1. < Depression & Anxiety

Need help! Depression and anxiety

Posted by pirateking @pirateking, Jul 22, 2016

I don't know where else to go without going to a hospital. I've always had issues with depression and anxiety. It is tough to deal with, but I have a grasp of what it is at least. I've been taking 10MG of Lexapro and 1-1.5 MG of Klonopin to treat it. My psych doctor died in January and I started with a new doctor that upped my Lexapro to 20MG and put me on Buspar for anxiety.

She then decided to take me off the Klonpin. She had me go from 1-1.5 to only .5 a day a month ago and then cut me off. My anxity was already starting to increase that month, and a few days after I stopped the klonopin I faced massive panic attacks among a ton of other issues. It took some begging for help until she eventually put me on .5MG of Atavan but I don't think it is working.

My current symptoms are this horrible brain fog that is impairing my basic functions. I forget things easily, I can't concentrate. It feels like I've literally got dumber. I am clumsier. I keep almost walking into poles and today I almost got run over by a bus. I'm beyond irritable. I almost attacked a man on an elevator because of his breathing, and I've never had such violent thoughts before. I've had brief sucidical thoughts that I had to talk myself out of because I rationally know I don't want to do that.

When I stretch my neck it hurts. It feels like my neck or back is violently ripping in two. I'm having out of body experinces. I am sitting at work and suddenly I am not sure if I am dreaming or not

I also have headaches, I'm pacing constantly. I am having muscle spasims, twitching, my hands tremble.

This is terrifying. I've never felt like this in my entire life and I don't know what is going on. Is it the Buspar? The Atavan? The lack of Klonopin and should I go to the hosptial? My doctor isn't around on the weekends. Any help will be appericated.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

Barb | @amberpep | Oct 9, 2016
In reply to @susanlorrie "Hang in there. I don't know what your pain level has been but I take a..." + (show)
@susanlorrie

Hang in there. I don't know what your pain level has been but I take a similar amount of a morphine equivalent. I think your comment about weaning off 90mg but then going back on because of the pain is an enlightenment for me. I do have to wean down per doctors instructions to adhere to guidelines, but I don't have to wean all of it. I really want to, but I don't want to get myself it trouble. My husband continues to tell me to take it slow. Let us know how it works out.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much Colleen ..... I'll have to research this ....<br><br>Abby<br>

REPLY
safetyshield | @safetyshield | Oct 10, 2016
In reply to @amberpep "About 7 years ago, I "decided" to try to get off Zoloft. So, I did what..." + (show)
@amberpep

About 7 years ago, I "decided" to try to get off Zoloft. So, I did what I thought was a very slow lowering of the med. I guess it was still too fast because first I got a headache, waited a little longer, then I noticed I was feeling a bit "off kilter" in my walking. I waited again for a little over a week and again reduced it, and then I was really light headed. Well, I finally got off of them, but wow, not fun at all. A few years later my doctor added them once again because they did really work for me (don't ask why I tried to get off before .... sheer stupidity on my part), and they did not work as well. He then told me that when you go off of one of these, often they don't work as well when you try to go back on them.
I really won't change doctors .... I lived in MD for over 30 years, moved here to VA a year ago and I still go up there every other week for therapy and every month to see my Psychiatrist for a med. checkup. I've got a really good one and I'm not about to try to start over with someone new.
Abby

Jump to this post

amberpep you are not "stupid" to try and get off your meds. It happens a lot with people on all sorts of meds. The meds work and people feel that they no longer needs the meds. They take themselves off and wham their symtoms come right back. I am no exception. I went on antibiotics and before I finished the medication I felt better so I stopped the medication and the infection came back. So from then on I stay on my meds until they are done and after I spoke to my doctor. This way I feel that I am in control of myself physically and emotionally.

REPLY
quazar | @quazar | Oct 11, 2016

I know the original post in this discussion thread is old, but I'll share anyway in case my experience can help someone. I know first hand how awful it is to get off of Klonopin. I just went through that early this year. I was taking Klonopin (Clonazepam) and Cymbalta (Duloxetine). The doctor that prescribed it to me reduced my amount too quickly, and I suffered such sudden and terrible anxiety that I was literally afraid to open the mail and suffered daily panic attacks. While every health care policy is different, I'm almost certain that you have a right to get a second opinion. So if your needs aren't being met, I'd ask for a second opinion.

A few other things I've tried that have had a positive impact on my mental health:
1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - I'm a Kaiser member and took advantage of their group class that addresses how our thoughts, behaviors and relationships affect our mood and how we can change things in our lives to improve our mood.
2) Diet - Food can act like a medicine, fuel, or a toxin. It's just like the prescription drugs that we put in our bodies, and until recently, I haven't appreciated this fact enough. If you haven't heard of it before, there's a great book called The Mood Cure that talks all about how various foods affect the chemicals in our brain.
3) Exercise - "runner's high" isn't just for runners. Regular exercise definitely affects the levels of good/happy chemicals in our brains. This is something I've struggled with since graduating from high school. Until the last few years, I hadn't really appreciated how my daily team workouts affected my ability to handle stress and anxiety.
4) Sleep Hygiene - our bodies repair themselves at night while we sleep. Inadequate sleep has been known to affect every other part of our health.
5) Meditation - this is linked to CBT, but I leave it separate because you don't need a class or any formal instruction. Meditation only takes a few minutes every day and has been shown to have a significant influence on our brains, whether it's breathing meditation, guided imagery, or a mantra meditation.

I had a situation where I was prescribed Zoloft by one doctor and because of some different health issues, he kept me on the drugs WAY PAST the length of time that any psychiatrist would. Old doc retired, and new doc was absolutely floored that I had been on that drug for SO LONG. We discussed whether it was still helping me and decided to wean me off. I'm currently doing well using CBT, diet change, exercise, and meditation. Even if your doctor keeps you on meds, these other things may also help.

REPLY
1 reply
Minnie1971 | @lesbatts | Oct 12, 2016

Thank you for all your suggestions quazar. I'm sure when I get my new doctor in November she will be taking me off from Klonopin I just hope she does it real slow.

REPLY
2 replies
cowboy1997 | @cowboy1997 | Oct 12, 2016
In reply to @quazar "I know the original post in this discussion thread is old, but I'll share anyway in..." + (show)
@quazar

I know the original post in this discussion thread is old, but I'll share anyway in case my experience can help someone. I know first hand how awful it is to get off of Klonopin. I just went through that early this year. I was taking Klonopin (Clonazepam) and Cymbalta (Duloxetine). The doctor that prescribed it to me reduced my amount too quickly, and I suffered such sudden and terrible anxiety that I was literally afraid to open the mail and suffered daily panic attacks. While every health care policy is different, I'm almost certain that you have a right to get a second opinion. So if your needs aren't being met, I'd ask for a second opinion.

A few other things I've tried that have had a positive impact on my mental health:
1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - I'm a Kaiser member and took advantage of their group class that addresses how our thoughts, behaviors and relationships affect our mood and how we can change things in our lives to improve our mood.
2) Diet - Food can act like a medicine, fuel, or a toxin. It's just like the prescription drugs that we put in our bodies, and until recently, I haven't appreciated this fact enough. If you haven't heard of it before, there's a great book called The Mood Cure that talks all about how various foods affect the chemicals in our brain.
3) Exercise - "runner's high" isn't just for runners. Regular exercise definitely affects the levels of good/happy chemicals in our brains. This is something I've struggled with since graduating from high school. Until the last few years, I hadn't really appreciated how my daily team workouts affected my ability to handle stress and anxiety.
4) Sleep Hygiene - our bodies repair themselves at night while we sleep. Inadequate sleep has been known to affect every other part of our health.
5) Meditation - this is linked to CBT, but I leave it separate because you don't need a class or any formal instruction. Meditation only takes a few minutes every day and has been shown to have a significant influence on our brains, whether it's breathing meditation, guided imagery, or a mantra meditation.

I had a situation where I was prescribed Zoloft by one doctor and because of some different health issues, he kept me on the drugs WAY PAST the length of time that any psychiatrist would. Old doc retired, and new doc was absolutely floored that I had been on that drug for SO LONG. We discussed whether it was still helping me and decided to wean me off. I'm currently doing well using CBT, diet change, exercise, and meditation. Even if your doctor keeps you on meds, these other things may also help.

Jump to this post

Thanks for your post! This is such a great site . I think I know all about depression since I've had. It so long. But I learn new things from all you guys! I never knew Diet affects your mood! I plan on getting the Book you suggested. Who is the Author? I am all about Therapy group. I went to Alanon for many years in the 80's when my depression started! I always thought it was my fault that my husband was an alcoholic but I found out it wasn't! All the people there were in same boat I was! I'll forever thank that group for saving my life!

REPLY
quazar | @quazar | Oct 12, 2016

The Mood Cure by Julia Ross - here's the review on Good Reads. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/159072.The_Mood_Cure

The CBT classes I attended were more educational than one-on-one therapy, but it was somewhat interactive. I can imagine that one-on-one CBT would be even more helpful in terms of putting it into practice. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/home/ovc-20186868

Also, the MayoClinic.org website has a search bar at the very top of the page where you can search for more information about the things I mentioned in my post, such as meditation (http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858). Having information is the first step to using it wisely. So I encourage you all to get as much info as you can about these things and ask your doctors about what you learn. Sometimes what you find on the internet isn't correct. So it's important to find a reputable site, like the MayoClinic, and follow up with your doctor about what you learn. In my experience, websites that end in .org or .edu are going to have the most comprehensive and educational information. The .com sites are commercial sites that are often geared towards getting you to buy things.

REPLY
1 reply
jbw2 | @jbw2 | Oct 12, 2016
In reply to @ronnie3716 "I'm so sorry to hear of your med reaction. I am a victim of sexual abuse,..." + (show)
@ronnie3716

I'm so sorry to hear of your med reaction.
I am a victim of sexual abuse, along with my two sisters. It took 2 decades for The combination of therapy and meds to get me out of my anxiety disorder. I'm still prone to anxiety attacks but not often at all. I am on a 10 mg once a day dose of Lexapro. I remember years ago they doubled it for me and I felt like a zombie. I am also on and as needed 1 mg of Xanax. I barely ever use this drug. I have worked to get it out of my life as much as I can.
I consider these drugs no more or less then a diabetic taking insulin. I have a full functioning life. Very happy family, job as an executive director of a nonprofit that I really enjoy.
From my experiences I would say that the combination of doubling your Lexapro which is a f
strong dose at 20 mg and taking you off very quickly, in my opinion, of the drug your system was used to, is the reason you're having your system reactions now.
I found a wonderful psychiatrist who worked diligently with me to find what combination was best to address the anxiety. We did and now I see him once every six months just to make sure everything is still working well. I hope, so very much, that you find a doctor like him who will listen and help you find the best combination to make you feel your best. Hope you keep us up-to-date.

Jump to this post

Ronnie,
I am curious how you found your doctor. I like mine, but may be looking for a second opinion in the near future. I live in Chicago.
Thanks!
Jane

REPLY
safetyshield | @safetyshield | Oct 13, 2016
In reply to @lesbatts "Thank you for all your suggestions quazar. I'm sure when I get my new doctor in..." + (show)
@lesbatts

Thank you for all your suggestions quazar. I'm sure when I get my new doctor in November she will be taking me off from Klonopin I just hope she does it real slow.

Jump to this post

@lesbatts know it is easier said than done but make sure when you see your new doctor that you tell her to take you off klonopin slowly. Do not just rely on her let her know slowly.

REPLY
jbw2 | @jbw2 | Oct 13, 2016
In reply to @quazar "The Mood Cure by Julia Ross - here's the review on Good Reads. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/159072.The_Mood_Cure The CBT..." + (show)
@quazar

The Mood Cure by Julia Ross - here's the review on Good Reads. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/159072.The_Mood_Cure

The CBT classes I attended were more educational than one-on-one therapy, but it was somewhat interactive. I can imagine that one-on-one CBT would be even more helpful in terms of putting it into practice. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/home/ovc-20186868

Also, the MayoClinic.org website has a search bar at the very top of the page where you can search for more information about the things I mentioned in my post, such as meditation (http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858). Having information is the first step to using it wisely. So I encourage you all to get as much info as you can about these things and ask your doctors about what you learn. Sometimes what you find on the internet isn't correct. So it's important to find a reputable site, like the MayoClinic, and follow up with your doctor about what you learn. In my experience, websites that end in .org or .edu are going to have the most comprehensive and educational information. The .com sites are commercial sites that are often geared towards getting you to buy things.

Jump to this post

Thank you very much for the information, quasar. It is very helpful
Jane

REPLY
Minnie1971 | @lesbatts | Oct 14, 2016
In reply to @lesbatts "Thank you for all your suggestions quazar. I'm sure when I get my new doctor in..." + (show)
@lesbatts

Thank you for all your suggestions quazar. I'm sure when I get my new doctor in November she will be taking me off from Klonopin I just hope she does it real slow.

Jump to this post

Yes I know that I have to come off very slowly, I've been taken off Klonopin by another doctor about ten years ago. I'm the one who came up with the protocol which I got from Benzos.org. he pretty much let me follow that. Thank you for thinking of me.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.