Confused

[Hope001]

I am 57 years old and on the back side of menopause.  I have looked forward to enjoying the last half of life.  However, I just cannot feel good.  I get up to start my day and feel bad all over.  I am unmotivated to get out and do things.  My husband and I have recently relocated (about a year ago) and I have been totally isolated.  I have not met one person to converse with or do things with (other than the occasional talk with a neighbor - short-lived and few and far in-between).   I am bored with housework and have done hobbies until I'm tired of those too.  I started piano lessons and have kept that up, but that is it.  I have seen (and continue to see) a neurologist.  He has prescribed Celexa, Lexapro, and the last one is Wellbutrin SR.  Nothing seems to totally take away the anxiety for which I sought his help and even adds to my misery by stripping me of sexual desire and adding weight to a body that I have worked on for years to keep healthy.  Most recently, I've started having insomnia!  And I STILL feel anxious at times.  Is it best to take nothing and enjoy sex and a healthy body, even though the anxiety can drive me up the wall at times?  From all that I've read, if you don't treat these conditions, they only get worse.  Be damned if I do and be damned if I don't.  I would greatly appreciate any words of educated or experienced advice.    

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

The one help you didn't mention is the most likely to be what you need. You should be talking to a therapist to sort out why this life transition is not working for you, and examining what you can do. If anxiety is the most important element, ask your doctor to prescribe low doses of klonopin, and stay off the antidepressants that have the side effects you mentioned...and seriously considered talking to a professional...you would be surprised at how quickly you might settle this matter.

[Summer123]

I haven't tried it, but I heard that Topamax is good for anxiety, migraines and weight gain.  I think it is originally prescribed for migraines, but has off label uses for anxiety.

[Hope001]

I'm sorry to bother you again, but have had another thought and would like your opinion.  I am also dealing with what I have diagnosed for myself (after numerous doctors and tests with no results) with PET (patulous eustachian tube) which is a maddening and relentless and, in most cases, an uncurable condition of the ears.  I've dealt with this condition off and on for about 15 years.  It has become an every day issue for me now.  Is it possible that this condition is causing my anxiety?  Is Klonopin going to aggravate that problem?  Will Klonopin help with atypical migraines as well?  Thank you for your opinion and time.    

[Hope001]

Thank you for your prompt and helpful answer.  I cannot help but be encouraged.  I did talk with a counselor during the move (for about 8 months) and thought I was settled.  However, I am going to follow your advice.  Maybe there is more work to be done.  Your words are encouraging.   For some reason, I have not felt I need the anti-depressants.  Thank you again.