HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Anxiety for 20 years...

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/7/2017 4:44 AM (GMT 0)
I've had anxiety problems, panic disorder, GAD for 20 years off and on. Just so you know I have been to the doctors millions of times, ER, Psychiatrist, counseling, etc. Been on every med that there is seemingly. Had some success 15 years ago with Effexor/Remeron but quit and relapsed off and on since. Tried to start Effexor again but I am so sensitive to it that I couldn't make it past day 2. I've been in a bad place for about 6 months now. I'm seeing psychiatrist and the know I have SSRI Sensitivity so the are carefully giving xanax as needed for my attacks but honestly we all know that is a band aid and while I'm grateful for the temporary relief it's starting to loose its effect. I see a counselor and while they mean well, calming meditation isn't helping me right now. I'm in a 16 hour state of near panic most days. I'm getting desperate and am having to consider taking a leave of absence from work so that I can try to start on Celexa which was recommended but I'm mortified by the past experience and side effects. Has anyone experienced this? Or had any suggestions or experiences with Celexa. I'm so tired of being sick. And as most of you anxiety sufferers know, the depression is showing up now. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks
Posted 6/7/2017 5:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I am sorry this is happening. I do know the constant sick feeling and depression that comes with Anxiety. I am on Celexa and it has helped me so much. I would ask your doctor if maybe a different kind of Anxiety med will help, like a snri maybe. Many people who find if they can't tolerate an ssri they have an easier time with snri meds.

I hope maybe this helps you.
Posted 6/7/2017 7:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

First of all welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment we have some good links to self help sites on the web in our resources section so take a look.

Celexa is a good option for treating anxiety but it takes between 6-8 weeks to fully kick in so stick with it if you can.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 6/7/2017 6:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your reply. What was your experience withe Celexa like in the first couple of weeks or days. I know that time can be rough for some people and not for others. I'm also afflicted with panic attacks and I wonder if Celexa is very helpful addressing them. Btw, I know it takes 6 weeks + for it to begin to effect you. This might be my 10th rodeo with a different medication. Thanks!
Posted 6/7/2017 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Bpswan,

Welcome! Sorry to hear you're going through such a rough time. I know the feeling. Luckily I didn't work in the first place to I never had to worry about a job. I couldn't imagine.

I've been on Celexa for a while now. It's helped me immensely! The first couple of weeks were a little rough. Stomach issues, lack of appetite, increased anxiety, and generally just feeling icky. Not to mention yawning constantly! It wore off pretty quickly for me though.

I will say, for me at least, it doesn't stop panic attacks but it does make them more bearable. I also have a PRN Xanax for when an actual attack does happen. If you're becoming tolerant of benzos perhaps look into Vistaril. I've taken that before years ago and it helped for attacks as well, though it did make me VERY sleepy. Much more so than Xanax ever has.

With the Celexa combined with therapy and lots of self help measures and a supportive spouse, things have gotten a lot better. I really hope things start looking up for you as well!

Keep us posted and let us help support you. This site has been amazing for that!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply