[Willow]

Hey Cam
I am on Lexapro, which has done wonders for my anxiety, PTSD, OCD and mild depression. It seems to help them all. The only side effect I have is that sometimes I can't make myself get up in the morning. This is a problem. I never used to be late to work or skip work because I just couldn't go. Is there any wisdom you can give me to help me perk up in the morning? Once I'm up and have coffee I feel better. It's just getting up that's the problem. Thanks

[CamW]

Willow - I have the same problem with my high dose Effexor XR™ (venlafaxine). I believe that it is called, somnlolence, a fancy name for "butt-dragging with tiredness".

Some people add 150mg of Wellbutrin™ (bupropion) and that works to "kick-start" the body. I also take Wellbutrin for this, but it didn't completely resolve the "walk-into-walls-and-not-care" feeling in the morning.

My doctor added 10mg of Dexedrine Spansules™ (long-acting dextroamphetamine) and this did the trick. The long-acting "Spansules" releases the Dexedrine slowly. As long as I stick to one capsule (have been tempted to take 2 some mornings) I am okay, and can work and think. Anymore than 10mg, if I take 5mg of a regular strength Dexedrine, I get too much of a "rush" from the drug and I can't do anything (probably because I am trying to do everything at once).

I am fairly sure it is the increase in serotonin that causes the morning somnolence/drowsiness that is seen when using serotonergic drugs. Sometimes the SSRI dose is too high and this causes the drowsiness, but, in most cases, I am against lowering the dose, as "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" adage comes into play.

Lastly, drowsiness is a start-up side effect of Lexapro™ (descitalopram, or escitalopram, or whatever they've officially decided to name it). In some people, some of the start-up side effects (the ones that affect people for a couple of weeks to a month after starting SSRI - drowsiness, dizziness, headache, anxiety, jitteriness, etc.) do not fade for 3 or 4 months. Many people have said that they no longer noticed the somnolence after taking the drug for 6 months; whether they get use to the tiredness or if it has disappeared, I can't be certain.

I hope that this is of some help, darlin'. - Cam

[Willow]

Cam... you are an incredible help. I couldn't help but notice the time sequence on your responses tonight. You really take a lot of time to answer our questions. I sure do appreciate it. *HUGS*

As for the Lexapro. I've only been on it for 2-3 mos. I guess I can give it a few more to see what happens. I'm just glad I don't get up at 2 a.m. anymore.. YAY for that

[Dias]

Wow Cam howd you come up with that your incredible......man i wish i was like you...able to help everybody

WHat great advice!!

<font color=blue> Do never give up till you know you cant win,which is never

[darkeyes]

Cam came up with this by being great at his profession, you say you wish you were like him? That means doing well in HS, no goofing off and going to college and working your butt off in your studies as starters.
God Bless Cam and those in his profession

In giving advice seek to help, not please your friend
SOLON

[Dias]

<font color=red>LOL*** YEAH thanks for the advice dark

<font color=blue> Do never give up till you know you cant win,which is never

[LadyDragus]

Hey Cam, what if your doctor does not want to put you on any other meds.. Because you are on Lexapro 10MG and Amitriptyline 50MG (this is for migranes) and says that more meds can make my headache worse..

I have been on lexapro for almost 4 months now, and I take it at night, but I am starting to hve spells where I get so sleepy, if I do not lay down I get a wooper of a headache????
Is this a normally sideeffect???

any help in this matter would be greatly apperciated

<font color=purple>The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.
- G.K. Chesterton
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