Trying to find the right medications for my depression/anxiety

How did u manage your sleep? Im struggling.

I'm 71 and have had dysthymia(constant low grade depression)for at least 30 or more years. I have had issues of late, and changed medications twice. Tried trintillix, and it was not good for me. It is expensive, but when it works, it is the holy grail. Changed to Prozac about ten days ago, and some Klonopin for anxiety/sleep. Slept for 9 hours last night after a long bout of insomnia. It's a crapshoot to get the chemistry correct. Just be sure you have a doctor who will work with you.

I guess that I am one of the fortunate ones that it didn't take all that long (about 6 months) to find a combination of medications that work for me. I also very actively use CBT techniques to deal with negative thinking, and I think I wouldn't be able to be as functional as I am without it. I am tapering the medication I use for anxiety, as it was giving me brain fog and making me very tired in the afternoons. Today I'm taking 20mg of Lexapro and 5mg of Abilify, and that doesn't affect my energy detrimentally. When things were very bad for me I wasn't engaged in much activity, either. After being able to engage in work, which I was off for two years, with managing my sleep better, I have improved my verve quite a bit: I think it's important to be doing something meaningful for me within the limitations that I face today.

Hello,

Can you please tell me how you managed your sleep issues? I have pretty bad anxiety and depression and I can't sleep even on Ambien (4-5 hours max). I only take 600 g Lithium for my depression but it's not really doing much. I have Ativan on hand for severe anxiety. Dr wants me on Zoloft but I am terrified of side effects (mainly increased anxiety and insomnia). I'm getting closer to taking it though as I feel quite desperate. Sleep affects everything for me so any advice for that would be appreciated.

@happythinkingma , I’ve been on Zoloft for 20+ years and have no sleep problems. I used to when I took my dose at night, but now I take it first thing in morning. Also, NO anxiety. I just feel better! Several times the docs have wanted me to change, but I think, if it’s working, why would I change!
Maybe you could also find out if there’s a sleep doctor or clinic near you. I went to one several years ago ( not because of Zoloft) and they worked wonders. I hope things get straightened out for you. It’s not fun feeling miserable. Please let me know how it all goes with your decisions. Becky

@happythinkingma , I’ve been on Zoloft for 20+ years and have no sleep problems. I used to when I took my dose at night, but now I take it first thing in morning. Also, NO anxiety. I just feel better! Several times the docs have wanted me to change, but I think, if it’s working, why would I change!
Maybe you could also find out if there’s a sleep doctor or clinic near you. I went to one several years ago ( not because of Zoloft) and they worked wonders. I hope things get straightened out for you. It’s not fun feeling miserable. Please let me know how it all goes with your decisions. Becky

Hi everyone. I just joined this site. I’m 49 years old . I’ve been struggling with hormonal issues for past 12 years. I’ve been taking Effexor Xr for at least 10 years now. I just found out that I’m going thru menopause. I’m feeling sick everyday. I have lots of weakness in my legs, exhaustion, lack of appetite at times, constant dizziness. I’ve been going to
many doctors and no one is able to help me. I feel that Effexor isn’t helping but making me even more sick. Everyday is becoming a struggle for me. hope someone can make some good suggestions. I’m considering to check myself in hospital and run all tests to figure out what’s going on?

@becsbuddy- I agree, I love my zoloft. But I take it in the AM to help me start my day. I also have to take Wellbutrin. Everyone is different

Hi everyone. I just joined this site. I’m 49 years old . I’ve been struggling with hormonal issues for past 12 years. I’ve been taking Effexor Xr for at least 10 years now. I just found out that I’m going thru menopause. I’m feeling sick everyday. I have lots of weakness in my legs, exhaustion, lack of appetite at times, constant dizziness. I’ve been going to
many doctors and no one is able to help me. I feel that Effexor isn’t helping but making me even more sick. Everyday is becoming a struggle for me. hope someone can make some good suggestions. I’m considering to check myself in hospital and run all tests to figure out what’s going on?