Doc wants me to get off Valium before long

...and I'm not happy about it. I'm on Venlaxafine for depression and fibro, but it doesn't help with anxiety. I've tried other antidepressants that are supposed to help with anxiety, but they didn't. I've tried Buspar as well, and it too did not help me. So, I can't say I'm ready or willing to get off something that helps me deal with raging anxiety with nothing in its place to help. Does anyone have any suggestions/meds that have worked well for them? I also do not want to take anything that can cause weight gain (that alone would increase my anxiety). Thanks for any help you can give.

Not all A/D's cause weight gain. The one I am on, and have been on, has never caused me to gain an ounce. (The gingerbread did!) Okay, seriously now.....some meds, including the one I'm on, is actually Rx'd to some people to lose weight.

I've been on a couple of other A/D meds as well, and while they did not work for me, I've only had 2 of them contribute to weight gain.

Please keep in mind that everyone responds differently to meds. I've been on a particular medication (not an A/D, it's for something else), and most women on it have gained, on average, 30lbs by now (I've been on it since 4/3) and guess what? I've lost a couple pounds!! So see? Please don't put too much stock in some of the horror stories. I was afraid of the same thing, and it never happened!






M.

Hi DofT,

First of all...I am so very sorry to hear about your mom. May she be healed completely either through treatment or divine touch and prayer!

Great advice above. Like Hibee mentioned...a P-doc may be of more help to you than your GP at this point. If you have not done so already...consider getting a referral, so that you can fully explore your Rx options.

Sometimes the stubborn anxiety that does not respond to the usual treatments may require trying combinations of meds to help you manage it.

One thing that came to mind to ask your doctor about for now is Vistaril. It is an antihistamine used for anxiety. It has similar qualities to a benzo in how it works, but without the dependency issues.

Something to think/ask about?

Let us know how you are doing soon. I will keep your mom in thought and prayer.

S.C.