Best antidepressants for anxiety? And about to begin a benzo taper

Hi @mostlybill - just curious about for how long you tried the bupropion (Wellbutrin)? I'm asking cause I have been on it for years, and I recall that the start of it was a very bumpy ride. I had increased anxiety, too, and was pretty worried about that. I was close to telling my doctor I'd like another antidepressant when a pharmacist told me I'd need to give it quite a bit longer — I think 2-3 months for things to all level out and feel the maximum positive effect and less side effects from the medication. That proved to be true in my case, and things all leveled out in a couple or three months and it was really helpful for my depression.

Will you share more about what your experience with this medication was like?

I have had several drugs prescribed for anxiety over the years. I have taken exactly one pill of each, and had an awful side effect. The Buspar I tried caused an incident of uncontrolled rage. Fortunately I was alone at the time. With Lexipro, one pill caused horrible, bloody hallucinations and I did not sleep for four days. My cognitive function was pretty bad for a week. Welbutrin caused increased anxiety, as do antihistamines. I have two friends who had similar issues with anti anxiety meds--either vivid hallucinations or extreme personality changes including paranoia and anger. Drugs seem to cause more problems than they solve.

Hi @mostlybill - just curious about for how long you tried the bupropion (Wellbutrin)? I'm asking cause I have been on it for years, and I recall that the start of it was a very bumpy ride. I had increased anxiety, too, and was pretty worried about that. I was close to telling my doctor I'd like another antidepressant when a pharmacist told me I'd need to give it quite a bit longer — I think 2-3 months for things to all level out and feel the maximum positive effect and less side effects from the medication. That proved to be true in my case, and things all leveled out in a couple or three months and it was really helpful for my depression.

Will you share more about what your experience with this medication was like?

Hi @mostlybill - just curious about for how long you tried the bupropion (Wellbutrin)? I'm asking cause I have been on it for years, and I recall that the start of it was a very bumpy ride. I had increased anxiety, too, and was pretty worried about that. I was close to telling my doctor I'd like another antidepressant when a pharmacist told me I'd need to give it quite a bit longer — I think 2-3 months for things to all level out and feel the maximum positive effect and less side effects from the medication. That proved to be true in my case, and things all leveled out in a couple or three months and it was really helpful for my depression.

Will you share more about what your experience with this medication was like?

I just started Prozac. I’ve been on a few other the last 30 years. They all start out bumpy! And yes do try to ride out the storm. They can take several months to adjust. Most people jump off because of side effects and don’t give them time to work. I will say Prozac has been the easiest to adjust to. Although my anxiety has ramped up. Doc says it should diminish. I’ll be tapering a benzo when the Prozac kicks in. I’m 67 with an extreme anxiety disorder. We’ll see what happens. I’m too old for this crap! LOL!

Sears, I’m older too and anxiety started 3 years ago for me. It’s as if something disconnected in the brain-gut axis. I was just switched from Lexapro to Prozac to see if it works better for me. It’s hard to be patient for months until the drug takes full effect, but I’ll do anything to reclaim my good days. Anxiety is as much a disease as any other. I’m also using herbal supplements — ashwagandha, chamomile teas — as well. Am trying hypnosis and acupuncture next.
Geeeez!

Lexapro has kept me on an even keel for several years, but I stopped taking it because when I learned that SSRI's can contribute to dementia. There is a strong history of Alzheimers in my family, and I am already having some memory issues. I am looking for an anti-anxiety med that is not associated with dementia. Someone told me SNRI's are good for older people. Does anyone have research about those?

I have tried a bunch of different anti depressants and other meds over the years, some aimed at anxiety, some not, with varied results. Prozac was good for me to a certain degree, but didn't address the anxiety. Buspar was awesome, but I was dizzy for hours with each dose, so discontinued. Wellbutrin made me hostile (to put it mildly), which is especially bad for me because my anxiety comes out as agitation, irritability, and feeling like I'm possessed by a rage demon. So that was a no go. Lithium did nothing for me at all. Depakote didn't help my mood, and I gained 100 pounds. Tegratol- rash. Lexapro- kind of worked, but not well enough. I'm sure there were more, but that's what I remember off the top of my head. The real game changer for me? Effexor. It is tough to get on or off of (have to ramp up and taper off very planfully), but it isn't an exaggeration that if I'd found it 30 years ago, my life would have taken a very different path in many ways. It pairs well with my adderall as well, and I haven't had any side effects after my body adjusted to it (took a few weeks). Once it did, I swear it was like clouds parted and the choirs sang and I realized what it was like to not feel crazy/on edge/etc and could actually THINK, learn and implement new skills and tools, and move forward in my life and relationships. Everyone is so different that it's hard to tell what direction to go in, but I would strongly encourage you to advocate for yourself in finding the right med/combo of meds. Don't stop searching until you find a med/combo/dosage that is just right for you. "I feel better than I did" is a START, not the finish line. Good luck!