Long time anxiety

[MimiKathy70]

I was first diagnosed with anxiety in 2000. For the most part, my episodes were few & far between. Starting this year, my anxiety has hit twice with weeks of everyday anxiety. I’m on Paxil & Ativan. I’ve seen a therapist once & will see a psychiatric nurse practitioner this week. I’m scared that she will change the only meds that are currently helping

[LostSoul8]

Maybe you should talk to the practitioner about your concerns. Maybe they might continue with the current meds or might give something even better. Raise your concern to them.

[MimiKathy70 in reply to LostSoul8]

Thank you. I am terrified to even try another med.

[ReardenSt33l]

Yes make sure to tell your NP that your medication is working for you. Although, if he/she feels that another medication may be beneficial it may be good to try it out and if it doesn’t work then you can always go back to what’s currently working.

I hope everything works out and you are able to get some rest and relief from your anxiety

[MimiKathy70 in reply to ReardenSt33l]

Thank you so much for your advice & encouragement!

[Hidden]

Just make sure you convey all your thoughts to her! Wishing you all the best!!! XXX

[MimiKathy70 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. She’s an older lady & when I talked to her to make an appointment, she sounded gruff. I sure hope she can help without making me experiment with other meds.

Hugs to you!

[Hidden in reply to MimiKathy70]

Maybe she was just having a bad day...who knows!!! Love & hugs!!!

[MimiKathy70 in reply to Hidden]

I hope so! Hugs back to tou

[Hidden in reply to MimiKathy70]

Good luck! XXX

[BW33]

I am a 67 yr old female with severe anxiety.

[MimiKathy70 in reply to BW33]

Hi BW33

Do you take anything for your anxiety?

Getting older gives us so many more reasons to be anxious

Hugs to tou

[BW33 in reply to MimiKathy70]

I use to take lexapro but I am really sensitive to meds. I really need to start taking something again. How about U?

[MimiKathy70 in reply to BW33]

These kinds of meds can have horrible side effects. I tried to take Klonopin & it was worse than any anxiety I’ve ever had. I felt depressed as well. People would say you have to get used to it. No thanks. I was seriously afraid of what I would do while on it.

I went back to Ativan & just 1/2 mg made me feel calm & normal again

I also take Paxil every day

Hugs to you

[Selvage22]

If you are on Paxil, my advice would be to stay on it. Withdrawal is worse than anything else you can experience, in my experience anyhow. Your nurse may increase the dosage. It worked for me very well until I tried to wean off. I don't imagine they will change your meds. Be sure and tell them of your concerns. Best wishes.

[MimiKathy70 in reply to Selvage22]

I agree. I stupidly thought I could wean off Paxil last October. Got down from 30 to 10 mg & got sick. Thought I had the flu then I started having my first time of everyday anxiety. It lasted about 2 months. The time it took for the Paxil to build back up in my system. Then my everyday anxiety was gone.

I had to find a new GP & she increased my Paxil to 40 mg. That was less than a month ago so I don’t know if it’s working yet. I’m not sure why I went from Feb to June without the everyday anxiety then it came back.

I know the doctors don’t like prescribing Ativan & I don’t like being on it everyday. It worked fine if I had one bad day. I would take 1/2 to 1 mg just once & I would be fine.

My doctor wanted me to see a psychiatrist so they could control my meds. My first appt is tomorrow with a psychiatrist nurse practitioner.

Thanks & hugs