Connect
← Return to Depression and Anxiety at an older age
Discussion
Depression and Anxiety at an older age
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: May 26 11:44am | Replies (625)Comment receiving replies
Hi Merry. My agoraphobia started when trying to taper off diazepam, which I was put on 10 months ago low dose. I did not have it before, I have spent most of the 10 months trying to reduce the 4 mgs diazepam I was prescribed for anxiety, and each tiny reduction has been a torture. Now at 2.3mgs and housebound.
I do try to make myself walk around the block each day, but need to have someone on the end of my phone to keep talking me through. I have tried to start CBT but it wont work due to the diazepam taper which is horrendous and leaves me in a state of fear all day. Lost 30lbs in weight and muscle loss. Such a terrible time with it.
I have been considering adding an AD to help, but as my CNS has been so sensitised I am concerned that they will be too overstimulating for me now.
I would be grateful for any input in how to help overcome the massive fear I live in, due to the diazepam taper, as I am sure once I could reduce the major anxiety I will be able to tackle the agoraphobia.
I am not sure where to go from here.
Replies to "Hi Merry. My agoraphobia started when trying to taper off diazepam, which I was put on..."
Connect
@chinchuck Good morning! I’m so sorry for all that you are going through. Sounds really tough. May I ask, are you working closely with your doctor as you come off the Valium? Why are you coming off? Definitely ask your doctor for antidepressants— they can certainly help. They do take 2+ weeks to start working, though. Do you have a therapist that you work with? I’m 71 and have a therapist, antidepressants, and a chronic disease that affects my brain. But not as difficult as yours. I certainly wish you luck. Stay in touch to let us know how you’re doing and maybe some of the others will have suggestions.