Overcoming Anxiety

[Terrald]

Hi, I am currently in the process of switching psychiatrists. I was treated for eight years with a doctor in Colorado Springs who just retired. I was taking Paxil, Geodon, and Ativan. When I started with my new practitioner, she immediately wanted me off Geodon and Ativan. After some doing, I was able to quit Geodon but I am having a terrible time getting off Ativan. I was taking 4 mg a day with my past psychiatrist. I am down to taking about 1 mg now. I have severe anxiety in the morning and go for a 2 mile walk but end up having to take .5 mg not long after I get home. The new doctor wants to have me take only .5 mg once a day or another .5 mg if I absolutely have to. I am getting very upset that I am experiencing so much anxiety during the day and especially in the morning. I am very despondent that I am having so much trouble getting off Ativan. I have been reading a lot about Trazodone being used for anxiety. I have never taken it before. I am wondering if anyone has used it for anxiety and how it worked. Most of the other antidepressants I have tried seem to make me more anxious, so I have stuck with Paxil. I would be interested in hearing from anyone who might like to comment on my predicament.

[Brightfuture22]

I can only imagine how hard it has been for you to come down off of Ativan after being on it for so long. I am sorry that your new psychiatrist is doing this, but I hope she’s doing it because she has a better plan for you.

Have you heard of Attarax before? I don’t personally take it, but I have a friend who does, along with her SSRI, and it seems to really help her. It’s not a benzo like Ativan so it’s not addictive, but does help calm the anxiety, or so she says. Also, have you looked into buspar? That is another anti-anxiety med that may help.

I don’t have experience with Trazodone, so I cannot comment on that one. You may also ask your psych about upping the Paxil, it could help.

I’m curious, were you still feeling anxious when you were on the previous medicine regiment?

I hope you find something that works soon!

💜Ash

[Terrald in reply to Brightfuture22]

Thanks for your reply. I have tried Atarax and Buspar but they didn’t help at all. I did do a lot better on my previous regimen of Geodon, Paxil, and 4 mg of Ativan a day.

[Brightfuture22 in reply to Terrald]

Well I hope that you are able to find some relief soon and a new combination that works for you if your psychiatrist is adamant about getting rid of the old regiment.

Cheers!

💜 Ash