Anxiety Forum

Finn3106 · Joined: 29 Aug 2008 Posts: 2 Location: PA

I have been taking 60MG of Cymbalta for over 4 years now. This medication has done wonders for my anxiety, but now I do not think it is working as well as it did before. I have been having extreme anxiety for the past 4 months now and I am not sure if I need a change in meds. When my anxiety gets really severe I also take .25mg of Xanax, but again not sure if this combo is the answer.

I was wondering if anyone had any advice of a combination of meds that works for them so I can talk to my doctor about them before thinking about making a switch.

Thank you!

kaialian · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 11:14 am Post subject:

Hi there!

I can't give you much advice since I'm not a doctor, but I take paxil for anxiety. I'm glad you are talking to your doctor about this, as it is pretty dangerous changing/going off meds without doctor supervision. However, I bet you already know this. smile

_________________
“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”
- Dr. Seuss

punkgod94 · master poster Joined: 10 Aug 2008 Posts: 85

Hello, my advice...

If you feel that you need to change medicine because the one you're on currently isn't working, then go to your doctors and try another anti-depressant. As it takes some time to wean off these drugs, and get up to speed on a new one (that may not work for you) I'd ask if you could get a prescription for Ativan (Lorazepam generic) or Klonopin (Clonazepam generic) to help you if you experience irritability from withdrawing or if you have an anxiety/panic attack. They'll probably start you on 0.5 mg (anywhere between 1 and 3 times a day) of either of those in combination with the anti-depressant you're trying. Just express your concern to your doctor and see if they agree with combining an anti-depressant with a benzodiazepene during the transition. However, if the doctor does that I'd recommend that you have the doctor wean you off of the Ativan, Klonopin, or other benzo they may prescribe once you've successfully transitioned to the new SSRI to make sure that it works. The benzos can be very addictive, and if you seriously want to get help for your anxiety, it'd be best to stick to just one medicine if it works for you. The combo will help you in the scary transitional period though. Hope that helps!