Question posted by boat-boy on 17 Oct 2020
Last updated on 18 October 2020
I am very anxious and have trouble sleeping. I take a 0.5mg tab of Lorazepam am and pm which helps some, but I cannot be on it for too long. How long does it usually take for these side effects to disappear. What can I do to get better sleep? Side effects are almost as bad now as before I started the Lexapro.
Any assistance would be very much appreciated!!
Hi, Boat-boy!
It's frustrating I know... having to wait for the medication to become fully effective and then having to deal with side effects too.
Side effectives generally resolve in about two weeks but after a dosage increase you may have them for another couple of weeks because you just doubled your dose. Pharmacists can often be of assistance... ask about an OTC sleep aid that doesn't interact with the meds you're taking. Although benzos are a bad idea for long term use you're on a low dosage that your doctor might consider increasing temporarily.
As bad as it may seem now watch for the beginning of improvements in the very near future. Lexapro is an excellent choice for treating both depression and anxiety which often go hand in hand. If you can stay positive and be patient you'll get through this and likely find it all was worth it.
Best regards and I hope you're feeling better quickly.
Wildcat
PS, I took Lexapro for so many years that it finally "pooped out". I loved what it did for me.
Wildcat, thanks so much for the encouragement! I noticed a big uptick in anxiety when I increased to 10mg. The 0.5mg lorazepam tabs (only two per day) make some difference, but not a full return to normal. I see the doctor on Monday, and hope I can convince him to up the dose temporarily. On line info talks about 2mg-3mg day, but I realize it can eventually become addictive.
Wildcat, if I'm having trouble sleeping, is it better to take Lexapro at night? (i.e. does it make you drowsy?) Thanks
The answer is: It depends.
"Very common (10% or more of users): Insomnia (up to 14%)"
"Very common (10% or more of users): Somnolence (up to 13%)
See, it can go either way and it just depends how you respond to the medication. Did you have trouble sleeping before you started taking it? Is it worse now?
You may just have to try taking it in the morning OR in the evening and see which works best for you.
WC
PS, Somnolence means sleepiness/drowsiness.
WC, thanks! Good idea to test both options. I'm currently taking 5mg in am and 5mg in pm. Do not feel particularly drowsy during the day, but would love to do anything that helps me sleep better. Cheers.
I know the docs won't like this question, but has anyone had a glass of wine while taking 10mg Lexapro and 1mg Lorazepam?
https://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=1034-14582,1488-0,1013-565
This is a link to the Interaction Checker report on your three drugs in question. There's a moderate risk of interactions between them which can cause troublesome effects for some people.
If you decide to go ahead you'd be smart to do it in a safe environment at a time when you won't be doing anything mental or physical. See how it affects you and be sure, at least, to limit the amount and type of alcohol you drink.
lexapro, depression, anxiety, insomnia, lorazepam, side effect, sleeping
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