I've recently been put back on Lexapro after being off it for a month. I realize it takes awhile to build back up in my system, but I've had a horrible time with body symptoms and not being able to sleep. My dr. is getting me some Xanax to help with the body symptoms (I took it a long time ago), which I hope will be very effective.
My question is...what time of day is best to take the Lexapro? Before, I always had it with dinner, but I'm not sure if that's the best time or not. It is definitely NOT helping me sleep right now taking it then, so I wonder if another time of day would be better. Or if once I'm taking the Xanax, too, it will take care of that. I know Xanax isn't a sleep aid, but it is mostly anxiety keeping me awake so I hope in this case it will help me sleep.
Any suggestions?
Lexapro & Xanax timing
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Guest
Hi I have never taken Lexapro, but when I started on anxiety medicine a few years ago I started having even more trouble sleeping and my dr. said it is best if you have trouble sleeping to take anxiety medicine in the morning. I tried that and it did help. And I have used Xanax for several things. The first few times I used it I was very sleepy within 10 minutes. So my suggestion would be to take your Lexapro during the morning and take the Xanax in the evening, shortly before you want to fall asleep. Good l uck to you.
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Guest
How much lex you are taking, 10mg, 20mg?
I found it best to take the lex in the morning with food. It was much less upsetting to my stomach that way.
You can take Xanax any time but since it makes you sleepy, taking it at night is best. However, I don't recommend taking it unless you really need it. I don't recommend taking it every day, it's highly addictive.
You'd be better off using a sleeping pill at night if that will work for you.
If you ever decide to go off Lex again, may I suggest that you do so very slowly and in conjunction with CBT therepy.
God Bless and Peace be with you.
I found it best to take the lex in the morning with food. It was much less upsetting to my stomach that way.
You can take Xanax any time but since it makes you sleepy, taking it at night is best. However, I don't recommend taking it unless you really need it. I don't recommend taking it every day, it's highly addictive.
You'd be better off using a sleeping pill at night if that will work for you.
If you ever decide to go off Lex again, may I suggest that you do so very slowly and in conjunction with CBT therepy.
God Bless and Peace be with you.
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Guest
10 mg.
I did take a very long time weaning off Lex after CBT. To say this has thrown me for a loop is a massive understatement. I'm having a very hard time w/body symptoms. Hoping Xanax will get me by until Lex is effective. I have taken a LOT before and came off it fine. My biggest concern now is that it work so I can function.
Thanks for the advice.
I did take a very long time weaning off Lex after CBT. To say this has thrown me for a loop is a massive understatement. I'm having a very hard time w/body symptoms. Hoping Xanax will get me by until Lex is effective. I have taken a LOT before and came off it fine. My biggest concern now is that it work so I can function.
Thanks for the advice.
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Guest
I take 10 mg of Lex in the evening. It use to help me sleep but now I am noticing that it doesnt help me sleep as well. I still take it in the evening though because it doesnt keep me up. But it I have heard many that take Lex in the morning. Do what works best for you.
Sorry to hear you are having a rough time, where you much better when you were on the Lex a month ago? I find it works well for me, I hope it works well for you again this time.
Sorry to hear you are having a rough time, where you much better when you were on the Lex a month ago? I find it works well for me, I hope it works well for you again this time.
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Guest
Jodi
It's certainly ok to go back on lex. Be kind to yourself, give yourself a break. This whole condition is not necessarily something we can just 'get over' and walk away from.
It takes a lot of work and it can take some time to finally turn the corner to control it and eventually become med free. Most of us have a number of “growth spurts” along the way to recovery.
You will be ok, just re-double your CBT efforts and, as much as possible, add more physical exercise to your schedule. It does the same thing to your brain as the SSRI's .
I know when I first had my main episode of GAD, I was almost paralyzed with the most overpowering fear you can imagine. I didn't even know what it was I was so worried about. I just felt like my life was over and I was going to die. My digestive system was a train wreck and I had pains everywhere.
But every day I took (and still do) a one hour walk. Usually I can cover almost 4 miles in that time. It always made me feel better. Often by the end of my walk I was so relaxed I felt like I was back to normal. Once when I was really feeling bad, during my walk, I ran up this really long hill. I’m not in great shape, so it was hard for me but I made it. I was completely winded but it was almost like taking Xanax, I was completely calm and relaxed. All of the sudden my worries seemed to all be gone.
However, when I did take Xanax, I was drowsy and had a very hard time finding the motivation to exercise. Just some things to think about.
You are going to get through this ok, you'll see.
God Bless and peace be with you.
It's certainly ok to go back on lex. Be kind to yourself, give yourself a break. This whole condition is not necessarily something we can just 'get over' and walk away from.
It takes a lot of work and it can take some time to finally turn the corner to control it and eventually become med free. Most of us have a number of “growth spurts” along the way to recovery.
You will be ok, just re-double your CBT efforts and, as much as possible, add more physical exercise to your schedule. It does the same thing to your brain as the SSRI's .
I know when I first had my main episode of GAD, I was almost paralyzed with the most overpowering fear you can imagine. I didn't even know what it was I was so worried about. I just felt like my life was over and I was going to die. My digestive system was a train wreck and I had pains everywhere.
But every day I took (and still do) a one hour walk. Usually I can cover almost 4 miles in that time. It always made me feel better. Often by the end of my walk I was so relaxed I felt like I was back to normal. Once when I was really feeling bad, during my walk, I ran up this really long hill. I’m not in great shape, so it was hard for me but I made it. I was completely winded but it was almost like taking Xanax, I was completely calm and relaxed. All of the sudden my worries seemed to all be gone.
However, when I did take Xanax, I was drowsy and had a very hard time finding the motivation to exercise. Just some things to think about.
You are going to get through this ok, you'll see.
God Bless and peace be with you.
Thank you for the encouragement. I've been 'over' this for so long, I didn't think I'd ever be back here again and that's scary.
Right now the days are so long...not motivated to do anything but I know I need to keep busy and distracted. I have low energy now (even without any xanax yet today) and don't want to sleep b/c I need to sleep at night.
It's just hard to know what to do with myself. I have 2 little kids so I can't just take off...not that I am feeling like even leaving the house anyway. Then people call to see how I'm feeling, which usually makes me feel worse for some reason.
Anyway, I do appreciate all the comments. I am in desperate need of positive reinforcement right now.
Jodi
Right now the days are so long...not motivated to do anything but I know I need to keep busy and distracted. I have low energy now (even without any xanax yet today) and don't want to sleep b/c I need to sleep at night.
It's just hard to know what to do with myself. I have 2 little kids so I can't just take off...not that I am feeling like even leaving the house anyway. Then people call to see how I'm feeling, which usually makes me feel worse for some reason.
Anyway, I do appreciate all the comments. I am in desperate need of positive reinforcement right now.
Jodi
http://www.myspace.com/christinehufana
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Guest
I took both Lexapro and Xanax for a long time. I think taking Lexapro in the morning is definately the way to go. If it is causing you to be sick to your stomach, do eat something and it will probably help. Most side effects wear off quickly. If the Xanax helps you more at night and makes you sleepy during the day, then nighttime is best. Don't forget, your right about how long it takes to get it in your system. Don't get frustrated, give it time to work. Good luck
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Guest
Oh sorry, also I have two small children as well and struggle not to go straight to bed. I have to say you do better than me, because I do go straight to bed. I'm praying the program is the answer. I'm on Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Klonopin, and Topomax so I struggle ALOT with side effects as well. I can relate. Keep your head up Jodi. Do what I'm doing and let's give this program a try, right? We're here to help each other and we understand each other better than those that want to help but just don't know how.