Nightmares - Escitalopram helping

I’ve been on Escitalopram for just over 2 weeks for GAD. One positive is that the nightmares I’ve had for years and that shocked me awake have stopped. Still waking up quite frequently (3/4 times a night) but much more peaceful. Has anyone else had this effect?

[NadiaB]

No nightmares for me. But I do wake with a poumding heart in pain.

I'm glad you're able to sleep a lil better.

[Hidden in reply to NadiaB]

I feel a bit of fluttering in my heart too. Thanks for your interest!

[Mumma_h]

Yes! I started on escilatopram and no nightmares. I was on sertraline but was having bad anxiety and thought it could be the sertraline. My hunch was right , after weaning off it my anxiety decreased. I started then on avanza and the first night and I had terrible nightmares, and it bombed me out , tried it again the next day and same reaction, I didn't take it again. Then the doc tried me on escilatopram and so far so good! Been about 6 weeks, and no nightmares and anxiety is low. I think it's really good for me so far!!

[Hidden in reply to Mumma_h]

It’s amazing how different people react! Glad you’re doing well. I feel almost normal. How long did it take for all the side effects to go (if they have) and for escitalopram kick in fully do you think? Thanks for the feedback. I’m hopeful that escitalopram works for me. First time on AD!

[Mumma_h in reply to Hidden]

The side effects I got from sertraline ( increased anxiety) started to go away soon as started weaning off it and by the time I was completely off it I had nearly no anxiety. I waited another 2 weeks for it to be completely out of my system ,and I actually felt great for that 2 weeks ,before I tried the next medication . As for the escilatopram I don't think I'm really having many side effects. I've been on it 6 weeks and I'd say by now it's kicked in for sure and I just kind of feel 'normal ' , so that's good. Still not having that terrible anxiety like I did on sertraline and I'm not deeply depressed like I have been in the past, I'm really happy it's working,I was starting to think none of them would be right for me ( and glad I realised the different meds had different effects and it wasn't just me). Also as bobbyabhy mentioned, dosage plays a part. I'm on 10 Mg of escilatopram. Was on quite high dose if sertraline;100mg

[Hidden in reply to Mumma_h]

Hi Mumma_h

I wondered how you were doing on escitalopram. I’m around 8 weeks now and certainly the anxiety levels have substantially decreased but I do feel I have less energy too. I’m taking 10 mgs in the morning now (I was taking it at lunchtime) too see if it helps getting me going a bit better when I wake up. I have a bit of a ‘can’t be bothered’ mentality and I wondered if this was a normal trade-off for less anxiety/depression. Or is this feeling still part of my body adjusting? I was thinking that by 8 weeks I would have been at the expected maximum benefit. Be pleased to hear your experience. 😊

[Hidden]

What dosage do you take?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

10 mgs since yesterday, was on 5 mgs for first two weeks

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Ok I take 10mg