First of all, I’m sorry that you are in so much pain. I’m sure that you are scared and that you could use a little reassurance.
I am on meds for life. But I don’t look at it in any kind of negative way. I accept that because of genetics and circumstances, my brain chemistry is messed up and that I will always need meds to straighten it out.
I don’t have experience with Lexapro, so I hope that someone who does responds to you and helps you with that specific issue.
Take care and know that I am sending you positive energy.

Thank you for your kindness ❤️

I’ve had chronic insomnia since age 13. Was raised in an abusive family - mostly by my father - which caused anxiety, depression and PTSD. I didn’t seek medical help until I got out of the situation, as being awake at night helped keep me safe ( somewhat). Yes, sexual abuse was part of the situation. Once out on my own and working, the insomnia continued, and I eventually sought help. You name the med, sleep school and psychiatric therapy I’ve tried it all. Mirtazapine and Trazodone are part of my daily meds, they knock me out, but don’t keep me asleep. Was still waking every night between 1 to 2:30 AM, unable to get back to sleep. I was searching online for a natural sleep remedy and found a recommendation to try NUMO sleep gummies. At this point I figured why not try it. After 2 nights of taking it I was able to start several nights in a row of sleeping through the night. I will still wake up approximately 1 or 2 nights per week, but it is so much better. My husband is very relieved, because low sleep makes me very irritable. I know it won’t work for everyone, but what do you have to lose. I order mine on Amazon ( for the free shipping), but you can get it right from the company website. I hope it helps. I take it along with my prescribed meds, and cleared it with my doctor first. I will be on prescription medication for the rest of my life, to deal with my psychological issues. Thanks Dad.

Im sorry that is so tough 🥲I had a mostly great childhood and still suffer for I think in part genetic. Thank you I just ordered some gummies last night. I have taken remeron and traxadone and i agree you gotta rotate. What other meds do you take and do they help? Ugh no easy answer to this. I have tried sleep restriction therapy but it’s rough and makes it hard to chase after the kiddos on 5 hrs a sleep a night. Plus it doesn’t solve the anxiety and ruminations I get. Meds freak me out.

Hi!
I'm so sorry you are going through all of these problems! Are you seeing a doctor? Also read the side effects of the medications that you are taking. That may provide some information to the symptoms that you have.

I don't take any medication for anxiety but I do have anxiety! My husband died in 2024. I miss him terribly. Here I am at 79 and all alone. I have no family except one son who hasn't spoken to me in 20 years! There are many times when I am terrified on how to deal with things! When that happens I turn to God and put all my problems in his hands and it works! Just talk to God like he's your best friend and he is! You don't have to go to church to find God. Although church can be very nice. God made you and he can fix you!

You have some problems now but you also have some very nice things in your life. You are only 47! I wish I was 47 again! You have a lot of wonderful years ahead of you. And, you have 4 wonderful children to share those years with!

I hope things work out with your medications. I'll say a prayer for you.
God Bless You!
PML

@ancl123
Per my Mayo medication psychiatrist specialist when you go on Lexapro it is for life. It brings you back to a normal state. It can be raised up if needed but I was told would be on if for life.

You mentioned sleeping problems. Have your doctors mentioned sleep aids like Trazadone. It worked for me. It kind of stops your brain from jumping from one thought to another. There also many other medication out there that can help.

Are you working with your doctors before coming off medications or going back on them?

You mentioned stress and anxiety. How is your lifestyle? Do you enjoy any type of exercise? After checking with your doctors exercise you (the ones you smile while doing) can help remove stress and anxiety and release endorphins that trigger feelings of well being (comes from my medical doctors).

Don't like any type of exercise (I do 5 days a week of water aerobics) how about a hobby? Hobbies also help you relax and enjoy an activity with same release of endorphins.

Talk to your doctors. Stress, anxiety, cause a release of adrenaline. That is the fight or flight hormone. If you don't do something like exercise or hobby to release build up it can cause a anxiety/panic attack as body had to release the adrenline.

Hope this helps. But you need to work with your doctors when stopping or starting medications.

@ancl123
I have been off and on anxiety/depression medication since my 20s and now in my 50s. Hormone changes, especially with pregnancy/postpartum/peri-menopause and menopause increased my symptoms and made my panic attacks worse.

You have some stress and loss added to your anxiety/depression which is affecting sleep. Are you working with a psychiatrist to help you manage your medications?

Don’t worry about how long you are on medications. Make sure you are getting the treatment needed to help you sleep and manage your day to day life as best as possible.

I have been on and off medications for a long time. I take Trazadone for sleep. It helps. I also take duloxetine (30 mg. lowest dose) for depression. It is an SNRI. I found that those work better for me than SSRI's. I used to exercise every morning to combat stress and anxiety as well as just for my health. I am also on the Long COVID page here as I have had it for 3 years now. I am no longer able to run or do weights like I used to. I try to practice mindfulness when I start spinning out if I am triggered by my thoughts. They are usually thoughts about the past or thoughts about the future. I remind myself that all I have to do is today. It makes it easier. I breath as well. Inhale for 7-8 seconds, hold for 5 seconds and then breath out for as long as I can. When I do that about 4-5 times, I can feel the anxiety dissipate. Hang in there!

Here are my thoughts. Please go to your family doctor and get some blood work done to see if there is an organic cause of your panic attacks. I say that because it is a new symptom for you. Also, you need to see a female doctor who can deal with your peri- menopausal symptoms. Lastly, at 47 your melatonin levels have dropped. It regulates your sleep cycle and also helps in preventing dementia, and, it is thought, some cancers. I started out with 1mg. one hour before bedtime and now take 3 mg. Cleveland clinic has helpful information on melatonin and sleep disorders. I have gone through very stressful times that affected my sleep. But I have also dealt with illnesses that also affected my sleep until I was properly diagnosed. Two conditions, at the same time, or one illness, coupled with a stressful situation are all possibilities. I think you need to get some medical testing, certainly take a small amount of melatonin from now on, ( and raise the level by a few milligrams to see if that helps ). And please talk to a good therapist. I think that this is a multi- faceted problem. I have gone through something similar.

I am 70 years old, so not perimenopause. Plus I have a clotting disorder, so HRT is out, as it increases risk of clots. I thank you for the thoughts, but I’m a medical oddity, with 26 health issues - some autoimmune. Doctors have been struggling to treat me safely for my whole life. Truly a lemon since birth, which didn’t help with my parent’s abuse. Seems that having a kid with numerous medical issues causes a lot of anger.