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Depression and Anxiety at an older age
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (621)Comment receiving replies
Hi all. I have fought anxiety and depression since in 30's, now 63. My family dr is trying to wean me off xanax, which I have been on for many years, at one point 6mg day. Have GAD. He is now trying to wean me off since I have been on so much for so long. Also have med resistant major depression also fighting for years. Tried at least 20 meds. Two rounds of psychotherapy for 6 months each time and 4 shock treatments which I could not complete due to anxiety. Memory is poor, husband does everything and is disabled to to numerous back surgeries. Feel guilty about that. Also have chronic pancreatitis, IBS, fibro and scoliosis with no energy. Point being, if anyone can help, dr has changed me from daily dosage of (3) .5mg of xanax to daily dosage of (3) 5mg xanax daily. This equals to half amount of benzodiazepines I had been taking, according to chart on internet. Question being how long am I going to feel this crazy and restless? Take 300mg Wellbutrin in am and 50mg Trazadone before bed. Any insite would be appreciated and it's been a long time since I have taken a shower, no energy, losing weight. If anyone could help me to know how long this reduction in benzodiazepines is going to make me feel crazy? Don't really know how to use forums but best of luck to all of you!
Replies to "Hi all. I have fought anxiety and depression since in 30's, now 63. My family dr..."
I wish I could offer more than support. I am here any time you need to “talk” but I have always been able to keep my benzo use on an as needed basis. I could go a week without one just deep breathing or CBT during shorter panic attacks.
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I am also tapering from a benzodiazepine... which affects mood and memory.
My new doctor wrote a taper schedule, decreasing the dose very slowly. I am on month 1 of taper.
He also prescribed another medication (to help
with anxiety of withdrawal).
The relief from seeing this doctor Is wonderful! I feel blessed that a retiring neurologist(not the original prescriber) recommended this doctor to me
For the first time I have hope.
I regret seeing the original prescriber. The risks of this medication outweighed the benefits. If I were a litigious I would start a lawsuit.
Please persevere.
1. Can you ask your doctor for a written schedule of how and when you should take your medications?
2. Do you want to get a second opinion from another doctor?