I have over the course of my life..I am 48 now..been treated for depression and anxiety.My problems started at age 26 with very bad panic attacks.I have always been a bit of a depressive personality.The fear from the panic attacks became crippling.I was prescrbed xanax at first(then a new drug).That worked great at first.The problem was the addictive nature of the drug.I was taking tofrinil and xanax(2 mg 3 times daily) for many years.The problem was I got addicted to the xanax... and later klonopin(2 mg 3 times daily).after drug rehab for the klonopin(I have been clean and sober for 3 years now).Now I am fighting the depression and aniety again without the benzos.Only problem is I have tried welbutrin xr,celexa,venlafaxine cr,buspar and lexapro,without any relief from the problem.The depression will lift and get replaced with agitation and irritation with each drug I have tried.I am about at my wits end!!Nothing seems to do both lift the depression and calm my anxiety.I have just discontinued the last in this list..lexapro..with less than acceptable results.I was really hopeful that the lexapro would be the one.Wrong!.It was one of the worst of te whole group.Sexual side effects,agitation,and headaches were all intolerable.Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
What is the most effective treatment for deppression linked with generalized anxiety?
- Posted:
- 24 Sep 2010 by marsha79
- Topics:
- depression, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder
Responses (6)
Anonymous 24 Sep 2010
Hi Marsha,
Have you tried Pamelor? I was told by the best shrink in my state that it is considered to be the "gold standard" for depression and anxiety.
It is an snri, so it can make one crave sugar and carbs, so watch your diet on amy snri.
Are you totally against benzo's of any kind? Xanax has really helped me.
I am currently tapering off and having no problems.
I hope you find something that works for you very soon. Oh, forgot to mention that Wellbutrin actually CAUSES anxiety, so forget that one!
Best wishes to you,
Anonymous 24 Sep 2010
Different antidepressants work 4 everyone, personally a small dose of generic prozac <10 mgs of the plain, Non extended release> worked 4 me. My counselor agreed w/me that the combo of an antidepressant AND therapy works the best. also ur hormones and thyroid should b checked to make sure u don't have a problem physically, either being off can cause dep. and anx. if u also need a benzo, lorazepam is great, but u can easily become dependent on them and u will have to keep increasing ur dose if u use it 4 a long time, short term use or as needed would b ok.
Bluedog748 Feb 2012
Every person's biology is different. What works for some, does not for others and no one knows why exactly. After trying almost every SSRI, benzo, and anti-convulsant, I am know prescribed Abilify and Xanax. I finally feel normal. It's a big trial and error game when dealing with psychotropics. As a last resort, I was even prescribed amphetamines for my depression. Those definitely work very fast, but I had a very hard time sleeping at night. Plus, I like to eat and they kill your appetite. I can relate to your post. I tried about 5 SSRI drugs, anti-seizure meds, and amphetamines. The latter is usually used as a "last resort" but I felt better immediately. I stopped them for my own personal reasons, but it's an option. Google "amphetamines for the treatment of depression." They are usually used after all else fails and never before.
Rena93194525 Oct 2012
Marsha, My name is Rena and I am a 67 year old female and have had depression most of my life. I have taken most of the medications on the market and some helped a little but I was on Effexor ER and it felt like someone turned the lights on in my dark world but due to Medicaid changes I was taken off of it and my lights dimmed again. It was devastating. Now, after a long time my doctor put me on Cymbalta and the lights are back on and even brighter than they have ever been in my life. I also suffer from a lot of pain, and it has had a remarkable effect on it too. I know there are negatives about most medications but for me it is performing a miracle. I don't know how to explain the profound change it is having on my life. I just pray it kleeps on working. From what I understand now both Effexor ER and Cymbalta target an additional chemical in our brain. I guess that is why they both helped me. Give it a try, you may have the life giving response that I have had.
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I wouldn't say "easily dependent." I have been on the exact same dose of Xanax for years on and off, mostly on and have never suffered withdrawal syndrome in my life. Benzo dependency usually occurs when patients abuse the drug. Anxiolytic benzodiazepines are the best option for someone that has a true chemical imbalance. Therapy is good for people that are depressed or anxious for a reason. The rest of us have to take medications.