Hello,
I have read many of the post regarding lexapro, but I need some support. I have taken 5mg for four days know and I can not sleep. Im only sleeping for 3 to 4 hours. Can some on tell how long this will last and did you take anything for sleep. I have tried tynenol sleep but it does not seem to help.

thanks
John

Hello, I just started Lexapro about 4 months ago and couldnt' be happier with it. I decided to go through a physchiatrist this time (was on meds before my reg dr put me on) as they they monitor you to make sure it's right for you and to monitor the side effects. Insomnia is/can be a side effect. I am on Klonopin not only for the panic attacks bur also, it offsets the insomnia. I sleep great. I know we're all different but I think this is pretty much the norm. Anyway, if you haven't already, you need to discuss this with the Dr that put you on this so that he can decide what is best for you. Hang in there, this one really works well for the majority who take it. Good luck!

PS And if you don't want to take another med, there's always OTC meds but whichever way you go, you SHOULD/MUST tell your Dr.

John, I also had trouble sleeping when I first started taking Lexapro. I would wake up a lot and have trouble getting back to sleep. I have been taking it for about 6 1/2 weeks now, and I'm not having as much of a problem with sleeping anymore. So hopefully this is just a side effect that will not bother you much longer. I do agree with Brigitte that should talk to your doctor about it, though. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Thanks for the words of wizdom. I am on my fifth day and I am totally wiped out. I think after not sleeping for four staight nights it make me feel foggy. I know I am really tired but when I lay down I cant turn my mind off.

Thanks
John

Hi John.

This may interest you.

http://www.prozactruth.com/lexaprostory.htm

John, the previous link is similiar to those I've seen for many many years. And they should not be taken lightly. But because of all these things I read, I didn't take anything and thus missed out on what I now can do with the meds. You have to remember we are all individuals with different a chemical makeup, different lifestyles,different upbringings, you name it. My point is, yes there is never 100% perfect to anything. If there were a website of people saying how awesome they feel it'd be milliions and much more than those that don't agree but they dont' need to do so as they feel good and don't need to go there.

So I still say, please consult with your Dr and do what is best for YOU. We have one life to live. Don't decide what is best for you based on someone elses experience. Only your own.

Good luck.

John:

I am a pretty proactive guy, but when I had my first panic atack I didn't know what hit me. After the next three, I knew something was wrong and need correcting.

Enter Lucinda's course...

I stopped the attacks cold and learned a better way to approach life.

During the time I was taking her course, I hadn't worked in months and lost both my dogs to cancer. It was a tough time, and I didn't even think of meds until my friend, a psychiatrist, suggested I seek medical help.

It's interesting how afraid we are of taking anything (I'm not saying meds aren't without risk), "that will alter our brains". And yet, years of negative thinking have already done just that! I bought "Depression Free Naturally" and this confirmed my disdain for meds.

I eventually did see another psychiatrist, and he prescribed 15mg/day of Remeron (which has now gone generic as Mirtazapine). At such a low dose, I felt tired during the day until I adjusted to it. I also felt hungry alot. Because I knew this was a side effect, I would chew celery sticks or carrots or gum until this side effect dissapated as well. I had no "sexual side effects" and this med helped supplement the Attacking Anxiety course.

The bottom line is this: you are in this forum because you have taken charge of YOUR life. If you take meds, then you take meds. It's the thing to do for YOU. Reading someone else's book or website about why you should NOT take meds may not be the choice for YOU.

Good luck.