I'm a 68 yo male with life-long history of depressive episodes that occur every 4 to 10 years. I may be dysthymic. About 11 years ago, I discovered Lexapro and it got me through a rough time. Now, here I am again.
I have been taking escitalopram 10mg for 10 days, for a major depressive episode with acute anxiety. At first I wasn't able to sleep more than 2 hours, then I'd wake up and hash through every problem in my life, past and present, until the sun came up. Now clonazepam is helping me sleep longer but I'm facing a slew of side effects including dry mouth, yawning, anxiety, diarrhea, rapid weight loss, fuzzy head, and extreme lack of motivation. Making a simple decision is torture. I am tired all day and can fall asleep for 30 minutes, anytime, anywhere until I jolt awake in terror.
They tell me these issues will pass eventually but my patience is wearing thin. I'm actually thinking of trying trazodone because it can work immediately. I have an initial appointment with a psych doctor in 16 days. Should I stick with the current regimen or try something else?
Lexapro is taking too long to help - side effects are awful?
Question posted by Wiley111 on 13 Aug 2022
Last updated on 22 September 2022
I am confident that Lexapro will eventually get me where I need to be. The question is whether Clonazapam or Trazadone is the best way to get some sleep while we're waiting to get there. I know that Clonazapam is a controlled substance and more likely to be habit-forming but, for now at least, it is working.
In 15 days, I will see my Psy-Doc for the first time in 7 years. Probably the best thing is to keep taking Lexapro 10mg and Clonazapam 0.50 mg until then. At that point, he will know what to do. Am I thinking clearly?
3 Answers
Hello, sorry not familiar with clonazepam. I take combo herbal supplements, melatonin, and tinctures, alternate different nights( holy basil, lavender, lemon balm-- to name a few)to help with sleep. The supplements/ herb extracts seem to give me a couple hours sleep and then when I wake up in the middle of the night, I take only half of 50mg trazodone ( I am 5'2" 130lbs) and that gives me another 3 hours of sleep-- no more because like you , I start yawning and tired feeling. Speaking of herbal supplements are you familiar with Holy Basil, it helps with sleep, stress- fighting properties and believe not to interact with medications. Research Holy Basil and I recommend it. Best wishes to good health!
Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using herbal or natural supplements. They come with side effects for some users and there may also be interactions with other medications you may be taking.
Wildcat
Hi, Wiley!
Psychotropic medications, unlike standard meds, take time to become effective even though we wish they worked within hours like an aspirin tablet. Side effects also can last for a week or two. Talk to your friend the pharmacist/chemist about remedies that can help with some of them.
Patience is the key.
Now for the copy/paste:
trazodone -
"Do not expect to feel better overnight. Trazodone can take 1 to 2 weeks to start to work, and it can be 4 to 6 weeks before you feel the full benefit. Give the medicine at least 6 weeks to work. Some people feel worse during the first few weeks of treatment before they begin to feel better."
Escitalopram -
"Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 4-6 weeks to fully improve."
Side effects -
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
Stick with it and try to keep a positive outlook. Distract yourself with pleasant activities like walking, reading, watching a favorite movie, doing a hobby, etc. Yoga and meditation are also helpful.
Best regards,
Wildcat
Wiley,
I think you're right... stick to the plan. You're doing okay and making progress and although trazodone works well for about half of users you can't be sure of how it will affect you.
I'm no great fan of benzodiazepines but if you're careful and only using the minimum dose that helps you sleep you should be okay. Hopefully soon the escitalopram will eliminate the need for them. Just be sure to use a tapering dose schedule from your doctor if/when you stop them.
Good luck with your psych visit... who knows that you won't be feeling great by then and you can get some professional advice.
WC
Update:
After being on Lexapro 10 for 7 weeks and Trazodone 75 for 4 weeks, I'm thrilled with the results.
No side effects, near zero anxiety, no depression, no intrusive thoughts. Sleeping straight through 8-9 hours, every night.
Have lost 25 pounds. Only 20 more to go.
YAAAAY!!! Thanks so much for posting your success story. It's good for people to know that it's well worth the time and effort even if it does take a little time and patience. Who wants to live the way we were???
Wildcat
I am a 70 year old male with anxiety and depression . About 8 months ago the primary care doctor put me on escitalopram 5mg twice a day, the pc took me off about a month ago because I was doing good. I also have issues with high blood pressure and sleep. My night sleep is about 3 to 4 hours with melatonin. I had an appoinment on Monday 8/8/22 with PC and told him what was going on. He then put me on trazodone 100 mg. I am sleeping now between 7 to 81/2 hours a night in the past 5 days. The trazodone has also lowered my blood pressure and depression. Sleep is very important as we get older and more exercise. I take 4 BP meds a day. Hang in there you will get through this. Try to stay positive. Good luck to you I hope this helps.
Related topics
lexapro, depression, anxiety, dysthymia, insomnia, clonazepam, escitalopram, trazodone, major depressive disorder, side effect, sleep, male, acute
Further information
- Lexapro uses and warnings
- Clonazepam uses and warnings
- Escitalopram uses and warnings
- Trazodone uses and warnings
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