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Effexor or Lexapro???

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted Yesterday 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
I have posted several times on this forum about my anxiety. I have pretty severe GAD and health anxiety that seems to be triggered every few years, will last a couple months and then I can function after getting it under control. My latest "round" with anxiety is now going on 6 months....I'm tired, I can't seem to get it under control this time.

I meditate, see a therapist, acupuncture, etc., while it has helped, I still can't seem to control my worry/anxiety. I'm ready to try medication again, however, in the past 6 months I have tried the generic forms of zoloft and prozac, but due to my severe health anxiety, I discontinued them because of side effects. I was on clonazepam for about 8 weeks, which helped immensely, but since it's not a long term option I had to titrate off of it, and suffered some withdrawal effects for about a month after. I have taken Xanax on and off since then, maybe 0.25mg every 2-5 days, which helps, but again, not a long term option. At this point, I'm ready to try another medication. I have a consultation with a psychiatrist at the end of December, however, another psychiatrist has reviewed my chart and asked my doctor to have me start either Effexor XR or Lexapro before the psychiatry consult. I'm terrified of any medication, and I'm trying not to Google side effects because that will lead to failure with any of them. So, I am looking for recommendations and/or the pros/cons of either. Thank you!
Posted Today 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Tired,

I am sorry to hear of this latest and most difficult anxiety challenge. I know how frustrating and defeating this can feel.

However, due to your pro-active approach, I have no doubt that once you add the right Rx to your already excellent regimen...that you are absolutely going to get the management edge that you need!

It really is difficult to say with any accuracy for anyone but yourself which Rx is favorable...because it is going to perform differently to any given person...

...and while that is frustrating when trying to make an informed decision for yourself...it should also be a relief, because it also means that a lot of the negative stories that you hear will not necessarily apply to you either...

So, that being said, you will just need to go through some trial for yourself, or perhaps inquire about the possibility of Genesight testing to pinpoint which meds could be your closets match.

For now, if you are not comfortable starting one of the Rx's before your initial P-doc consult...then don't. It is completely your choice to wait if this is more in your comfort zone. You are in charge of your treatment plan...not any doctor. smile

Keep us updated on your ongoing progress, so we can keep you encouraged. Things are going to get better with time and finding that final piece to your plan!

Keep up the good work!

S.C.
Posted Today 4:57 AM (GMT 0)
effexor excellent long term for depressive disorders, lexapro the same, but is excellent for anxiety as well.
Posted Today 9:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Both good medications that work well at treating anxiety.

Imo Lexapro is the better option but remember we are all different when it comes to medication and what works well for one person may not work as well for another.

Hibee
Posted 11/30/2017 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
I started lexapro last year because I couldn’t shake the last bit of anxiety that I was having. I was terrified to have start up symptoms, but I started by nibbling off pieces of a 5 mg tablet and working my way up. I’ve been on 5 mg now for a year and haven’t had to increase.
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