Depression and Anxiety at an older age

@helenfrances I have been on Clonazapam for a long time. I find I don't need it during the day, only at bedtime I take 2 1 mg. It has helped me and glad I don't have anxiety most of the time.

I recently talked to the doctor who prescribed Clonazapam for cervical dystonia. He decided to decrease dose ... it can affect memory!! And mood..... after all these years!!!

I now have stomach cramps and ab pain ....following his withdrawal schedule of decreasing the Clon.
He DENIES that the cramping pain is caused by withdrawal.

The pharmacist told me to read the print out
of Clonazapam withdrawal: stomach and ab pain.

The prescriber of Clon is telling me that my gut, stomach pain is caused by my FORMER digestive pain (celiac)which I had BEFORE celiac diagnosis.

I had no GI pain for decades after I was diagnosed with celiac disease!!!! I was allergic to wheat stopped eating wheat (celiac disease). No problem!I No pain!

I have been pain free UNTIL titrating off Clonazapam.
Pain is caused by decrease in Clonazapam!
Why is he blaming my present stomach/ intestine pain on celiac .....
1.when I now know not to eat WHEAT

2. and the pharmacist pointed out the symptoms of withdrawal from Clonazapam. ( stomach and intestinal pain).

Double over cramping would be a better description

I don't have anything really to say. Just wanted you to know that I am 68 and experiencing similar depression. Both myself and my husband are retired. He is doing very well and I am struggling. Anyway, My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hi, I am 71 and I have been suffering with OCD and intrusive thoughts with depression for a LONG time. I have taken such drugs as cymbalta, Abilify, Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, Xanax and others. I was wondering what success the group has had with any of these drugs. Also I would be interested if anyone has tried Ketamine or TCS, especially for the OCD

Ask your doctor to proscribe Wellbutrin. It’s particularly good to relieve depression in us elderly.

I appreciate your prayers... I am much better!

Lily, I have just recently joined you!
I went to the emergency room because I was having intense stomach and intestinal pains! Told the docs I was withdrawing from Clon. One young doc said that he preferred a glass of 🍷. My husband, young docs and I had to laugh.
BUT the next day I decided not to take the Clon. I had a small glass of sherry in the evening with my husband.
Did that again the next day. No Clonazapam!!
and no wine.
nothing for days .. was busy with family and friends.

Tonight I had a small glass of sherry. They are very small “goblets”.
I really do not feel the need to drink alcohol and more importantly I do not feel the need to take Clonazepam!🎉🎊

I cannot forget to tell you that while I was at the hospital, I called a friend who is a nun. She and her friend prayed for me!
After taking Clonazapam for years I am surprised that I do not crave it. 🎉🎊🧗🧗🏻‍♀️
Please keep me in your 🙏

@helenfrances Just read this Ellen I will add you to my prayer list if you want . I belong to a group of ladies and men so if you want I will add your name. Take care . I to take a glass of wine and no pain pill then . I like you don't require it but it sure beats taking the pills doesn't it

@helengrances I'm so glad you got off of clonazapam. I still have to take it at night to help me sleep. I am now getting off of Oxycodone and once I get off of that I will get off of Tramadol. I find most of my pain is muscle spasms. I'm on a antidepressant (Lexapro) and a mood pill called Lamictal. I hope you continue to improve and thanks for your prayers for I can't bend, twist or lift anything heavy. I wear a brace too. My husband keeps on saying I'm twisting, I'm doing the best I can and don't think I am the surgeon told me if I did move that way I could pull out a Screw or break a rod. So depression set in after that visit.
I will continue to pray for you. Jeanie