need your opinion

[boots460]

I have spent the last year seeing MD's for a number of health issues.  All minor, but new to me.  I am 48 and extremely perimenapausal, as well as developing breast fibroadenomas and some thyroid nodules.  I have always been an over acheiver and thrived on some stress in my life..... but as i described to each of the doctors, I have developed really unreasonable anxiety and panic attacks that have disrupted my life over the last year. I continue to exercise and eat well, but am not myself at all!  The Internist prescribed effexor and sent me on my way.  I have been taking it now for 6 months and have continually reported no change.  I finally went to a therapist to help me deal with my inability to cope and she immediately sent me to a psychiatrist to deal with some medication.  He increased the dose of effexor, and prescribed xanax for panic attacks and klonipen for sleep.  Each of the new meds at a very low dose.  My concern is how sleepy I am all the time.  It has been a couple of weeks now and I was hoping the sleepiness would subside.  The meds CERTAINLY have helped with the anxiety, but we all know it's not so good to fall asleep at work!  I only take the xanax as needed for panic.  the klonipen at bed time.

Any thoughts?

[Brenndy]

I am of the opinion that the combination of Xanax and Klonopin are the root cause for your extreme fatigue.  These two drugs are rarely prescribed to be taken simultaneously, as they are both benzos (one is long-acting; the other quick-acting.)  Do you feel confident that your physician has your best interest at heart?  It is alarming that your doctor is prescribing two drugs in the same class.  That will always draw a red flag.

Think it over, discuss this issue with your doctor.  It really sounds to me like you are over-medicated.  Also, without knowing what, if any, other medications you are taking, it is difficult to give a definitive answer.  

Best of luck to you.  Feel free to send me an email anytime.

[mammo]

You always want to work closely with your psychiatrist regarding your medications and any new symptoms or side effects.  I agree with the last post, it sounds like your meds need to be tweaked a bit, and this is common.

[MMahon]

Discuss your symptoms with your doctor.  Perhaps your meds can be 'tweaked' to help you with your symptoms.  Maybe you can take the klonipen earlier in the evening or take less of it at night?  I take some xanax before bedtime.  It's out of your system fast and still helps you sleep.