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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Getting Fed up with myself and feeling this way
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Getting Fed up with myself and feeling this way
by Jujube, Sep 16, 2004 12:00AM
First, let me say, I appreciate having access to a forum such as this. I will begin by saying that I recognize that, by nature as I get older, I am an anxious person. I have, generally, done well at managing my anxiety and have actually thrived in a high pressure environment for the past 15 years (receiving several awards and promotions over this period. I am generally a happy, enthusiastic and energetic person. Last fall, I started feeling run down (I assumed it was stress-related. It had been an unprecendedly busy time at work, I was short-staffed and had not had any real time of for over 1 1/2 years). My doctor gave me Paxil, which I had responded to years earlier when I stopped drinking (at the same time I also stopped drinking coffee and using an over the counter medication (Sudafed) which, I have to admit I had become addicted to over a number of years). Anyways, after running blood tests, my doctor found out that I was iron deficient (although not yet anemic). She advised me that this was contributing to my apathetic mood, anxiety and lethargy. I continued the Paxil nonetheless. After three months, the Paxil was not having any effect at 30 mg (higher dose than I had been on before). I was switched to Prozac, to which I had an immediate, adverse emotional reaction. Effexor XR was next, and I was on it for 6 months. During this period, the dose was increased to 225 mg (and I was at 225 mg for 8 weeks). While on the Effexor, I found myself becoming emotionally blunted (apathetic and unmotivated), increasingly anxious and apprehensive (although I had had only one experience that even remotely ressembled a panic attack, I could not stop thinking about it and found myself becoming, embarrassingly enough,
somewhat agoraphobic). I felt that I could not continue on the Effexor (feels like 6 months of my life have been wasted), and told my doctor so. I started Celexa 7 days ago and, although I want to be positive, can't help but worry that it will not alleviate the anxiety and apprehension that were exacerbated by months I spent on Effexor XR and, most recently, by receiving my first Depo Provera treatment. I am doing relaxation exercises and will be starting NLP and TLT shortly. I just want to be me again (happy, carefree and not afraid). Am I making a mistake going on Celexa? Has it been an effective treatment for GAD? Although I have sometimes used Xanax in the past, my doctor keeps advising me that I should avoid using it and just get out there and do things. I have been out there doing things, but it is difficult when you constantly "what iffing" yourself. I kept trying to explain that, for me, going out without the "what if" tape playing works wonders. And, that is what the Xanax helps with, even if I only use it two or three times. I appareciate your time, and sorry for the long message. Thanks.
somewhat agoraphobic). I felt that I could not continue on the Effexor (feels like 6 months of my life have been wasted), and told my doctor so. I started Celexa 7 days ago and, although I want to be positive, can't help but worry that it will not alleviate the anxiety and apprehension that were exacerbated by months I spent on Effexor XR and, most recently, by receiving my first Depo Provera treatment. I am doing relaxation exercises and will be starting NLP and TLT shortly. I just want to be me again (happy, carefree and not afraid). Am I making a mistake going on Celexa? Has it been an effective treatment for GAD? Although I have sometimes used Xanax in the past, my doctor keeps advising me that I should avoid using it and just get out there and do things. I have been out there doing things, but it is difficult when you constantly "what iffing" yourself. I kept trying to explain that, for me, going out without the "what if" tape playing works wonders. And, that is what the Xanax helps with, even if I only use it two or three times. I appareciate your time, and sorry for the long message. Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
, Sep 20, 2004 12:00AM
Although many doctors are reluctant to recommend Xanax because it so hard to get off of I think you can make a good case to your doctor for trying that rather than another antidepressant medication that sometimes works for anxiety. It may break the cycle and get you back to a non-medicated state sooner that way.
i am an anxious, type A personality by nature with a tendency for stage 1 hypertension. i am a 48 yo female and have lost some 30 lbs over the past 5 yrs (i weigh 107 lbs). i get antsy and cranky and tend to have adrenalin rushes resulting from inadvertent physical reactions to some situations. BUT, i am very healthy and manage my stress/anxiety with lots of physical activity & exercise. i DO NOT want to be in the pockets of pharmaceutical companies that claim to solve all these probs with miracle drugs. while i am sure that medication is warranted in many cases, it is not the panacea that our society believes is the cure all.
i also quit drinking about 9 months ago..i used to drink every day now only about 1 x per month and that has helped too. i have family members that take all kinds of drugs including xanax and they have been in rehab more than once for prescription drugs (benzodiazpines are HIGHLY addictive). pls - try alternative measures to handle your anxiety such as exercise, meditation, or whatever..good luck to you.
A DR who oversees a teaching program put me on Klonopin and Lexapro. It works!
Lexapro may create some sleeping difficulties. If I fall asleep on the sofa, I tell everyone to leave be until the morning. not trying to sleep, but laying down on a sofa with blanket and pillow - works for me!
However, whatever is said or acknowledged on this board, this MD stated that I may have to remain on Klonopin for a long period of time - perhaps forever!
I believe in trial and error - after having been misdiagnosed for 10 years.