What's working for you guys?

I did really well on celexa for about two and a half years, but then it started not being so effective. Switched over to Effexor and having some really strange side effects about three or four weeks into it (thank God I had samples and didn't spend money on the stuff if it isn't gonna work!). Paxil seemd sorta heavy handed for what I deal with most of the time, and it actually made the night terrors worse. I've also tried mirtazapine and it turned me catatonic. I would sit there and watch TV (cartoon network) and I'd know something was funny, but I couldn't find it in me to laugh.

I have Clonopin that does okay for keeping some of the sides in check, although fundamentally it's for when things get so ramped up the regular med isn't covering it.

Prior to switching meds, I spent the better part of a month worrying at EVERYTHING. I didn't want to go outside because I didn't want people to see me. Didn't matter that I had things I had to do, I couldn't leave the apartment. It literally took an act of congress. I don't know how I made it to Christmas dinner. Crowded areas still get to me, like the mall and things like that. I go to the grocery store at night usually to avoid the crowds.

I guess I'm just frustrated because my family doc seems to be getting to the further reaches of his bag of tricks and without insurance, a specialist is out of the question. I haven't ever had any good experiences with mental health specialists anyway -- no incentive to trust the whole lot of them. I know there are probably some good ones out there, but trust is something else that is affected by this whole anxiety thing. I've known too many people who claim to be professionals who don't have the scruples God gave a magpie. Again, no offense to anyone who has found one that they like.

Thoughts? Advice? Inspiration? A swift kick in the ass? I'll take what I can get.

Gardenlady

I am so sorry your on the merry-go-round of the medication issue. I tried many and my PCP was pretty much guessing too.

I see a Pdoc now and she deals only in the AD meds and with that part of my health care.

Great idea by Cass.  Our therapists cannot prescribe the meds. So you need a therapist and a Pdoc............double the bucks.

I am on cymbalta 90 mgs at bed time and Valium for anxiety.

I am not sold completely on the Cymbalta but I am to afraid to even think of jumping into another med.  I have tried many.

Take care and keep posting.
Kitt