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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tosca on September 14, 2008, at 7:20:37
I have both depression and anxiety. I have just started taking Lexapro 10 mg for the last 4 nights.
I've been taking it at bedtime, as I've heard it can be quite sedating. Thing is, I've also had insomnia for the last few months and have been taking zopiclone- not every night, but I would say about half the nights of the week.
Anyhow, since starting the Lexapro I've been falling asleep just fine- BUT waking up early, 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. Which is terrible for anxiety because I find that anxiety is worst in the morning, and gets slowly better as the day goes on (as does the depression too).
Should I switch the time I take my Lexapro to morning? Would this help with the early waking? Or, should I give myself a zopiclone break, and take an ativan instead (I take it prn during the day for the high anxiety, until the Lexapro kicks in).
I hate being up this early. Help!
Posted by Merge on September 14, 2008, at 8:35:30
In reply to Just started Lexapro- questions early waking, posted by Tosca on September 14, 2008, at 7:20:37
I was on Lexapro for about a year and a half and I always took it in the morning. I did not find it sedating at all during the day, nor did I experience early morning waking.
I know that everyone reacts to medication differently, but it sounds like it would be worth switching to a morning dose instead of a nighttime dose. If you think Lexapro will be too sedating during the day (as I said, it was not sedating for me at all), maybe try it on a day that you don't have a very full schedule, just in case it is sedating for you?
Good luck.
Posted by linkadge on September 14, 2008, at 9:12:03
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro- questions early waking, posted by Merge on September 14, 2008, at 8:35:30
Yes, I would recomend taking it in the morning too. All the SSRI's can cause fragmented sleep. If it does cause daytime fatigue a lower dose may work else some caffine may help.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on September 14, 2008, at 12:03:17
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro- questions early waking, posted by linkadge on September 14, 2008, at 9:12:03
I was always told morning doses were better although I take luvox at night. Question is is it working and relieving your depression and anxiety? Love Phillipa
Posted by Jeroen on September 14, 2008, at 15:39:11
In reply to Just started Lexapro- questions early waking, posted by Tosca on September 14, 2008, at 7:20:37
yea i took this lexapro, the anxiety i had too before it kicked in so thats normal also early waking and insomnia i had it too
Posted by tanner257 on September 14, 2008, at 16:34:11
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro- questions early waking, posted by Jeroen on September 14, 2008, at 15:39:11
I started lexapro about 2 months ago. It has been great for my depression and anxiety -- but sleep has been a real problem: some nights I am awake off and on all night. On a night when I absolutely must get a good night's sleep I take some Advil PM or benadryl. I can gladly tolerate the sleep issue for my improved mood.
This is the end of the thread.
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