Anxiety & Depression, Please Help Needed
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Anxiety & Depression, Please Help Needed
| Mon, 04-11-2005 - 10:12pm |
Hi,
I have had severe anxiety and some depression for the last 7-8 years. My family dr. prescribed Effexor 37.5 taken 2 times a day and Lorazepam (1mg.) 3 times a day. I never took that many becasue I would not be able to function or have a life. Anyway, it came down to 1 to 1 1/2 tabs of the anti-anxiety med (Lorazepam) per day, (The larger amt. would alsways be around my period). That seemed to do the trick with the anxiety and I have always had a hard time sleeping, which it also helped. I trusted that my Dr., who I think the world of would let me know if this was risky, but he never said a word. Anyway now he has retired and a new Dr. took over his practice. To make a long story short,the new Dr. says to me that he doesn't agree with the Lorazepam, I am probably addicted, that the Effexor should help with the anxiety, maybe I just need to up my dose of that, etc. and that he will send me out to a psychiatrist. Needless to say, I was scared to death, came out feeling like I am some kind of "junkie", which is creating a whirlwind of huge anxiety about taking this med. I started to keep a journal of all the times I took this and now am cutting down as much as possible. I feel so TERRIBLE, like I am a piece of dirt. I should add that during the past few years I have gone through marital problems, husbands affair, and me being the sole caregiver for my mom in our home while she had breast cancer and eventually bone cancer. I don't know how I would have coped with these things otherwise.
Today was so awful, I kept getting more and more panicky, with all of these questions in my mind racing, to the point of EXTREME PANIC along with my irritable bowel starting up. I tried the best that I could to just get my work done, and I got home and tool 1/2 tab of the Lorazepam. I have made and appt. with a psychiatrist for the end of the week, but I am VERY SCARED on what will happen. I have never seen a psychiatrist before, so I am just "What if" ing myself to death. I was mentally and physically exhausted and I fear this is going to spiral into a depression. If anybody has any advice or encouragement, i would greatly appreciate it.
I have had severe anxiety and some depression for the last 7-8 years. My family dr. prescribed Effexor 37.5 taken 2 times a day and Lorazepam (1mg.) 3 times a day. I never took that many becasue I would not be able to function or have a life. Anyway, it came down to 1 to 1 1/2 tabs of the anti-anxiety med (Lorazepam) per day, (The larger amt. would alsways be around my period). That seemed to do the trick with the anxiety and I have always had a hard time sleeping, which it also helped. I trusted that my Dr., who I think the world of would let me know if this was risky, but he never said a word. Anyway now he has retired and a new Dr. took over his practice. To make a long story short,the new Dr. says to me that he doesn't agree with the Lorazepam, I am probably addicted, that the Effexor should help with the anxiety, maybe I just need to up my dose of that, etc. and that he will send me out to a psychiatrist. Needless to say, I was scared to death, came out feeling like I am some kind of "junkie", which is creating a whirlwind of huge anxiety about taking this med. I started to keep a journal of all the times I took this and now am cutting down as much as possible. I feel so TERRIBLE, like I am a piece of dirt. I should add that during the past few years I have gone through marital problems, husbands affair, and me being the sole caregiver for my mom in our home while she had breast cancer and eventually bone cancer. I don't know how I would have coped with these things otherwise.
Today was so awful, I kept getting more and more panicky, with all of these questions in my mind racing, to the point of EXTREME PANIC along with my irritable bowel starting up. I tried the best that I could to just get my work done, and I got home and tool 1/2 tab of the Lorazepam. I have made and appt. with a psychiatrist for the end of the week, but I am VERY SCARED on what will happen. I have never seen a psychiatrist before, so I am just "What if" ing myself to death. I was mentally and physically exhausted and I fear this is going to spiral into a depression. If anybody has any advice or encouragement, i would greatly appreciate it.

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I'm so-o-o-o-o-o glad it went well for you! I know how nervous you were. DiId he change your meds? It sounds like things are going to work out with him. Did you tell him about your counselor? Since you liked him so well, maybe he can recommend a counselor that would be better suited for you. Thanks for posting! I'll "see" you on the chat Tuesday!
Sheri Ann
Sheri Ann
Dear Westieluvr,
I am not sure if my 2 cents will help ease your mind, but here goes. I have had somewhat of a similiar situation take place in my home, except I am a single mother who just turned 37, I became a grandmother Dec. 26, 2005, my daughter is 18, rebellious and knows it all. I have a 8 year old daughter and I don't think she has ever seen me completely at peace and happiness her whole life. I have never experienced anxiety before or panic attacks for that matter. My 18 year old daughter put me thru hell during her teen years after being a perfect child in school and at home up until puberty. Neither one of my girls see their fathers at all. Slowly my health has declined over these past few years and nothing I was doing on my own was working. I decided to see a Dr. to be prescribed anti-depressants. I've tried Paxil and Welbutrin in the past and neither one was for me. Trying a third was a gamble and took courage because I didn't want to take anything that would make me feel sick or more detached than I had been. My Dr. prescribed Effexor to me and it started in low dose form 25 mg (3 days) 75 mg (5 days) and 150 mg until my 2 week follow up. It took a little longer than 2 weeks for it to kick in but I have had not troubles at all. My body was balancing act again until my next set back, and I felt like I was being pulled back down in to my depression. I spoke with the Dr. at my check up and we increased the dose to 3/75 mg. each day (225 mg.) My on and off anxiety with the depression has mellowed alot but seeing a counsleor helped me as well. I guess I got luck there to because she is wonderful and I feel she really "gets me" I don't have to explain myself nor share my issues with friends or family for support (which has most of the back time backfired and been tossed up in my face or behind my back). It does get better and it seems like too long some days. Hang in there, I hope things do get better soon!
deegirl
your message was very welcoming and thoughtful. you hang in there too!!
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