I can’t take it. When will I get better

[Justbreathe3]

It has been 5 weeks since I started taking new meds for anxiety and depression. It has also been 5 weeks since I was able to work or have my kids stay with me. I have terrible morning anxiety and try meditation to relax. I have always had anxiety but was able to control with Paxil for 20 years. I don’t think the paxil was working anymore. My phycologist put me on new meds. Effexor XR, Wellbutron and Lamictal. Was taking fir 2 weeks and was not getting better so he doubled the dosage on all the meds. It has now been 2 weeks and I have only seen a small improvement. I have trouble sleeping and can not function in the morning without taking an Adivan. It feels like I am living in a nightmare and now I am having trouble urinating. I feel I am going crazy. I just want this to be over. I do mediation, journaling, see a theropist, set goals etc. when will the suffering end? I love my kids and want them with me but I can’t even take care of myself. Any help would be appreciated.

[gerg]

When I am not in control of things I get anxious. Sometimes I have to redefine some parameters so things are under control. Things didn’t change, but my view of them did.

To start, you can take it if you tell yourself that you can. You are getting better. Maybe it is hard to see in the big picture, but you have sought help and are on some new medications. There are probably some other smaller things that are better, but you cannot see them well in the big picture. Look for these things and honor them.

I know that this sounds like positive thinking mumbo jumbo, but it works. A watched pot never boils is the concept. The more that you worry about getting better, the longer it will take. Look for and accept the positive things in your life, then try to do more positive things even if they are little things.

This is simple but not easy. I go with the mantra “Right now, everything in my world is exactly as it is meant to be”, therefore I don’t have to control it and I stay less anxious.

I hope that this helps.

[Justbreathe3 in reply to gerg]

Thanks gerg I will try that.

[jettdg]

My wife had a similar experience. She had managed OCD and anxiety effectively for years on Paxil, then it gradually stopped working. Do a Google search on "Paxil poop out". Her anxiety spiked, to the point where she was unable to function, and depression set in. The good news is that after a very difficult period of trying new medications, her doctor prescribed one that is working nicely. The new medicine combined with a routine of cognitive therapy has her feeling much better. I pray that your doctor is able to do the same for you.

[Justbreathe3 in reply to jettdg]

Can I ask what he put her on?

[jettdg in reply to Justbreathe3]

Clomipramine, aka Anafranil. It is an older medication that was used for treating anxiety and depression prior to SSRI's like Paxil becoming available.

[Justbreathe3 in reply to jettdg]

Good to know. Thank you.

[Hollick]

just, I'm sorry to hear that your not doing well? I've heard of the combination of wellbutrin and effexor, never knew if it worked for anyone?...doesn't sound like its doing anything for yourself, is that right? could it be, it just hasn't been enough time for them to really kick in? maybe I'm grasping at straws, I'm sorry don't know what else to say, and struggling as well over here. I hope you/we find some relief and they start to work for you. take care. God bless us all.