Anxiety and CPAP

[Maxie]

My anxiety has been under control for many years using Effexor. Now that I'm on CPAP I feel pretty good but most of the time I feel sleepy. It's weird to feel good and feel sleepy, I know, so I'm wondering if any of you have found that maybe with the CPAP and getting enough sleep you don't need the anti-anxiety meds or maybe less. I will go to my doctor to discuss this but I wanted to get your opinions here before I decide that my sleepiness is really the not needed now anti-anxiety meds. Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this issue.

[Sheriff Buford]

I assume that you have just started cpap therapy. With that assumption, it may take you weeks or even months to get over your sleepiness. Your apnea has deprived you of quality sleep and though your body may be forgiving, it will not forget. You probably need to "catch up" on some sleep. When I first started out, I noticed it took me a while. I stayed in my daily nap routine for a while, then the naps slowly (over a year or so) became shorter. Now, I rarely need one. By all means speak to your Doc, but give your body a chance to recover with good quality sleep. It is good to hear that you are feeling better! It is a sign that your efforts are working!

Dang... I really miss those naps....

Sheriff

[Kairosgrammy]

Are you taking any other meds that might make you sleepy, i.e. muscle relaxers, etc. I take zoloft for depression. Forgot to fill the prescription and there was a gap of 4 to 5 days where I didn't take it and I felt no different. I, too am thinking of talking to doc about getting off zoloft but am nervous about trying. I do, because of having arthritis, end up taking muscle relaxers/painkillers which absolutely make me sleepy and unable to function.

Do keep in mind that it does take your body time to heal after so much sleep deprivation so although you may be feeling better you may still be a tad on the tired side. That being said, anxiety and depression are side issues of SA caused by exhaustion and continual sleep deprivation. Also, if you do decide that you don't need the effexor, be sure to talk to your doctor about how to get off effexor. Some of this class of meds can cause serious problems if you come off them too quickly.

[49er]

""Also, if you do decide that you don't need the effexor, be sure to talk to your doctor about how to get off effexor. Some of this class of meds can cause serious problems if you come off them too quickly.""

As one who got off of a 4 med psych cocktail by tapering very slowly, I couldn't agree more. If you chose to get off of the med, make sure your doctor doesn't advise a tapering schedule that is too quick.

49er

PS - I am not a doctor or medical professional and am speaking strictly from my experience.