Question:
Anxiety Medication - Lexapro?
Forgive the off-topic but I need your advice. After an anxiety attack almost 2 weeks ago where I was hospitalized but given a clean cardiac bill of health, Lexapro was prescribed. I've taken 6 days worth and immediately insomnia kicked in for which I was prescribed Ambien (10mg). This only works for 4 hours at the most then I'm wide awake again the remainder of the night. Do you think it's not working the entire night as it's supposed to because (1) insomnia is a side-effect of Lexapro or (2) due to our malabsorption that the effect is short-lived? Appreciate your input. — Vicki S. (posted on August 26, 2004)
August 26, 2004
I haven't had surgery yet but I do take lexapro. I am taking Lexapro for
depression. I was also prescribed ambian at the same time because i was
having trouble sleeping. I feel that the lexapro has worked wonders. I also
didn't have any problems with the ambien. i slept about 6-7 hours a night.
i stopped the ambien after about 2 months but i am still taking the
lexapro. I am sleeping better than ever. Maybe Lexapro isn't what you
should be taking. Maybe you should be taking a different class of drugs.
— lbruzzese
August 26, 2004
I don't know about Lexapro, but I also take Ambien on occasion for
insomnia. I took it pre-RNY also. It puts me right to sleep, but about 4-4
1/2 hours later I am wide awake again. So, I don't think the Ambien is
affected by the surgery. Best of luck,
Kathy
Open RNY 2/10/03
215/125 at goal
— kathyb
August 26, 2004
I have been taking Lexapro for at least 2 years now (and absolutely love
it), but I don't take Ambien. I am just curious about what time of the day
you take your Lexapro.... I take mine as soon as I wake up in the morning.
If I take it later in the day, It keeps me awake too. Maybe you could try
taking it earlier....
— Jessica P.
August 26, 2004
I HAVEN'T HAD MY SURGERY YET BUT I HAVE BEEN TAKING LEXAPRO FOR 2 YRS. I
TAKE MINE IN THE MORNING. I ALSO TAKE TRAZODONE FOR SLEEP. THE LEXAPRO HAS
HELPED MY DEPRESSION. ASK YOUR DR ABOUT TAKING IT IN THE AM, IT SHOULD
HELP. BEST WISHES
— PSAPER
August 26, 2004
I have not had any problems with insomnia while taking Lexapro. I have been
on it about a year and a half for anxiety and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
— KGSlaugh
August 26, 2004
My daughter had similar effects from Ambien, but Trazadone worked much
better for her. Good luck!
— mriley
August 27, 2004
I have been taking Lexapro for several months , switching from Celexa, and
have not had any problems sleeping. I take the Lexapro at bedtime. Also,I
am just wondering why you would be on a anti-depressant if your problem is
anxiety. Seems like there might be a better medication for you out there.
Check with your doctor. Not every medication works the same for everybody,
and it sounds like you might need something different.
— koogy
August 29, 2004
To answer the question why you would be prescribed an anti depressent for
anxiety is that the medicines commonly referred to as anti depressents are
actually a meds that cover and are prescribed for various different things
including, mood swings, anxiety, and depression amongst other things. As
for the Lexapro question... ask the pharmacist and they will be able to
help you out with that one.
— Angie-H
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