Depression and Anxiety at an older age

Posted by pjss48 @pjss48, Sep 14, 2018

I am a 70 year old woman who has had depression and anxiety for a long time. It got worse 3 years ago when my husband lost one of his jobs. I panicked and my anxiety increased. I was afraid to do things. like driving. I have arthritis pretty bad and foot problems. I'm a Christian and my faith has helped me. My husband was a pastor and our church closed 3 months ago. We've had continual stress. Sometimes I don't know what to do with myself during the day. I've gotten help from several doctors, including a psychiatrist. I also have IBS. I am better. I'm taking trazadone duloxetine, remeron and xanax. Also on osteo biflex, probiotic , bentyl and celebrex. I want to get on Sam e but it may interact with one of my meds. Thanks for listening.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Sep 13, 2020

In reply to @helenfrances "I plead ignorance. What is APS?" + (show)

@helenfrances Ellen, it stands for Adult Protective Services, who help to stop elder abuse.
Ginger

tryingtogetbetter | @tryingtogetbetter | Sep 13, 2020

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!

lsittll | @lsittll | Sep 13, 2020

@tryingtogetbetter haven't you found Xanax to be very addicting? My mother was on it and became very addicted. She became very dependent on it. At one point she used to take a little extra .5. She felt that some day she wouldn't wake up because of the Xanax. I would be afraid to use that drug after what she experienced.

tryingtogetbetter | @tryingtogetbetter | Sep 13, 2020

In reply to @lsittll "@tryingtogetbetter haven't you found Xanax to be very addicting? My mother was on it and became..." + (show)

Thank you for responding. Very hard to go off xanax even with the diazepam. Sick of all medication and their side effects.

tryingtogetbetter | @tryingtogetbetter | Sep 13, 2020

What does flagged mean

tryingtogetbetter | @tryingtogetbetter | Sep 13, 2020

In reply to @tryingtogetbetter "What does flagged mean" + (show)

Meant dr put me on (3) 5mg diazepam daily instead of (3) .05mg xanax daily. Am I having withdrawals since benzodiazepines were upbruptly cut in half. Husband calling dr tomorrow. This kind of thing only happens on weekends when their office is closed! Husband doesn't talk to me very much so appreciate your communications! Thanks again!

sears | @sears | Sep 13, 2020

Your doctor abruptly switched you to diazepam?

Liane | @Liane1 | Sep 13, 2020

In reply to @sears "Your doctor abruptly switched you to diazepam?" + (show)

Can anyone tell me which antidepressants have no anticholinergic effects? I am reading a lot about the possible associations between anticholinergic meds and dementia in the elderly.

Ellen | @helenfrances | Sep 13, 2020

In reply to @gingerw "@helenfrances Ellen, it stands for Adult Protective Services, who help to stop elder abuse. Ginger" + (show)

Thank you, Ginger.
Is APS a state ....and national organization?

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Sep 13, 2020

In reply to @helenfrances "Thank you, Ginger. Is APS a state ....and national organization?" + (show)

@helenfrances It is the adult version of Child Protective Services. The website http://www.napsa-now.org is for the national organization and has a lot of good information.
Ginger