New here...heres my story...

[Suzie]

Hello all... glad to have found this forum.
I am a 30 yr old woman and have been treated for depression and anxiety for about 4 years now. I have gone on and off of it. My first was Effexor XR, after that stopped working I stopped cold with severe side effects. I am now going down the same path again after being on Cymbalta for about 7 months. I do not have any more pills and I do not want to get anymore. I am tired of the side effects, especially the lack of sexual desire, and the ocassional agressioin!
I have not had any meds now for about 2 days and I am currently going through hell. I hope to share some stories and meet some friends here who know what I am going through.
Nice to meet you all...

[Evilbob333]

Hi and welcome...you're in good company!!!

This is exactly why i dont like meds...they can (not always, but they can) help alleviate the symptoms but then they stop being effective or when you quit symptoms return.

As usual i would really recommend you look into accessing CBT either via a therapist or via your GP...this isn't a biological problem, its a behavioural one that can be exacerbated by physical factors. Until you learn to deal with the anxiety, to understand how it works and what it means it will not go away.

In terms of being sick i find that i get more anxious, but then thats entirely normal...anxiety is linked to feelings of low mood...low mood is linked to low energy (which is why diet is crucial in managing anxiety)...and when we're sick we have really low energy.

[danstelter]

As usual i would really recommend you look into accessing CBT either via a therapist or via your GP...this isn't a biological problem, its a behavioural one that can be exacerbated by physical factors. Until you learn to deal with the anxiety, to understand how it works and what it means it will not go away.


This is excellent advice. It also may take a few weeks while your body adjusts to the lack of medication so that your body feels "normal" again.
Medication can be helpful, but it currently cannot cure the condition, and in your experience, it can make it much worse.

The regimen that worked for me to reduce my anxiety to very manageable levels to the point where I can do what I want is dieting (avoid caffeine/alcohol and eat magnesium/Vitamin B-6), regular exercise, supportive friends, counseling (VERY beneficial and I highly recommend it), a small (10 mg) dose of Lexapro, and taking real life risks to challenge my anxiety.

My anxiety used to be absolutely dreadful and bothered me around the clock, but now it is very manageable and my life is very happy and enjoyable overall.

[Planet]

I had to "detox" off lexapro. It was very awful - it lasted about 7 days. The lexapro was making me manic. Anyway, it's frustrating when medicines don't do what you hope they would do. I am now in Therapy and staying off the drugs. I do feel better, still depressed and anxious, but no panic attacks. Improvement is something. I look forward to getting back to normal. I hope your symptoms alleviate and you can feel better soon!

[Suzie]

Thanks for the advice. I am having a really bad day today, and I dont think I can do this anymore. I think I want back on the meds.

[Obelysk]

Thanks for the advice. I am having a really bad day today, and I dont think I can do this anymore. I think I want back on the meds.

Remember just take is one day at a time. I know it can be hard sometimes, I have been borderline suicidal sometimes and others I have felt great. We are all in it together so lets do it one day at a time. :)