Anxiety/Depression meds without side effects?

I am due to have a total knee replacement sometime this summer, and ever since I made the decision to go ahead with the surgery my anxiety has surged, and a little bit of depression has set in.  I am in too much pain, to cancel the surgery, I am bone on bone in my left knee, so it has to be done.  I have had multiple surgeries in the past, and am not quite sure, why this one has me so panicked.  Maybe because its elective?

I take Xanax as needed for my anxiety and it works most of the time if I can catch the attack starting early enough.  But I have noticed that it does effect my sex drive.

I saw my therapist yesterday and she is referring me to a Psychiatrist to talk about medications.  I am not sure I really want to go that route because not only does the Xanax effect my sex drive negatively, but I also have a Crohns disease and that in itself has effects on my sex drive too as well as make me extremely sensitive to the side effects.  I tried Zoloft and only made it two days last year, as it tore up my stomach.

Are there any meds anyone can recommend that one will help to quiet my spirits, but that have less sexual side effects?

Your thoughts are appreciated.

Hugs

Gail*Nanners*

Hi Nanners,

I just wanted to reassure about the knee replacement op. I have had both of my knees replaced, the right in Aug 2005 and the left in Sept 2006 and I also was walking bone on bone. I have to tell you it is the best thing you can do, because you cannot put up with the pain. I walk pretty good now, the only thing I have to say I miss is that I can't kneel anymore in the garden and that can be a bit hard sometimes. But I still manage to get all my housework done okay, you know like cleaning jobs that involve bending.

I think the best thing I can tell you is to make sure you get really good physio afterwards, I mean when you are home. They will probably give you physio in the hospital but that is not enough, you need a physio who is going to be tough on you and who will ignore your tears and protests, believe me that is the best thing that will help you.

I wish you all the luck with you op and please let me know how you are going.

I'm sorry I can't comment on the advice for anti-depressants that don't kill your sex drive because mine has well and truly gone due to all the medications I am on, hubby is great though and understands.

Good luck, regards Jocelyn.

Nanners,

When my first husband had lung cancer, they gave him ativan to calm him down. I would give it to him and it would work instantaniously. I don't know if there were different kinds, this seemed like it disolved in his mouth. But I have heard good things about it otherwise.

Hugs, Karen