Hello Elle: I'm afraid I don't really have anything to offer here. About all I can say is that what you describe sounds extreme to me to be related to subconscious stress or the effects of the long term use of Lexapro. But that's just my personal opinion. I wonder if perhaps your friend simply has not yet found the right physician. Seeing a sleep specialist to be tested for such things as narcolepsy, as Jennifer mentioned, may be a good idea assuming your friend has not already been checked out for this.

I see this is your first post here on PC. So... to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! May the time you spend here be of benefit.

PsychCentral is a great place to get information as well as support for mental health issues. The more you post, & reply to other members’ posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are social groups you can join & chat rooms where you’ll be able to connect with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) Lots of great stuff! So please keep posting!