1. < Depression & Anxiety

What options for anxiety & depression have worked for you?

Posted by mlh13here @mlh13here, Jan 28, 2022

Hello. So I just got off of Effexor. I was on it for anxiety and depression for a few years. Even with dose increases in the past, I do not feel like it worked very well for me.
I have an upcoming appt in February with a psychiatrist to determine other options for medication for me.
I am just looking for what others have found to work for them or what hasn't worked. There are so many options and I want to have somewhat of an understanding of what's out there.
Thank you in advance:)
Michelle

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marye2 | @marye2 | Feb 12, 2022

I am at the point of having taking some meds for decades, having to make changes. However, what does help is a 3 to 5 item list for first thing in the morning: get up, take meds, eat something and get dressed. We call it the "Rise and Shine" list. A daily walk outside and other exercise really help the anxiety, too. Here's an article to ponder that I found: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/harnessing-principles-change/202201/how-our-safety-behaviors-feed-anxiety

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1 reply
sallie70 | @sallie70 | Feb 12, 2022
In reply to @leah09 "I have been on Klonopin for up to six years for Anxiety. I am already physically..." + (show)
@leah09

I have been on Klonopin for up to six years for Anxiety. I am already physically dependent upon it. Please note: There is a BIG difference between "addiction" and "physical dependence" upon a prescribed medication. My Doctor explained this to me. "Addiction" is when you go to great lengths to obtain the drug and
you abuse the drug, whereas "physical dependence" means your body has adjusted to the medication and you had a Doctor prescribe it to you. "Addiction" is meant more for illegal street type drugs. Leah09

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You are correct in your distinction. That having been said, some people with addictive tendencies probably shouldn’t take clonazepam.

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esthermayo | @esthermayo | Feb 12, 2022
In reply to @marye2 "I am at the point of having taking some meds for decades, having to make changes...." + (show)
@marye2

I am at the point of having taking some meds for decades, having to make changes. However, what does help is a 3 to 5 item list for first thing in the morning: get up, take meds, eat something and get dressed. We call it the "Rise and Shine" list. A daily walk outside and other exercise really help the anxiety, too. Here's an article to ponder that I found: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/harnessing-principles-change/202201/how-our-safety-behaviors-feed-anxiety

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Thank you for posting this link. It was very helpful.

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Mentor
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Feb 12, 2022
In reply to @leah09 "I have been on Klonopin for up to six years for Anxiety. I am already physically..." + (show)
@leah09

I have been on Klonopin for up to six years for Anxiety. I am already physically dependent upon it. Please note: There is a BIG difference between "addiction" and "physical dependence" upon a prescribed medication. My Doctor explained this to me. "Addiction" is when you go to great lengths to obtain the drug and
you abuse the drug, whereas "physical dependence" means your body has adjusted to the medication and you had a Doctor prescribe it to you. "Addiction" is meant more for illegal street type drugs. Leah09

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Hello, @leah09. I'm glad that isn't you and you're taking your medications as prescribed. Unfortunately, some folks start out with a prescription from their physician that slowly grows into an addiction.

I know people who got dependent on Klonapin, Xanax or other similar class drugs . They take more than what's prescribed and try to get more and more of that drug or something else that will give them that same feeling. So, addiction is not just for illegal street drugs like heroin but for any substance (drugs, alcohol, food) that takes over a person and their lives become unmanageable.

My anxiety goes up and down and I've learned some strategies that help. How are you doing today?

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