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Depression and Anxiety at an older age
I am a 70 year old woman who has had depression and anxiety for a long time. It got worse 3 years ago when my husband lost one of his jobs. I panicked and my anxiety increased. I was afraid to do things. like driving. I have arthritis pretty bad and foot problems. I’m a Christian and my faith has helped me. My husband was a pastor and our church closed 3 months ago. We’ve had continual stress. Sometimes I don’t know what to do with myself during the day. I’ve gotten help from several doctors, including a psychiatrist. I also have IBS. I am better. I’m taking trazadone duloxetine, remeron and xanax. Also on osteo biflex, probiotic , bentyl and celebrex. I want to get on Sam e but it may interact with one of my meds. Thanks for listening.
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What does flagged mean
Meant dr put me on (3) 5mg diazepam daily instead of (3) .05mg xanax daily. Am I having withdrawals since benzodiazepines were upbruptly cut in half. Husband calling dr tomorrow. This kind of thing only happens on weekends when their office is closed! Husband doesn't talk to me very much so appreciate your communications! Thanks again!
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1 ReactionYour doctor abruptly switched you to diazepam?
Can anyone tell me which antidepressants have no anticholinergic effects? I am reading a lot about the possible associations between anticholinergic meds and dementia in the elderly.
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1 ReactionThank you, Ginger.
Is APS a state ….and national organization?
@helenfrances It is the adult version of Child Protective Services. The website http://www.napsa-now.org is for the national organization and has a lot of good information.
Ginger
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2 ReactionsThank you.
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1 ReactionI am also tapering from a benzodiazepine… which affects mood and memory.
My new doctor wrote a taper schedule, decreasing the dose very slowly. I am on month 1 of taper.
He also prescribed another medication (to help
with anxiety of withdrawal).
The relief from seeing this doctor Is wonderful! I feel blessed that a retiring neurologist(not the original prescriber) recommended this doctor to me
For the first time I have hope.
I regret seeing the original prescriber. The risks of this medication outweighed the benefits. If I were a litigious I would start a lawsuit.
Please persevere.
1. Can you ask your doctor for a written schedule of how and when you should take your medications?
2. Do you want to get a second opinion from another doctor?
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3 Reactions@helenfrances
Hi Ellen,
I can only speak for California. California has 58 counties and every county has a Child Protective Services/Adult Protective Services office (CPS/APS).
They have been very helpful to me. I have filed 5 complaints with them against my cousins caregivers, my cousin is Developmentally Disabled. His caregiver stole over $2,000 by stealing his atm card and did other things.
Which benzo are you tapering off of?
Would you mind sharing your taper schedule with us?
Take care,
Jake
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5 ReactionsI wish I could offer more than support. I am here any time you need to “talk” but I have always been able to keep my benzo use on an as needed basis. I could go a week without one just deep breathing or CBT during shorter panic attacks.
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2 Reactions@annieb0188 Any updates on the new job? Just thinking of you!
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1 ReactionAll anti depressants are dangerous. There are no “good” antidepressants. One can become extremely dependent on an antidepressant just as they can a benzo and withdrawal can be horrendous. The sad part is antidepressants rarely work and Benzos do.