Cipralex (Lexapro) taken at night for regular waking.

Hi, first time poster.

I've never taken an SSRI before but now trying this instead of Amitriptyline to see if it will
help stop me regular waking at night which has been going on for 2 1/2 years.
I think the Amitriptyline probably helped me fall back to sleep without worrying too much
but it hasn't stopped the waking which affects how much proper deep sleep I can get
so I thought I'd see if I could try something else.

I did think initially the waking was noctoria as I have always had an overactive bladder in the daytime
but I'm thinking more its anxiety as I am a worrier, had previously sleeping issues, I'm easily irritated, short tempered & hit the panic button very quickly!
I did take beta blockers for a while 2 years ago after struggling to cope with that and work when my son was born but stopped them eventually due to how they slowed down my heart rate and limited cardio exercise
(I like to keep fit). Prior to that I hadn't really properly any of these issues.

Anyhoo I think this Cipralex gave me a really bad stomach last night and nausea.
Has anyone else experienced that and did it go on for a long time?

Thanks

Great, that's good to know, I'll definately stick with it and also try some meditation like you suggest.
Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Hi Dan, welcome to the club! :)

Lexapro is a great med, but it does have some start up issues. Also keep in mind that some 90% of all the serotonin in your body is in your digestive tract, and perhaps that part of your body really doesn't need the serotonin boost, whereas your mind does. That can cause some indigestion and the feeling like you have to go more often...that settles down.

I experienced those digestive issues upon starting Lexapro, but they ended.

Keep in mind also that it may take a little while for you to feel better and I also agree taking it in the morning is better since it can make you feel wired.

Starting an SSRI is different for everyone but once it starts working, it's so nice. Do look through the resources for some coping strategies, they do help a lot! I use guided meditation (on YouTube) when I go to sleep and when I wake up in the middle of the night.

Good luck!!

Thanks everyone for your advice its reassuring.

I actually couldn't go to work to today as had another really bad night, never felt that ill before, It's a bit unfortunate that I picked up this cold at the same time as starting these piils so my body is taking a hammering in a lot of area's!
My wife thinks I should take a day or two off them now, I don't suppose it would make too much difference since I've only just started.

I'm seeing my doc in about 3 weeks for a follow up appointment, I guess she told me to take them at night as that was what I was doing with my previous pills & the issue was with sleeping, I should really discuss that with her when I see her whether I should change to morning's.

I did complete a mindfullness course on future learn a while & did find a good you tube meditation I guess I need really make the effort to practice regularly.

Not usually a good idea to skip doses, as the side effects will probably happen again when you start again! If you can, take a day or two off work and just rest! Get over this cold, get some rest, and do some self care. Be gentle with yourself as much as possible, don't add anything stressful to your life for a while, and focus on you. Sending you strength!