug is used for insomnia as they all cause some degree of sedation.
So attention must be payed at first to non medical measures. Often some simple lifestyle changes can have a beneficial effect on sleep, simple measures such as avoiding caffeine or other stimulants in the evening, avoid napping during the day, avoid eating before sleeping, do not watch TV, listen to music in bed (try to associate your bed with sleep), try to avoid upsetting situations/conversations before going to bed. A sleep diary is often useful to identify the type of insomnia (difficulty going to sleep, waking up early etc) as well as exacerbating factors.
Cognitive behavior therapy a type of psychotherapy, which aim is to identify and address lifestyle issues which influence insomnia is often useful.
In terms of medication it is necessary to evaluate whether there are conditions like anxiety or depression leading to insomnia, in that case antidepressant treatment may be needed.
As for continuing melatonin...it is a fairly harmless solution so if you can tolerate the sluggishness it causes it can still be used. Another alternative might be the intermittent use of sedative hypnotic drugs like zolpidem, zaleplon etc which have a short duration of action. However they all carry some potential for tolerance and dependence so if non medical measures work, they better be avoided.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Haloperidol and melatonin do not have a direct interaction between the, but as they both have some sedative effect, when taken together this effect can be more marked and explain your sluggishness.
That possibility though will be present for whatever drug is used for insomnia as they all cause some degree of sedation.
So attention must be payed at first to non medical measures. Often some simple lifestyle changes can have a beneficial effect on sleep, simple measures such as avoiding caffeine or other stimulants in the evening, avoid napping during the day, avoid eating before sleeping, do not watch TV, listen to music in bed (try to associate your bed with sleep), try to avoid upsetting situations/conversations before going to bed. A sleep diary is often useful to identify the type of insomnia (difficulty going to sleep, waking up early etc) as well as exacerbating factors.
Cognitive behavior therapy a type of psychotherapy, which aim is to identify and address lifestyle issues which influence insomnia is often useful.
In terms of medication it is necessary to evaluate whether there are conditions like anxiety or depression leading to insomnia, in that case antidepressant treatment may be needed.
As for continuing melatonin...it is a fairly harmless solution so if you can tolerate the sluggishness it causes it can still be used. Another alternative might be the intermittent use of sedative hypnotic drugs like zolpidem, zaleplon etc which have a short duration of action. However they all carry some potential for tolerance and dependence so if non medical measures work, they better be avoided.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi. Thanks for your answer. I think that it will help. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Glad to have been of help.
You're welcome.
Detailed Answer:
Glad to have been of help.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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