Lexapro and Sleeplessness

Hi and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of the sleep challenges with your Rx....this is a pretty common s/e from Lexapro...so keep checking back, as we have several members who have, or are currently dealing with this issue.

Is it your hope to maintain at 5 mg of the Lex...

...or are you weaning off completely?

Either way, coping skills will help you to keep the anxiety managed well, and keep you feeling your best. Please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here. Practicing the suggested self help there can make a big difference.:)

Keep talking with us as well. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat

Hi Amy, I'm having similar issues with lexapro and sleep. See my post about 2 1/2 weeks on lexapro and upping the dose. You'll see our situations are a little different but you're not alone when it comes to lexapro and insomnia. I hope you can find something that works for you soon. This is a great forum for support. Good luck on a great nights sleep!

Yesterday was day 3 for me and Lexapro. 2 of the past 3 nights have been rough. First night had little sleep, the second night slept great, and last night woke up around 4 AM and could not get back to sleep. I keep getting those kind of rushes that feel cool in my neck and arms, feels like they occur when I start to get anxious or worry. They will not let me relax and fall back asleep. My stomach also felt very empty.

I had a granola bar, walked around, and tried reading. Would keep climbing into bed to try and sleep but no go. I have a sound machine I use with sounds like rain, thunder, white noise, but that did not really help either. I have heard people talk about these binaural beats and how they help. None of my devices were charged enough so I could not try them. Will make sure they are charged up tonight and give that a try.

I am hoping this is only while my body is getting use to it. Still feel a bit out of it and tired this morning as a result.

Yes, give the Binaural Beats (sound wave therapy) a try. Unlike white noise, these are thought to actually aid in getting the brain into a sleep state by encouraging delta waves through the tones used.

My daughter and I have both used it with good results. :)

S.C.

I personally have not been on lexapro but I have read of a lot of people having issues with sleep because of it. I am surprised even at 5mg you are still having issues. Hopefully with time your body will adapt and that side effect will go away. Try some sleepytime tea, guided meditations before bed, and make sure you are exercising every day. I have been waking up early almost everyday (between 4 and 5 am) so I understand the frustration! Hoping for some better sleep for everyone!

try my triple cocktail of 6mg melatonin-valerian root and benadryl i am a veteran at fighting insomnia.

ask for ambien cr-its the bomb for insomna. reg ambien wouldnt keep me asleep all night but the ambien cr shure did. melantonin by its self didnt work for me either . then i tried my triple cocktail . its works most times

Super20Dan... Did the AMBIENCE help you fall asleep quickly as well???

AA,

Glad to hear you are getting sleep (yay!!)...but sorry about the other s/e's...

...are you sure they are from your SSRI? It seems late in the game to have these popping up...

...especially at your ultra low dose...

Have you discussed this with your prescribing dr.?

S.C.