Can antidepressants and anxiolytics cause drowsiness when used for a long time?

Question

Hello doctor,

Recently, I have started using antidepressants and anxiolytics again. I have been using them for a month since I was not informed on how long I should take them. I am taking 5 mg of Diazepam twice a day (when I wake up and when I go to sleep) and 15 mg of Mirtazapine once a day (before bedtime). Now, they make me drowsy and sleepy in the morning, which lowers my productivity and ability to function at work or school. I was wondering what I could do to prevent drowsiness during the day without changing my medication since it works for me well. I am an 18-year-old female, 70 inches tall and 132 pounds. I have got an anxiety and depression.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Both these drugs are sedative, so you can stop or reduce or reschedule the morning dose of Diazepam so that you would probably not feel drowsy during the day. Likewise, you can reduce the morning dose by half or stop it and take it at bedtime along with Mirtazapine. If you still feel drowsy, then you can decrease the dose of Diazepam. Any change in the drug is to be made after consulting with your treating psychiatrist.

Thanks and regards.