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Lexapro and Insomnia

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Posted 10/17/2016 3:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone- I'm looking for some feedback. I used to take 10 mg Lexapro for 4 years for panic disorder and anxiety and decided to wean down to 5 mg because I felt better. After about 4-5 months my panic and anxiety came back. I started taking 10mg again 8 weeks ago and upped to 15 mg 2 weeks ago- all with my Dr. Since I have started again I have the worst time sleeping. I can fall asleep no problem- I'm out like a light! But I'm only sleeping 5-6 hours a night and up between 3 and 4 AM. Now after 2 weeks on 15 I feel really groggy and out of it- disconnected a lot. Flat emotions and lack of motivation. I am used to 8 hours of sleep so I'm not sure if the out of it feeling is from the Lex or lack of sleep. I have tried .5 ativan to sleep- that's what I take now- but still I get up. What I want to know is if upping to 15 mg will take more time than 2 weeks (even though I've been on 10) and will these side effects go away? Do they just take a while for some people? The good news is I have no panic and lower anxiety so ii must be working some.
Posted 10/17/2016 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there Liz!

Have you tried switching what time you take your lexapro? I had a similar issue with zoloft. Took it at night, went to sleep just fine, woke up at 4am and couldn't go back under. I switched to taking it in the morning and I feel like a million bucks. Even the ativan hadn't helped before. Try taking your lexapro at a different time and going from there.

What you are feeling could indeed be attributed to lack of sleep. You don't feel like yourself or perceive the world as you normally do when you are sleep deprived. Even missing an hour of sleep a night can have a disastrously cumulative effect if it goes on for too long (source: sleep biology class and undergraduate research).

Good luck!
Posted 10/17/2016 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Agreed! Switching you dosage time is a great first step...

...after that, you may want to ask your doctor about a short acting sleep Rx...such as Intermezzo...which both acts and wears off quickly (duration 3 to 4 hrs. total) so you can wake in the morning normally.

Hoping you get your answers and relief soon!
Posted 10/17/2016 7:56 PM (GMT 0)
I take it first thing in the morning already! I wonder if it may take a few months to get everything really balanced and that's why this is happening?
Posted 10/17/2016 8:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hmmm....yeah, I was afraid of that, since Lex is known to be activating...and most directions suggest an a.m. dosing.

Yes, your system should eventually adjust...but you need sleep in the meantime...so do talk to your doctor about your options for the time being.

S.C.
Posted 10/17/2016 8:35 PM (GMT 0)
I have been taking .75 Ativan and I really don't want to take more or another pill. It has been such a rough 2 months as it is. I seem to be getting 5-6 hours- but that's definitely not enough! I have been on the new dose of 15 mg for 2 weeks and I really hope I adjust soon. Everything else is progressing well.
Posted 10/17/2016 8:43 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, I understand that concern about adding anything new!

How about sound wave therapy? Ever heard of/try Binaural Beats?
Posted 10/17/2016 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
No I've never tried does that work? What does it work for?
Posted 10/17/2016 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
They are recordings that sync with the Theta/Delta brain waves (those that induce deep sleep/relaxation)

You can look it up on youtube, or there are apps...

If you like I can post some for you. (give me some time, I'm picking up daughter soon from school) just let me know, ;)


S.C.
Posted 10/17/2016 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Another suggestion is maybe take it in the evenings. It could be that, for you, the activating effect is a certain number of hours afterward that just so happen to be when you should be sleeping. That was zoloft for me. Try switching it around and taking it before bed. Lexapro is supposed to be activating but it knocked me right out when I took it. BOOM down.

EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. Due to genetic/racial makeup, I metabolize drugs super weird compared to the usual North American clinical trial subject. There are a million little hiccups in your genetic code that make you special and some of those affect how your body handles drugs. See what works for you.
Posted 10/18/2016 12:51 AM (GMT 0)
Sorry you're feeling not great liz. I'd say if you're feeling relief from the anxiety, then I'd give it a little longer to see if the sleep is affecting you or if the side effects of the meds wear off. Hopefully thing will start moving in the right direction asap!
Posted 10/18/2016 7:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Lexapro can cause insomnia in some patients but things should settle after a few more weeks if they don't you need to go back to your prescribing doctor and see what they suggest.

Hibee
Posted 10/18/2016 3:10 PM (GMT 0)
I use the binaural beats (i prefer with music) every night now since SC pointed me in the right direction. It takes some getting used to if you dont sleep alone Fine art juggling headphones etc. I have it sussed now . headphone in just one ear so that i can listen to it , but it wont disturb my partner. I put my i pad on the floor now too. because im asleep before it finishes.
Good Luck 😊xx
Posted 10/18/2016 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
So strange. I've been on lex before and it was amazing. It is working now but this is my 3rd week on 15 mg (6weeks on 10 before that) and still having insomnia issues and lack of appetite. I just wonder why if first some people side effects take longer to get better!
Posted 10/18/2016 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
Liz,

I don't think it is known why...

...but many people report that a re-start as being more challenging than the initial experience taking an Rx...

However, there is also a good success rate after the challenging (re) breaking in period...so stay positive and hang in there as best you can!

We are cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 10/18/2016 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks! Oh really? It's harder to go back on? Does it work a second time if it did before?
Posted 10/18/2016 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Everyone is different of course...

...but yes, I have read many reports of successful subsequent experiences on a previously used med.:)

Stay hopeful!

S.C.
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