Anxiety that has lead to depression
Find a Conversation
| Wed, 10-18-2006 - 8:10pm |
I am hoping someone out there can help me or give me some needed guidance.
Over six years ago I went through severe depression that lead to extreme anxiety and ultimately controlled my life where I couldn't leave the house. I had to quit my job over this and had a boyfriend who couldn't understand why I couldn't just "snap out of it". I sought help and was ultimately put on Paxil and Xanax. Over time I was weened off the Xanax and started to live my life again. I am naturally very outgoing and full of life and finally was living my life again.
The four year ago at the age of 33, I had to undergo a complete hysterectomy due to severe endometriosis. It was a difficult decision as I have no kids of my own but I am glad I had it done. About six months after surgery, I decided to ween myself off of Paxil and felt I could handle life. I have done very well but in the last nine months have begun to go through the process of a downward spiral of overwhelming anxiety that has lead me back down the road of depression.
I can see the signs and this time around know what to look for. This is where I need some help. My doctor put me on Lexapro and on Ambien since I am not sleeping. Lexapro sedated me so much I couldn't function. I was a complete zombie on it and it made me so nausea. After a couple of weeks I went off of it and he put me on Paxil since it worked so well for me years ago. However this time around, it's done the complete opposite. I felt like I was crawling out of my skin. I don't know if it's not working this time around because I am also on an HRT for menopause, Vivelle. So now he put me on Buspar, Xanax and Lunesta. I needed the Xanax because I was living with such severe headaches due to the anxiety and couldn't function at work. I worry about anything and everything. I feel I need perfection in my life and won't settle for anything less. I am unable to concentrate, my memory sucks, have no energy and have withdrawn from day to day life. My boyfriend who went through this depression before is still very much in my life and completely understands and supports me as he is more educated.
I am at a point where I don't know what medication is going to help me. Has anyone had luck with Effexor? My doctor seems to be at a loss and I feel that he is giving up on me and don't want to go down the path I did years ago.
Has anyone had any luck with any medication that relieves severe anxiety along with depression? Any help or insight is greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
Dana

Hi Dana!
Sheri Ann
I will definitely look for the link tomorrow and would love to join the chat. This site offers so much help and support and if my situation can help someone else it just makes it that much better.
Dana
Welcome, Dana! You have had alot on your plate. It's understandable that the anxiety/depression has returned. You need to be more positive that you will regain your balance as you did before. I am sorry that you feel as if the dr. has given up. That shouldn't be the case with so many options out there nowadays. Is this a psychiatrist with skill in treating your problems? I only mention that because if your dr. is @ a loss, there are other doctors with more experience with meds that are effective.
First, I did well like Sheri Ann said on effexor. It covered my panic attacks which were severe & kept the depression @ bay. Antidepressants, mostly the SSRI's like paxil, are used for anxiety too. Secondly, are you getting therapy? That is something that helps alot, especially when we need more support around us. It's good to have a nonjudgemental person to listen to us & give some direction.