Hello @sadiesmom

I am so sorry to hear of all of the difficulties you have been through. Losing a marriage and a child are by far some of the biggest stressors we can face. My heart goes out to you.

During this time, you have also encountered physical problems which compounds things, doesn't it? You didn't mention how much Effexor you were taking prior to decreasing the dose and replacing it with Prozac. I understand that doctors are reluctant to prescribe meds like Xanax to those of us over 60 as it increases the chances for falls as well as addictions.

Have you sought a second opinion on making this dosage and medication change? This may be a good idea based on the symptoms you are having.

Please keep in touch with Mayo Connect and let us know how you are doing.

Teresa

Hi, @sadiesmom -- In case you need to talk to someone, here is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org that Jim referred to in his message earlier: Simple call or text 988. I am so sorry that you are going through this. It’s important to know you are not alone! I’m tagging @johnbishop, @contentandwell and @IndianaScott, who may be able to provide some support. Your Connect community is here for you!

@sadiesmom @lisalucier I am so sorry for what you are going through and can only imagine how difficult it must be to face each new day not feeling well. I have never experienced anything like this so I really do not have advice based on experience. I also have never taken any of the drugs mentioned. Right now my personal main concern is not getting dependent on pain meds.
I just know that the more you can push yourself to do, no matter how difficult it may be, the better each day will be. Anything you can do will give you that positive sense of accomplishment and that is a first step, I think. I know it is for me when I am feeling at all down. Fortunately for me those times have been situational so not long term.
It’s obviously easier said than done but I hope you can push yourself to muster enough energy to get moving every day, even for any small accomplishments.
Please feel free to just vent and air out your feelings to this very caring group of people. Everyone I have contact with here is very caring and sympathetic.
JK

Hello @contentandwell

I would like to "double like" your comment. Your comment is very well worded. Yes, often we do have to push ourselves out of our comfort zone in order to feel better.

Teresa

Thank you for your reply.....appreciate it so much....

I had no idea I would receive such kind and caring words from all of you. I can't thank you enough....hugs.

Thank you....

Thank you Teresa....the problem in my area is finding a psychiatrist. Most are months out for appointments an it takes a few "tries" to find one who truly understands. The last one I went to had a "check off" list of life stressors....I had 11 out of the 12 points on the list. She said, "My you HAVE had a lot of loss in your life." I need to find a place to start dealing with my junk, one thing at a time and move on to the next. That's been my problem. So many losses on top of each other before I could deal with the first thing.....All I know is that I'm living a hell I wouldn't wish on anyone...

Thank you so much. That's kind of what I'm thinking.....the .25 just isn't getting it. I either need a higher dosage or the ability to take the .25 more than twice a day. I feel asleep on the couch this afternoon after doing some relaxation exercises (audio) and the anxiety woke me up out of a dead sleep. I didn't even have my eyes open and my heart was racing. This is hell.....that's all I know....

Thank you. I will definitely look into it.