1. < Depression & Anxiety

Trying to find the right medications for my depression/anxiety

Posted by brit @brit, Jan 10, 2019

I have had depression for quite a few year now. I am in my 70's and found it harder to deal with. My psychiatrist has been working with me trying to find the best medication. So far no luck. He is very dedicated and does a great job trying to help. Right now I am takin 2 medications but they don't seem to do the
job either. They are Doxepin 25 mg and chlordiazepox. Help!

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brit | @brit | Jan 14, 2019
In reply to @happythinkingma "How did u manage your sleep? Im struggling." + (show)
@happythinkingma

How did u manage your sleep? Im struggling.

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stay up as late as you can. Slso, your medication should have some keep of help with not sleeping.
Ask your doctor about this and I bet he/she would give you the help to sleep a good nights sleepPatti

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brit | @brit | Jan 14, 2019
In reply to @elwooodsdad "I'm 71 and have had dysthymia(constant low grade depression)for at least 30 or more years. I..." + (show)
@elwooodsdad

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.

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My doctor is super. He works with me all he can and some have had temperary help I think my doctor doesn't even know Patti

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happythinkingma | @happythinkingma | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @guener "I guess that I am one of the fortunate ones that it didn't take all that..." + (show)
@guener

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.

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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.

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2 replies
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @happythinkingma "Hello, Can you please tell me how you managed your sleep issues? I have pretty bad..." + (show)
@happythinkingma

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.

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@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

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3 replies
happythinkingma | @happythinkingma | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @becsbuddy "@happythinkingma , I’ve been on Zoloft for 20+ years and have no sleep problems. I used..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@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

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Thank you so much!

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fabgal17 | @fabgal17 | Jan 17, 2019

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?

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3 replies
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @becsbuddy "@happythinkingma , I’ve been on Zoloft for 20+ years and have no sleep problems. I used..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@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

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@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

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1 reply
happythinkingma | @happythinkingma | Jan 17, 2019
In reply to @fabgal17 "Hi everyone. I just joined this site. I’m 49 years old . I’ve been struggling with..." + (show)
@fabgal17

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?

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Did all your tests come back ok from your dr?

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brit | @brit | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@becsbuddy- I agree, I love my zoloft. But I take it in the AM to help..." + (show)
@merpreb

@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

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God Bless you sweetheart………..hope this medication continues to help you. Patti

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brit | @brit | Jan 18, 2019
In reply to @fabgal17 "Hi everyone. I just joined this site. I’m 49 years old . I’ve been struggling with..." + (show)
@fabgal17

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?

Jump to this post

Usually depression just comes out from somewhere and takes over your life. My mother, sister and grandmother suffered with this but me now being 73 thought I had passed it by with the blessings of God. But no………it started coming on about 2 years ago and hasn't let up since that time. I have a good doctor and he does try to help me all he can but we just haven't found the "right" medicine yet. Just try to be strong (that's what I try to do) sometime it works sometimes it doesn't but it a daily "hell "for me. God Bless ….try to be strong. Patti

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