22 replies to this topic

[Raven72]

I came off the sinful drug Sinbalta on 04/01/16. Today marks 232 days free from this sinful drug. That is if my calculations are correct. At least that's what I thought until mid September when the s*** hit the fan in my personal life. This has caused the worst kind of anxiety for me and I was doing fine.

 

To make a long story short, in mid September I mistakenly took some advice from my father in law that almost destroyed my marriage. It caused a huge fight between my husband and his father, which resulted in let's just say an overnight stay for my husband. This has almost killed out marriage, but we didn't let it, instead we fought back with a vengeance.  I realized some things in my life that were wrong and my husband realized some things in his life that were wrong. I made the decision to stand by my man and work through this together.

 

This caused his parents to go off the wall. Which ultimately caused us to pull the children from their house entirely. This has put more expenses on us because we have to pay to after school care now. But we are making it thanks to some of my family members that are helping us. Their reactions and attitudes have made me realize some things about myself and how the children see what is going on.

 

So, all of this has caused a ton of anxiety for us. The kids don't know how to handle it but we are working with them on it and I have the school counselor helping as well.  As for my husband and I we are both in therapy which seems to help. We see separate therapists though. But I am an emotional basket case. I cry at the drop of hat. Everything upsets me even when it shouldn't. I ask the kids to stop doing something if they don't mind I just break down.

 

I am discussing my current medications with my physician and seeing if something for anxiety is in order along with my depression medication.  Is this just normal anxiety or is this sinful drug playing with my mind again?

 

Sincerely,

Raven

[fishinghat]

I am afraid you are right Raven. You have endured enough. (over 7 months).  Could this be a side effect of your depression med? When did you start it and what is it if you don't mind me asking.

[gail]

Hello Raven,

That would be around almost 8 months since the last pill.

You know, when I joined the forum almost 3 years ago, the saying was that after around seven or eight months, if things were not uphill, it would be suggested to try something else.

That being said, with all the turmoil with the family, anyone would be upside down. Withdrawal or not. I think that it would be time to consider something else to help.

Cymbalta worsened my anxiety during and after. I was put on it because of anxiety and at times depressive moods. Bravo Cymbalta!

So, I would say that the anxiety that you are experiencing have three components. Cymbalta, family turmoil and the anxiety prone personality. My case.

No true answers, just a mix of all. Wouldn't we like to pinpoint the real cause. Complex as hell but so bewildering.

I encourage you to work with your doctor to find something to ease your way through this situation. Nothing wrong with medication, we do hate it though. Quality of life is the most important factor, if it's medication, so be it! Love you xxx

[Raven72]

Thanks FH and Gail - Sorry but it's been a long weekend.

 

I am currently on Trintellix 20mg and I have been on it since April.  I was also started on Buspar along with the Trintellix but ended up weaning off of it due to not having funds for a refill. It was either get my son's medicine or mine and I chose his. I was then put on Vistaril, which I didn't like how it made me feel. Last week he said I should try a low dose of Xanax and was reminded by my husband that this was what my father developed an addiction to and with my low tolerance to medications I don't want to go down that road. So, I have questioned my Doctor regarding something else for anxiety or switching from Trintellix to something that will cover both Anxiety and Depression.

 

Thanks,

Raven

[fishinghat]

I forget Raven, did you already try clonidine?  In what way did the Vistaril make you feel bad? Just curious.
 
What I find interesting is that the FDA find that 7% of those on Trintellix develop severe anxiety due to the medication. I would sure get rid of the Trintellix and see what happens. If we assume for a moment that the T is causing the anxiety and that stopping the T gets rid of the anxiety then do you still feel you need something to get by or do you think you would be OK?  You could cross-taper to something like Zoloft or Prozac, stabilize and if you feel well you could always slowly taper down on that to see how low a dose you could get by with.  Just some thoughts.

[Raven72]

FH - My doctor is wanting me to stop the Trintellix and go to Paxil, which he says will temper the anxiety and the depression.  Thank you for your thoughts and continued support.

 

Raven

[fishinghat]

I think that is a good idea.

[gail]

My two cents worth. Prozac and Zoloft are weight neutral. Paxil is not. Got a friend on it, he loves it. No more agarophobia nor anxiety. He is thin! Yep, we are all different.

[Raven72]

Well, I picked up the Paxil today. It was a struggle deciding what to do. It was recently brought to my attention that not only could I handle the decision on what to do, but I needed to learn to do so. After a unexpected visit from my mother in law today, I decided the anxiety was too much. So, I will stop the Trintellix and begin the Paxil tomorrow.

Thanks for your advice and support.

Raven

[fishinghat]

Keep us posted Raven and we will pray for you.

[Raven72]

Well, I noticed when I took the Paxil instead of Trintellix today that I was not nauseated after.

[fishinghat]

Maybe your Trintellix is causing all the problems. I hope so. That way you can get some relief.

[gail]

Raven, I wish you smooth sailing as you go on.

[Raven72]

Day 2 on Paxil seems to be okay so far.

[fishinghat]

It takes Paxil 4 to 6 weeks to reach full effectiveness. I think you said you stopped the Trintrllex so it must of been it causing the anxiety as it is too soon for the Paxil to make a difference.

[Raven72]

Then we shall wait and see. I did have a bit of anxiety today. Then again, I have been home with a 8 and 6 year old since Tuesday,😃

[Raven72]

So, I've been on the Paxil almost one week.  Overall I seem to feel slightly better. Each day seems to get better as we go along. I have been experiencing some drowsiness during the day. However, as far as the anxiety I seem to be able to control it better and better. The depression is not as bad, it's still there but not as bad.  I don't want the daytime drowsiness to be a reason to stop the Paxil. I will add that I had stopped taking my fish oil and didn't really realize it until recently. I have started taking it again, but I wonder if it can be causing the drowsiness. Should I take all 3 fish oils at night?

 

Raven

[fishinghat]

Hi Raven!!

 

Neither the FDA nor the manufacturer have received reports of sleepiness from Omega 3. It is a common start-up side effect from most ssri and snri including Paxil. Usually it fades away around the 3rd or 4th week. If it persists you can always take your Paxil at bedtime.

[Raven72]

Thanks FH.

[gail]

Hi Raven,

That is good news. I agree with the boss, taking it at nighttime.

Andy, one of our members, reported the same problem. So she switched to nighttime. A big difference for her or him.

PS so good to see you back, you are part of our family.

[Raven72]

Thanks for all the support and loving words guys.  I have truly missed being here, but so much has gone in the time I have been gone that I feel like my life has completely changed. I will try taking it at night and see how that works. I took it this morning sometime, would it hurt me to go ahead and take it tonight?

[fishinghat]

Raven I would suggest you take one at noon tomorrow and then at bed time on Thursday. That shouldn't make your blood levels jump around to much.

[Raven72]

FH -- Took your advice and took today's after lunch. I will start taking them at bedtime tomorrow and see how that works. Today has been a dragging day but it's gloomy outside that our office is crazy right now.