Anxiety continues after trying 5 different meds

would like to talke to you will not go cold turkey. use this route or email

Hi cabinfever...I see there havent been any posts regarding your situation in a while. So how is it going? I too, am ... what they call ... suffering from Treatment Resistment Depression as I too have tried virtually everything under the sun. I say everything...there were a few I wasn't able to give a go with due to un-insured status and the med cost ...some of them..as much as $700 for 30 day dosage. It's so sad for those of us who fall into this catagory of patient's. Help MAY be there but not within financial reach for us. I would like to hear where you are with yours right now. Prayers and thoughts r with u my friend.

started Luvox also had a blood test that was processed by Mayo clinic (PCY450) see mayo clinic web site. tells which drugs may work by looking at your DNA. Also had been taking small amounts of calcium and magnesium. go to Wellness Resources web site. late afternoon seems to be the worst for me. goes in cycles. on low dose of LUVox so will have to wait and see what happens at more normal levels. rembmeber the song I have been everywhere. that is me Also have you asked your family doc if there might be something medical that is causing the problem. look at bodylogicmn.com cabin fever

thank you for the info...I tried Luvox...ended up in the ER with my potassium depleted...it has a warning about this as a possible serious side effect and so, of course, I suffered from it. My worst time is upon waking up every morning. I suffer from PTSD and so my sleep pattern is virtually non-existent due to nightmares and other highly charged dreams. I have started on a medication for it and am doing well on it. I feel like when I get to the maintenance dose of it, I will see marked improvement as far as sleep goes and in turn may do better with my depression. The med I take for the PTSD is Minipress. It helps to block the high amount of adrenaline my body has been putting out 24/7 and so far, I've had no side effects on the starter dose. I will check out the wesite you listed. Thanks again for your reply my friend.

Hi, I am new here but I have had to deal with anxiety for over 20 years. They tried me on all sorts of meds that caused a variety of troubles for me. One doctor finally tried placing me on a very low dose of Xanax. I have no trouble taking it, it will relax me enough to be able to leave my home, and I do not have the awful side effects with it. I only take it when needed and it can be stopped without any bad effects. I hope this helps. I am not sure if you have already tried it, but it has worked for me and I am a light weight when it comes to medicine. Have a great day.

My husband has been on 20mg lexapro for years was doing well till the Dr lowered it to 10 mg and added Abilify. Now he's having many issues, depressed, not able to work,psychotic moods meaning acting very short tempered and mean and suicidal. But ofcourse the Dr wanted to try this. Its not working and they don't care till he goes back to his next monthly visit. Everything was fine,he was doing good. Does lowering lexapro and adding Abilify do this to others or are you not supposed to wean down so much when adding another medication? This has been awful for him. And ofcourse affects me as well. I'm more worried about him because he was feeling suicidal as well.

I wonder if theirs a podcast within mayo clinic where people can have these discussions?

@qmeleslie, you're absolutely right that your husband's mental wellbeing affects you and those around him. This must be very worrisome for you to see the changes in your husband and especially his becoming mean and suicidal.

I'm tagging fellow members @helenfrances @aliali @al4terry @stsopoci @jimhd @texasduchess who have experience with Lexapro, tapering off antidepressants and/or coping with suicidal ideation. While we wait for others to join in, you may be interested in these related discussions too.

- Tapering off Lexapro or Cipralex (Escitalopram) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tapering-off-lexapro-or-cipralex-escitalopram/
– Horrible Lexapro Side Effects Not Going Away. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/horrible-lexapro-side-effects-not-going-away/

@qmeleslie, everyone is different, but it seems like your husband's doctor has suggested a tapering schedule that is too fast for him. Was Abilify added at the same time as the reducing the dosage of Lexapro? Are you able to get an appointment earlier to discuss with his doctor?

I am brand new to Connect. After receiving and reading the supplement to the clinic health letter on depression and anxiety disorders I thought that it would be a good idea to post. I have struggled with these illnesses for quite a number of years. I've been a teacher but had to give that up because of panic attacks and trips to mental health hospital stays. Many medications and many side effects have led to additional sufferings. It's been a roller coaster life. Psychotherapy for over two years kept my marriage intact and helped me to live a half way normal life. I would love to hear from anyone out there who has worked their way through to a somewhat rewarding life. Gail in SD

@gailhanna Hi and welcome to Mayo Connect! This is a wonderful forum for inspiration and hope from members who have shared similar stories and experiences.

Depression and anxiety are control freaks! They take over our lives and sure put up a fight when we try to push them away. Many years ago, I suffered from panic attacks too and they were life altering. I’m so sorry you had to stop teaching because of them. Are they under control now?

You might find some helpful conversions in the group I’ve posted below. One person in particular is @hearttoheart1 . She’s been so inspirational in her ‘take charge’ attitude to get her anxiety back under control.

Sending positive thoughts your way! Lori.