Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Looking for experiences about medications for anxiety

Hi!

I am new to this forum and thought I would try another place for support. I have been battling anxiety and mild depression for about 4 years. I have always been an anxious person, but after I went on a medication called Accutane (for my acne) it made everything worse, and I have yet to find s solution that works. I have been on countless SSRI's, tried xanax, ativan and klonopin, and a whole host of other things like neurontin, propranolol, elavil, and remeron. The only meds could tolerate after a few days has been the ssri's and ativan. I spent the last 9 months using only ativan when needed and doing CBT twice a week.

At this point I'm at a loss. My team of professionals suggested that I start trying meds again because I still wasn't stabilizing. I am currently into my fourth week on celexa (5 mg) and am using ativan to keep the anxiety at bay. I am very sensitive to meds so we have to start slow with the celexa. My problem is, I haven't been able to sleep. My worst anxiety comes overnight into the morning. I try to take ativan but when I take a lot of it, I feel sick and/or completely out of it. Does anyone have any experience they would be willing to share? I know that when I find my right combo of meds I will have some relief, but it's so hard to go through this! I've been trying so hard for almost 4 years!
11 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
Hi...I only tried 7.5 mg but made me so lethargic I was sick on my couch for days so had to discontinue. This whole process is so scary for me because I've tried so many things with no success.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've never taken Remeron -- my psychiatrist won't give it to anyone but someone who has stopped eating because of the prevalence of extreme weight gain with it -- but I do know there were people on this forum who found it very helpful for their anxiety.  These drug are very individual in their effects.
Helpful - 0
16434917 tn?1447899918
Hello, I have had similar problems with not being able to sleep. May I ask you what dose of Remeron you were taking? From my experience they always start too high. I have found that simply 15mg is enough to give me a decent sleep, it however does not have any effect on panic attacks or general anxiety.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi again! I have been doing CBT twice a week since February. Although much improved, I was still not happy with my progress and my team of doctors wanted md to try meds again. It's been pretty tough the past 2 weeks or so. I'm hoping a combo of everything will work!
Helpful - 0
16426782 tn?1447843358
I have a nice experience of taking Xanax, it easily control my nervousness and anxiety issues. Previously I was on Klonopin and its also a nice anti anxiety pills.
Medicines act differently for everyone, you should consult your doctor about therapies too.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Do you exercise so you get physically tired?  (I know you're mentally tired, as you're a teacher!)  Have you tried meditation?  It can be a help.  And are you in therapy?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you all for your comments! I did try klonopin but made me severy depressed after several days. I really want to get away from using a benzo at night because I don't have good results/reactions but I get panic attacks and then can't sleep. I am calling my doctor soon to see if she has another suggestion. This is by far the hardest thing I've ever gone through! I'm a high school English teacher so have to be very careful what I take because I have to be "on" all day!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm in a somewhat similar situation trying to find a medication that works for me (see my post 'First Time Posting - Adverse Reaction to Medication': http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Anxiety/First-Time-Posting---Adverse-Reaction-to-Medication/show/2787143). I'm sorry I don't have a better response or advise, just wanted you to know you're not alone!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I've been taking klonopin for years but it doesn't do much -- everyone reacts differently.  Because it's extremely addictive and hard to quit and, if taken for sleep interferes with REM sleep and causes rebound insomnia in many, it's best if you can get where you want to go without it.  If you can't, it might be a help, but only after other options are exhausted.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The klonopin (clonazepam) didn't work or you didn't like the symptoms? This drug is fabulous. It relaxes your system and makes you sleepy. I was taking 0.5 mg and I could probably cut it in half. The first day, I felt extremely dizzy for 15 min. Slowly, my body adjusted. By day 3 or 4, I was fine with taking it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I found that the combination of 1mg of melatonin and a homeopathic remedy called Calms Forte helped me fall asleep.  Might work for you without having to get into using drugs to sleep.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Anxiety Community

Top Anxiety Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out what can trigger a panic attack – and what to do if you have one.
A guide to 10 common phobias.
Take control of tension today.
These simple pick-me-ups squash stress.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
Want to wake up rested and refreshed?