Why don’t anxiety meds work for me?

@schwing
Still feeling terrible. On top of my own anxiety producing issues, some “people” from either India, Pakistan or the Philippines have gotten into the habit of tormenting us multiple times a day about bullshit supposed Medicare plans. They are just evil people but they ask for me by name and have my birthdate. The phone number is always different and it says the call is from a realty company, a bank or some other legitimate business. When I politely asked them not to call here anymore, they told me to “F” myself and start laughing and are calling more frequently. We have to keep the phone unplugged most of the day and certainly the night. I really don’t need this added stress as I can barely make it through each day and the nights are even worse with my constant palpitations and incessant shaking. I saw a new psychiatrist on Thursday. Since I was on the Effexor long term before I stopped it resulting in a return of my extreme anxiety, he suggested I try to restart it. I have already tried to restart several times at the recommendation of nurse practitioners, but agreed to try one more time. We’ll see how it goes. He also prescribed 5 mg Valium 2x a day. I tried half a pill and it did nothing. He wanted to give me Klonopin but I deferred. Of course, he doesn’t take insurance — credit cards or cash only. This message is longer than what I had intended, hope you don’t mind.

Claudia

Hi Claudia:

Sorry to hear you are still struggling and suffering so much.

I, like you, have been activated beyond compare lately during the day; early is worst. Nighttimes are a struggle as I have found no relief for sleep with the medications.

My doctor has me coming off the Paxil now since it is obviously not working to address this current situation. The Benzo option does not seem to be helping much either and He had me stop Trazadone at night because it also was not working well.

So, no medication plan but every day is a struggle with intense anxiety, tremors, and depression.

I have no real good options. The physical symptoms are so bad that I am sidelined the majority of the day.

I think with my case the long term SSRI Paxil use caused nervous system deregulation after the surgery 10 months back. Lots of therapy and other protocols, but nothing is sticking at the moment.

John

To @jschwing
I feel horrible today. After taking my Venlafaxine for the third day this morning at 7am, I went to the bedroom and collapsed into a heap on the bed. I finally got up at 11;30am but feel like I could sleep forever. Prior to this morning’s sleep, I hadn’t slept in months. It’s crazy what these medications can do. I don’t want to take any benzos either as they really don’t seem to help.
Claudia

Benzos should work

Xanax worked for my anxiety

Search antianxiety herbs on utube. Ashwsganda 1200 mg rhodiola astragalus salmon be pollen lots of berries😘

Claudia:

I was hoping you were doing a little bit better after you got some sleep in the morning. I am surprised the Valium is not working better. It is supposed to have a much longer affect and long half life.

I saw anther post that mentioned the Valium was not working for you. I was sorry to hear this. Are you still trying to get on the Venlafaxine?

John

@jschwing
I am worse than yesterday. Cannot get back on Venlafaxine. Can’t find a behavioral health hospital to help me. Took a Valium this morning out of desperation but it only lasted an hour. No one here in the psychiatric field knows what protracted withdrawal is. If I go to the behavioral health hospital they won’t know what to do for me and I just will be lumped in with patients with all different diagnoses. I am now on my own as my husband fell apart from this stress I have put on him. I will have to be admitted somewhere by myself.

Thank you for your concern.

Claudia

@jschwing
A neighbor just came over to talk to me after my husband asked her to. She is very nice but knows nothing about mental health. She thinks I can will it away. I tried to explain that it is not like being treated for the flu and I can’t control the thoughts in my head. We walked a little bit and I was stumbling while using the cane. She asked if I was purposely causing my shaking and stumbling. I assured her I was not.

Claudia:

I am so sorry that you are going through this.

While you are in such distress, consider taking the full prescribed dose by your DR. and not cutting the pill. Maybe you have already tried this

I do know how intense and debilitating these symptoms are.

Also, it does not help when individuals make comments about just willing it away with a different mindset. And the phylogenetic motor skill impairment is a real physical symptom of extreme anxiety and depression. One of my friends just mentioned, hey since you cannot sleep just get up and make eggs or pancakes. You know how ridiculous that suggestion is with this condition.

Since you are located in Arizona, have you considered ATMC Alternative to Meds Center in Sedona? We researched this I while back and they utilize a medical protocol with medication, but focus on healing through various modalities.