BodyMoving: sleep and Lexapro / escitalopram

[BodyMoving]

Hi, 

Very grateful to have found this site. I have successfully come off lexpro earlier this year. 

The brain zaps have stopped, my depression is being managed through exercise (hence my screen name) and I have had a surge in anxiety that I am currently trying to manage through meditation. My main issue relates to sleep. Has anyone else dealt or faces insomnia/light sleep since stopping medication? 

 

The long deep sleeps I had on lexapro was by far the best side effect. 

It would be meaningful for me to know someone else has dealt with this particular issue... I have melonine to help me sleep but I am keep to be medication free (or more honestly side effect free) as quickly as I can. 

 

Thank you 

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, BodyMoving.  Congratulations on being Lexapro-free.

 

Insomnia and sleep difficulties is one of the most common symptoms stemming from AD withdrawal.

 

Here are some links to help you with sleep:

 

Tips to help sleep - so many of us have that awful withdrawal insomnia

 

Relaxation exercises, guided meditations, calming videos, sleep hypnosis

 

Tricks and tips to fall asleep faster

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2017/02/16/tips-tricks-fall-asleep-faster.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20170216Z1&et_cid=DM133787&et_rid=1889748952

 

This link contains helpful information, including insomnia and also non-drug coping skills.  

 

 Important topics about symptoms, including sleep problems

 

Here's some information on Melatonin if you want to try it.   

 

 Melatonin for sleep   

 

It's best to start at a very low dosage, such as .25mg, and gradually increase if needed to the lowest effective dose.  

 

To give members the best information, we ask them to summarize their medication history in a signature -- drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly.

 

Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can post updates, ask questions and connect with other members.

[BodyMoving]

Thank you Grindley for your support. 

I think the 2mg pills are far too strong for me. I feel groggy all day (this is day two). 

They have been compounded so I can open up the capsule and reduce the amount. Given the cost 1 pill divided into 8 would be amazing. 

 

I have been told to take as I need. Do most people only take them if they can not sleep or are they on it nightly? 

 

I'm trying to do all the natural things to get my circadian rhythm back into normal order so thank you for the resources.

I am addressing the noise anxiety by using calm breathing and exercise but my inability to sleep is painful.

I have a low threshold for sleeplessness as sleep is my absolute favourite thing in the world!!