Extreme insomnia

[Bimace]

I've had GAD since I was in graduate school back in 1997. It seems to be triggered by insomnia and escalates from there. I have been stable for most of my life on Paxil but over the last year the anxiety seemed better so I tapered down to 10mg. I started having some depression symptoms over the last few months so I thought it might be a good time to switch to Lexapro (been wanting to get off Paxil for years). I've been on 10mg Lexapro for about 3 weeks now and although the depression has gotten better my anxiety has gotten much worse. I am not sleeping and not sleeping triggers extreme anxiety. I have an appointment with my dr to try to get Ambien (always worked well in the past) but not for over another week. Tonight I took CBD, melatonin, Valerian, and as a last resort 1 of my husband's xanax but have not had a wink of sleep. and it's 4am. I have to work in a few hours too. Any suggestions for natural remedies for extreme anxiety and sleep? I have not felt this way in so long and it is so miserable.

[kainasar]

I had insomnia problems with lexapro. One could try to use an anti-depressant and anti anxiety drug combination, such as zoloft and wellbutrin, or busperone and sertraline, or wellbutrin and busperone. Ive read lexapro isnt that compatible in combo. Hope this helps.

[Bimace in reply to kainasar]

Have you tried buspirone? How did it work for you?

[EsmeLu in reply to Bimace]

Buspirone has helped many people I know. My mom tried it but she had a bad reaction. But you can’t go by her. She usually has bad reactions. I would tell you to see a psychiatrist. He or she can properly diagnose you and prescribe the right medication. A study found most primary doctors don’t keep up with mental health information. Then see a therapist to get this under control. Don’t wait to seek help and treatment. I did and it ruined my life. Wishing you luck and less anxiety.

[84withb12d]

I would try buspirone first for anxiety. My Mom takes Xanax and Mirapex. She couldn’t tolerate the buspirone because it was to sedating. It’s frustrating finding the right balance of medication that doesn’t make you so sedated. Hope you feel better soon!

[RLSSCARER]

Hi BimaceFor insomnia i recently tried cold laser therapy on 2 insomnia sufferers and myself, after one treatment 5 to 10 minute, quality and duration of sleep improved in myself and the other 2 people. I bought the cold laser device on ebay. Treatment is every 5 days for 5 to 10 treatments.

[Nothing_but_books]

If you've still got sleep problems, half a pill of Original Dramamine is terrific. OTC too.