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Anxiety and Depression: I just want to feel normal again.
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Aug 20, 2019 | Replies (138)Comment receiving replies
I am a 63-year-old male. I have been suffering from severe anxiety and depression for more than 25 years. During the course of my illness, I have seen many doctors and taken many medications. I am currently on three antidepressants and two anti-anxiety drugs, Clonazepam, and pregabalin. I began pregabalin in December 2018 with a dosage of 150 mg. It controlled my anxiety immediately and brought my life back to normal. But after about 10 months, the anxiety returned. My doctor increased the dosage by 75 mg, which again helped to normalise my life. But after about 6 months the anxiety returned, though less intense than last time. This happened about 10 days ago. The doctor has again increased the dosage of pregabalin by 75 mg, which seems to be helping. My question to anyone who has taken pregabalin is: Could I expect the dosage of pregabalin to stabilize at some level in the future, or will pregabalin keep losing its effectiveness with time, as has happened so far? Would greatly appreciate any advice in this regard. Thanks.
Replies to "I am a 63-year-old male. I have been suffering from severe anxiety and depression for more..."
Hello, @pankaj - I'm sorry to hear you've experienced these ups and downs with your anxiety and depression and your meds. Good that you have a doctor who is sensitive to making adjustments for you along the way. I'd like to invite @lillee @jfanesi @eburning @cdcc @yolandaf into this conversation to offer any insights from their experiences with pregabalin (Lyrica) on whether the dosage is likely to stabilize at some level in the future, or if it will likely lose it's effectiveness with time. @healthytoday and @becsbuddy may also have some thoughts on this.
@smilie - I agree with @grandmar - I'm terribly sorry you're suffering right now. You'd mentioned you have medicine and are getting professional help, and that you have an emergency crisis unit to call. You also talked about considering going to the hospital. I'd strongly suggest that you 1) call your medical professional, 2) call your emergency crisis unit, or 3) at least call one of your adult children, if you are continuing to think of the "S" word. We care and want you to be safe and helped through this difficult time.
@pankaj I’m really sorry you’re having so much trouble. You started with pregabalin in Dec’18 with 150 mg? And you’re up to 300mg now. Is this correct? Usually doctors will increase dosages slowly so the worst side effects can be avoided. Did your doctor explain that this is what he/she is doing? If you need to, make an appointment and have a discussion with you doctor. Are you able to get appointments easily? Let us know how things turn out. Becky
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Hi! My depression started when I was about 12 years old and now I’m 60. My mind is in a very dark place. I keep thinking of the “S” word. I’m fighting, I hope that I win but I’m not sure!!!!