Hi Susan-
I really don't know if I am going to help, but I read your posting and I felt I had to reply since I have the same problem.(althogh there are some differences)I used to wake up with slight anxiety/panic thinking I wasnt breathing. Three weeks ago I started Lexapro for my panic attacks and since the first night I started the meds(I took xanax the first week with the lexapro) I woke up with the worst case of panic/anxiety I have ever had while sleeping. I would wake up out of a sound sleep gasping for air because I thought I wasnt breathing, and I also had this weird feeling kind of like "where am i?" They have been so bad since I started the medication. I talked to my doctor and he said that he thinks it is from built up anxiety. So I really dont know if its from the meds or if its just from my built up anxiety (the constant thoughts going through my head before I fall asleep)but I just wanted you to know that I have the exact same problem. If I could give you my personal opinion, I would say that it is from slight withdrawls, maybe, from going off your meds. If thats the case, nothing will heal that but time. But I'm not a doc...thats just my opinion...I hope I have helped somewhat...keep me posted with your progress.