Does anyone get anxiety/panicky when you first wake up?

[miche31263]

I'm on Day 14 tonight of Lexapro.  7.5mg, trying to work up to 10mg, but maybe it might be too strong for me.  Having lots of anxiety still.  With all these horrible side effects I'm having, one is insomnia, but it does make me tired and lightheaded, so prefer to take it at night instead of mornings.  However, I'm only getting limited sleep (but I was too before starting the Lexapro, in fact I was waking in night terrors every few hours) and at 5am, every freaking day, I wake up and cant go back to sleep.  I'm shaky, tired, tho no amount of force gets me back to sleep, I stay in bed until maybe 6 to 7 and then I get up.  However, I'm incredibly nervous, which results in a tiny bit of Xanax to calm me down.  Is this a side effect of the Lexapro, or do you think it's from the anxiety that is NOT gone from my life yet?  Michelle

[Sue357]

Hi.  I am reading all these comments about the trial and error period.  I have been on a med roller coaster for over 3 years.  Some will work for awhile, then poop out.  Prior to that I was on Zoloft, fine, for about 15 years.  Right now, I just finished titrating off Lexapro to Effexor.  Last Lexapro dose was Sunday, 10 mg., and up to 75mg. of Lexapro.  This has been for the last 2 weeks or maybe less.  I was feeling good while I was titrating but now I am feeling horrible again....I am wondering if my body is adjusting to no more Lexapro ( I was up to 40 mg) and also adjusting to the Lexapro....Any one's feed back is appreciated.  Thanks.  Sue

[Persephone3576]

Hi, in response to your question. I think it was about 4 weeks in to taking Zoloft that I started getting relief. I still get morning anxiety, like today, but it's not as bad. And I'm not on a full dose of Zoloft yet. I've had to taper up VERY slowly because I am super sensitive to it. I'm on 25 mg. now, and I was on 50 for ten years, so that's my goal. I'm hoping that when I get up to the full dose my anxiety will be gone.

[calmshell]

Hi there, just wanted to say, for one, i can relate, and for two, u WILL find more peace soon/calmness...also, I sent a message( it was kind of long to post here!) on your profile page=) Have a nice one ,ttyl !

[miche31263]

Thank you for the encouragement.  I REALLY REALLY need it.  I'm sitting here trying to decide whether to take it now or in the morning......sigh.....
Persephone3576, when did you finally get a break from the morning anxiety?  It's hard enough to deal with an anxiety attack during the day, but to wake up in the early morning with them, that is hard!

[Persephone3576]

Hi, I went through the same thing getting on Zoloft. I was waking up as early as 4 a.m. and not being able to go to sleep. My anxiety was super-bad in the mornings. It usually dissipated by afternoon, though. And now that I've been back on the Zoloft for six weeks or so, I am no longer waking early in the morning! I don't feel anxious any more either. Just hang in there. It will get better!

[JGF25]

What you are feeling is very common as you saw from CanuckGuy's blog.  It is unfortunately that you have to be more nervous instead of less in the beginning.  But trust me, it does get better.  And if you were to throw in the towel now, you would then have to start all over again with something else so give it a good chance to work for you.  

I take my medication in the morning since it gave me insomnia even after take 1 mg of klonopin when I took it at night.  Maybe now that you have 2 weeks under your belt, you can try the morning again and see if you are still lightheaded.  If not, then continue to take it in the am and see if you start sleeping better.  

Just hang in there and you know that you can always come to this forum and people will motivate you onward and upward to a better life than one that is filled with anxiety.  

[miche31263]

I'm not liking trial and error.  I don't have a psychiatrist, my Dr. prescribed it.  In fact, where I live, there isn't a psychiatrist, I'd have to drive almost 2 hours away to see one.  But I am trying to find a therapist in my area to help me.  My main problem is anxiety, so yes, the xanax does help, but I hate taking it cause if I take the amount to get me to calm down, then I'm unable to function normally.  I take it at night after my Lexapro to help me get to sleep, then I take a tiny bit in the morning this last week, due to heightened anxiety upon waking.  Usually I don't need it again until the evening.  Sometimes, but not always.  I'm not sure if I'm functioning better than before.  I guess it's one trade off from the first problem.  I'd like to see some relief soon, patience is not my strength, but not much else I can do but to hang in there.  Thank you for responding  Michelle

[29sillygirl]

Trial and error.  The first week or so on an antidepressant.  Symptoms that led you to the medication may still be present.  Without knowing your circumstances I can only say that what you are going through is very common.

As to sleep, many patients report getting less sleep but (in time) feeling more alert.

The positive thing I read is that you are no longer waking frightened every few hours.

Your brain is adjusting to a new chemical.  I always stay in contact with my psychiatrist during the first few weeks of a new medicine.  He or she is the only one with your diagnosis.  If your core problem is/was anxiety, the Xanax will give you immediate relief.

Are you functioning better than you were before Lexapro?  That is the only real question.

Patience and perseverance will pay off .....just not immediately.

I am hoping you are seeing a therapist as well as taking medication.

Best...