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Comforting words needed
Hello! I am a 47 year old mom of 4 kids. When my last daughter was born I went on lexapro due to very upsetting insomnia, anxiety and depression postpartum. I had this issue of insomnia and anxiety before my first was born as well but thankfully I was ok for many years while my kids were little and was on no meds. I was prescribed lexapro after my last daughter born, rough startup but eventually It overall worked for 8 years at 10mg. I would still have flare ups of insomnia which I wasn’t crazy about occasionally still once or twice a month. I slowly weaned to 5 went off and had no issues other then some crying spells. 4 months have gone by. I went off because I didn’t want to be on meds longer and felt overall better and was hoping to loose some stuck weight. I did loose my dad in February and have a very stressful issue with my 16 year old behaviorally so perhaps wasn’t best decision.
2 weeks ago I started to spiral with depression and anxiety I was waking up at 5am often I think brought on by stress. Decided to go back on 5mg lexapro a week ago. My insomnia got much worse after trying to restart 5mg lexapro I wake up at 1:30 and can’t go back to bed. Freaked me out and stopped it. My new symptom is panic attacks which I didn’t have in the past where adrenaline rushes through my
Body multiple times a day. I am now trying tryptophan, theanine, valerian, and cbd and thc gummies is my next option.the last 3 nights I have slept 3- 4 hrs last night I popped a Xanax because woke up after one hr and couldn’t go back to bed. Not sure what
To do. I also am getting to premenopausal age so perhaps some of this factors in. I’m thinking this is a relapse and will need meds for life 😭
Has anyone restarted lexapro or there drugs and had a success story? Scared to go through side effects startup and have to switch meds. Anyone here on meds for life?
Thank you in advance 😊
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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.
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4 ReactionsThank you for your kindness ❤️
@meryw
What do you use medicine wise ?
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.