I’ve been having some insomnia after I increased my dosage to 10 mg 2/x day. Any suggestions on improved sleep? Have you found that your sleep improves without anything? Thanks!
What do you use to help with sleep while taking buspirone?
Question posted by Kathy321 on 7 Sep 2022
Last updated on 22 October 2022
3 Answers
Helena of Troy
21 Oct 2022
I'm on buspirone 5mg 3x daily for anxiety, which one of my side effects was insomnia, when I was ready for bed I was given hydroxyzine pam 100mg, if I wasn't asleep say by midnight I would take melatonin 5mg. Hope this is helpful. I am now off the hydroxyzine and only taking the Buspar twice daily daily and only take the melatonin as needed, which I haven't needed in the past week.
Kathy321
22 Oct 2022
Thanks so much, Helena of Troy. I recently added Wellbutrin (buspirone)150 XL to my care plan. I’ve been taking 10 mg of dissolvable melatonin at night. I’ve also found that if I eat a snack before bed that helps me sleep better. Some nights are better than others. I am hopeful that in time, I’ll find a routine that works best for me and I’ll have more consistent sleep. :) Thanks again for sharing your thoughts! Best wishes on your healing journey.
WildcatVet
7 Sep 2022
Hi, Kathy!
I've never had a problem sleeping with buspirone but I do occasionally have trouble getting to sleep. Same as Alpha I take 5mg of melatonin shortly before bedtime.
The interaction between the two may increase drowsiness... and that's exactly what you want.
Chances are though that the insomnia may improve after the increase given a little time.
Best regards and I hope you get those Zzzz's quickly.
Kathy321
7 Sep 2022
Thanks so much. Buspirone is the first med that’s working well for me without side effects. I’m taking 3 mg of melatonin at bedtime now, going to double it. I’m very hopeful. Thanks for your encouragement!
Kathy321
9 Sep 2022
UPDATE: Thanks for your suggestions WildcatVet and AlphaBravo33, I just took my first evening dose of buspirone last night (so that’s 3/x day), and started taking 6 mg of melatonin before bedtime. Had the best night sleep I’ve had in a long time last night. It does take experimentation to find what works for you. Have to press through the fears. Thankful for this support group.
Alphabravo33
7 Sep 2022
That’s a good question, and proof that we are all different. Buspar usually makes me a little tired. I take 15mg three times a day, so my morning dose is tough. Your case is probably a situation that will resolve as your body adjusts to the different dose. I have read about people taking a small dose of melatonin to combat medication induced insomnia. In cases where I have trouble with sleep I have taken a 5mg melatonin dose, and can attest it works with no side effects. We are all different, but I hope this helps. Good luck to you!
Kathy321
7 Sep 2022
Thanks Alphabravo33. I’m still trying to find my way. I’ve been on it for a few months and just upped my dosage to 10 mg from 5 mg. I saw that many got a benefit from that low dose, so wanted to try that first. I drink coffee when I take my morning dosage, so maybe that’s offsetting sleepiness, LOL. :) Thanks for your answer- it means a lot! Peace to all!
Related topics
insomnia, sleep disorders, buspirone, sleep, dosage, sleep disorder
Further information
- Buspirone uses and safety info
- Buspirone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Buspirone (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
