Does Fluoxetine Improve Sleep? (+3 Strategies)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 30/01/2024 | Next review date: 30/01/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss whether Fluoxetine can improve sleep. We will also discuss some research studies and other treatment strategies for improving sleep.

Does Fluoxetine improve sleep?

Fluoxetine may improve sleep in some people, but it is not a sedative antidepressant. Actually, Fluoxetine can cause sleepiness or insomnia, and it is impossible to predict these side effects before actually taking the medication.

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It is primarily used to manage anxiety and depression (1). It does not generally induce sleep nor it is prescribed for that. However, it can be used to manage physical signs of anxiety and depression. This may make you feel relaxed and improve sleep in some people. The medication itself does not induce sedation.

Not all patients experience improvement in sleep while on Fluoxetine but few may experience it to a greater extent. However, if you feel excessive sleepiness while being on Fluoxetine, you should seek medical attention.

How does Fluoxetine improve sleep?

Fluoxetine improves sleep based on its mechanism of action. However, more studies are required to know the exact process by which Fluoxetine improves sleep.

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. These medications work by blocking the serotonin in the brain which results in an increase in the levels of this neurotransmitter (2).

Based on its mechanism of action Fluoxetine alters the level of serotonin in the brain which has a profound effect on mood changes and sleep patterns. Thus Fluoxetine affects the sleep patterns in patients by altering the brain chemistry.

It is important to note that individual responses to medications vary, especially those medications which affect brain chemistry. So Fluoxetine can cause both sleepiness and insomnia, and it is impossible to predict these side effects before actually taking the medication.

What does research suggest?

There are limited research studies indicating the relationship between Fluoxetine and sleep. One study indicated that people taking a low dose of Fluoxetine usually 20 mg/day experienced better sleep and felt happier (3).

It suggests that this small amount of Fluoxetine has similar effects on REM sleep, like many other antidepressants (3).

Another study justified the use of Fluoxetine in people having trouble sleeping, feeling very down and having a shorter REM sleep time (4).

Another study indicated that taking Fluoxetine (40 mg) each day for three weeks had noticeable effects on sleep patterns and brain activity during non-REM sleep. This includes changes in how quickly REM sleep starts, which are connected to how antidepressants work (5).

What to do if Fluoxetine affects sleep?

To manage sleep disturbances induced by Fluoxetine, you need to carefully monitor your sleep-related symptoms and their effects on your daily productivity and mental alertness.

If your sleep disturbances are altering your daily normal routine, then you should seek medical help. Your doctor might lower or reduce the dosage of Fluoxetine. By doing so the severity of the side effects associated with increased dosage are reduced.

Your doctor may also switch you to another antidepressant that does not cause sleep-related side effects and is generally considered safe in treating your condition.

Fluoxetine may interact with other medications or underlying conditions which may impact sleep. Therefore in case of any sleep-related side effects associated with Fluoxetine, you should seek medical help.

What are the effective treatment strategies for insomnia?

There are a number of effective treatment strategies for insomnia, but you first need to consult your healthcare provider. The treatment of insomnia depends on the severity of your sleeplessness and your overall physiological compatibility with the drug options available.

As far as medications are concerned, there are plenty of sleep aids available, OTC and prescription medications. Among OTC sleep aids diphenhydramine is considered effective.

Prescription medications should be recommended by your doctor, as most of these medications come with side effects and not every medication works well for everyone. Commonly used prescription medications to improve sleep include:

Benzodiazepines: Alprazolam, Lorazepam etc.
Sedative hypnotics: Zolpidem
Sedative antidepressants: Trazodone, Mirtazapine etc.

Make sure you only take these medications if prescribed by your healthcare provider.

In my view and the knowledge available, it is evident that Fluoxetine may improve sleep in some people. However, individual responses to medications vary. If you feel sleep-related issues while taking Fluoxetine, reach out to your healthcare provider for proper guidance and treatment plans.