So tired of this anxiety, please help!

I have suffered with GAD on and off for many years. During that time I have been on and off SSRI's which for the most part have been helpful. My anxiety has "flared up" and my life has been hell for the past 3 months. I tried Prozac which caused me to have migraines and weird vision issues so I discontinued it and tried Zoloft which I discontinued after two day because of side effects. My doctor then prescribed 0.5mg Klonopin once daily before bed because I was literally unable to function, couldn't leave my house, couldn't take care of my kids, wasn't going to work, was in the emergency room and urgent care 3 times. I have used low dose Xanax on and off over the years without issue, never long term, usually a day or two a month at most. The Klonopin worked wonders and while I still had some anxiety I was able to function. The doctor warned me that it should not be taken long term and that I should consider starting an SSRI once I was stable on the Klonopin. I took the Klonopin for two months and tapered off at 0.25mg per day for one week, two weeks ago. I never restarted the SSRI because I felt I was better, however, the last two weeks since I completely stopped the Klonopin have been HELL!! I didn't realize that I would develop a dependence after just two months. The first few days were ok, but by the third day I was dizzy, nauseous, couldn't think, and my anxiety had returned in full force. Some days have been better than others, I don't feel like I am in a mental fog anymore but my anxiety is through the roof. I wake up every morning feeling nauseous, sometimes vomiting, unable to eat and my muscles are tense almost the entire day. I have lost weight and I am back to not being able to function.

I have an appointment to see my doctor tomorrow and I suspect she is going to restart an SSRI, I'm assuming Zoloft. I realize I only took it for two days and that my anxiety was high at the time so is it possible that my anxiety was causing the side effects? Does anyone have experience with Zoloft to treat anxiety? Will I have to take this for the rest of my life?

Additionally, can I still be suffering from Klonopin withdrawal, today is 14 days since I took my last dose? Could that be the reason why my anxiety is so high or is this a relapse of anxiety?

I'm at a loss, I am tired of the way my anxiety is affecting my life, physically and mentally exhausted......any help or encouragement is greatly appreciated.

(I should note that I have also restarted CBT and have been experimenting with acupuncture).

Hello and welcome to the forum!

We are glad you've jouned us...though sorry to hear about your current challenges.

Do you see a GP for your anxiety management? If so, you may want to consider asking for a referral to a psychiatrist. This type of doctor has the best knowledge of medications for treating anxiety...and can help find a regimen that works for you with the least amount of undesirable effects.

How are you doing as far as therapy techniques and self help coping skills. These can really help you during times of struggle.

If you need some new ideas, please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great material to work with right away. Practicing the suggested exercises daily will make a big difference in how you feel.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We care, understand and support is key.

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat

Thank you all so much for the responses! I saw my doctor, who is a GP today and she recommended that I restart the Zoloft at a very low dose (12.5mg for 4-8 days), then up it to 25mg. She said this is very, very low dose so I'm hoping side effects are minimal. I have a follow up with her on the 29th so I'm hoping that the next several weeks are better than the last two have been. She also said that although the clonazepam is out of my system I could still be experiencing "withdrawal" symptoms.....however, if my anxiety gets to a point where it's unbearable she told me to take 1/2 of an Ativan, which I'm pretty apprehensive about since I've had such an awful time after stopping the clonazepam. She did say that I should use it as sparingly as possible and only if I absolutely need it.

I'm on the waitlist to see a psychiatrist, there are very few that are covered by my insurance so not many options for me there. I will keep using my tools though and posting in this forum....again thank you so much for listening!!! Anxiety can be so lonely so I am so happy to have found this group.