Hello, New Join

New to here but a lifelong sufferer of anxiety and subsequent depression episodes. 53 year old Male, veteran, single, no kids, in shape, own my own successful business. All appears to be well on the outside but the anxiety I live with is debilitating.

Suffered my first real panic attack on Christmas night 1989. At that time I wasn't sure what had just happened to me so I was even more terrified. In the days that followed I crawled into a shell of worry and despair. All the while working a very hard full time job with nobody to talk to about what had happened to me. Months went by and I eventually came back to life only to have it appear again on a date with a girl I didn't know well. Ever since 1990 or so I've been dodging this beast and beating it from time to time only to have it appear when you least expect it. In 2003 I went over the edge with it and for the first time I wen t to my Doc in tears and he put me on 10mg Lexapro. It worked over time but didn't do much for the spikes of anxiety I would experience dating or public speaking. I eventually went off the Lex in 2006 and was med free until 2014 when I was crushed again with a huge episode of anxiety and depression. My new Doc immediately put me on 10mg Lexapro with 1.5mg Klonopin daily. The Klonopin was amazing, slept like a baby and was back functioning in days.

I voluntarily weened myself off of everything a year ago because I don't really like meds. A month ago I was crushed again with another bout of anxiety and depression. The same Doc put me back on 10mg Lex and 1mg Klonopin daily and wants me to stay on the Lex indefinately.

Both my parents suffer from the same ailments as me as well as my Sister. 26 years of battling this stuff and it doesn't get any easier. I'm glad I have K-pin's to get me over the hump but will get off them as soon as the Lex kicks in.

Thanks Kat, I've read tons of books, yoga, deep breathing, exercise, aromatherapy etc but nothing seems to keep it at bay forever not even my fat calico can keep the demos at bay. I'm convinced this will be a lifelong battle but it's one that I have to face. I think I'll stay on the meds longer this time. My Doc has over 40 years experience specializing in behavioral issues and swears by them so I really can't argue much with him.

The Lex seems to have me ramped up a lot more this time than I can recall from the past. I seem more lethargic and depressed. The Klonopin has helped bridge the gap between now and when the Lex kicks in. Not sure how I did this in the past without the Kpin's.

Thanks for the encouraging words. Sometimes it's comforting just knowing your not out there alone with your racing thoughts and darkness.

WH,

This is just my two cents...but I would wait until Monday and talk with your doctor before making any more adjustments.

He/she should be brought up to speed anyway...and this will give you a full week at the 10 mg. dose anyway.:)

Keep up those coping skills...and update us soon!

S.C.

Just curious, this is my second time on 1mg K-pin and 10 mg Lexapro. The K-pins in the past whether taken alone in .012, .025, .05 or 1 mg doses always did the trick within an hour. Now that I'm on the Lex I'm shaky and nervous even after taking a .025mg dose of K=pin. Could the Lexapro be having a dilluting effect on the K-pins? Thanks