medication change

[Boxadormom]

I’m new here. Thank you for allowing me to join in. I’ve been on the same anti-depressant for 17 years and it seems to no longer be working. I have put it off and off but finally had to make the decision. I am literally terrified of the change. They are in the same class of drugs but my anxiety doesn’t do well with change. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD and panic disorder with phobias galore. They are tapering down one medication while slowly adding the other. I am so scared it won’t work or it will make my anxiety worse and I’m white knuckling it as it is. Any tips? Advice?

[IncognitoC]

welcome to the group, you have acknowledged that you don’t think the current medication is effective and have started to change to a similar medication. You have also mentioned that you think that you will have increased anxiety during this period of change. I say that you are doing incredibly well so far, acknowledging each of the issues that you may encounter is showing how strong you are. Well done for that!

[Boxadormom in reply to IncognitoC]

Thank you so much for the encouragement. I think after 17 years on the same meds I have just built up a tolerance or they’ve lost their effectiveness. But at least I know what to expect on the old medication. It’s the unknown that’s scary.

[LadyZen]

No tips. But I can relate to the process of trial and error. It can be frustrating.

[bethelbee]

I was on Prozac shortly after it came out in the late 80's and it worked great for about 10 years. At the time it was a 'miracle' drug for me until it stopped working. I was then put on Celexa, same class drug, which worked equally as well for about the same amount of time. For me the switch was an easy one. I too have GAD and panic D/O. After the Celexa it was a matter of trial and error with other meds, some worked, some didn't. Since you are switching to a same class drug it should be a smooth transition. Hope it works well for you! It's natural to feel anxious about changing meds.

[car103]

Welcome. If your meds aren't working, certainly move to something else . I agree there is an element of trial and error. Maybe keep a mood journal to actually see how you are feeling each day? I acknowledge this can be scary.

[SharksintheSea]

I know how you feel. I’m probably going to be doing the same thing very soon. Just remember, you can change again. It’s work, I know, but it may help. It probably will do so. Just work with your physician and, hopefully, you’ll look ahead to better days.

Nora

[BlueAgave]

Welcome! This year I tried to change medications as well, and I get how you're feeling. Long story short, I ended up back on the same medication just at the highest dose and feel better. Unfortunately I am now on the highest dose for this drug and worry about what to do if it stops working. Just know it will take a little time to get use to, but it will get better. And if the new drug doesn't work, there are plenty of others. This is what I keep telling myself. I wish you the best!