Looking for advice

[Purple_heart22]

I will be seeing my doctor on monday to discuss medication. I cant take lexapro. Does anyone have anything to share about a different medication? I have severe anxiety and am beginning to feel depressed.

[BlueSky125]

I’ve tried a number of antidepressants and didn’t have much luck with them. I have a prescription for alprazolam just for panic attacks. What type of anxiety do you have.

[Purple_heart22 in reply to BlueSky125]

GAD....i worry all the time. And have anxious feelings that turn into thoughts that will not go away.

[DENVAL in reply to BlueSky125]

Try to switch the Alprazolam to Clonazepam, which is longer lasting and less addictive.Alprazolam is highly addictive and getting off of it is very difficult.

[formidible in reply to DENVAL]

Clonazepam is just as addictive Den. Please be careful with them. Who told you they were less addictive? If you want to reduce is suggest changing to Diazapam.

[DENVAL in reply to formidible]

You are correct, but weaning off Clonazepam is easier than Alprazolam.I am very careful and only take .25mg once or twice a week.

I had a tough time coming off the Alprazolam, but glad I did.

[Agora1]

Hi Purple heart22, getting to the root of the anxiety is going to be an important piece of the puzzle. Finding the right medication is a trial and error process in which your doctor needs to prescribe according to your health history. What works for one, may not for another.

(As well as the prescriber adjusting the dosage as well as the right time of day in taking it.)

So you see, it's not a simple 1-2-3 step. Everything needs to work together. Therapy also

is an important part of this puzzle. Medication basically is a soft bandage that will help

ease the symptoms so that you can find what works for you in the long run.

I spent years with severe GAD which led to Agoraphobia. During those years I was on benzos which gave me very short relief. I did therapy for years as well which I thought

helped at the time but didn't really go anywhere. That's because I was stuck. I was listening

and taking my medication but it didn't seem to be enough.

That is, until I found other methods to incorporate with my meds and therapy. I finally was

on the right path and yet that also took time to figure out what worked best for me.

I finally got the relief I was looking for with Meditation and Breathing. So much so, that I was able to get off my long time benzos and was put on *yes...Lexapro lol

I have finally rid myself of anxiety symptoms and am here to pass forward my success. xx

[Sankissjuice in reply to Agora1]

How much lexapro are you on, do you mind sharing? It is an excellent drug for anxiety relief, I find. But too sedating that I feel so depressed and not motivated to do anything. When I tried to lower from 15 to 10mg, I had very intense suicidal thoughts. I really don't want to be so sedated!

[Agora1 in reply to Sankissjuice]

Sankissjuice, I am on 15mg. What I have liked about it is that it doesn't give me a sedated effect at all. *but then again I've never been depressed. It doesn't cut into

my motivation level at all. I take it with lunch every day. I also use daily Meditation and

Breathing. I'm sorry you are experiencing these intense side effects. They do need to be

addressed by your doctor. By any chance, are you on a benzo as well?? xx

[Sankissjuice in reply to Agora1]

No, not on any benzo. Thankfully.

[DENVAL]

Paxil may be a good alternative..

[Hidden]

I’ve been prescribed propranolol and hydroxyzine pamoate for a few months that I take 1-2 daily. Along with my lexapro. This really helps

[Purple_heart22 in reply to Hidden]

I have propranolol and hydroxyzine. Also xanax and i cant function when i take these medications. I cant take lexapro.......

[Hidden in reply to Purple_heart22]

I’m told I’m bi polar and I also take buspirone HCL along with a mood stabilizer

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

I’m sorry I meant to say Effexor but I started these meds while I was in patient for a week so I felt comfortable since I saw the doctor each day.