Coming off of antidepressants and antianxiety medications

proudmomof2 · Post by **proudmomof2** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:48 am

I was recently diagnosed with anxiety and depression in December of last year. Since then, I have been on multiple medications. I started on Xanax, then moved to Prozac and then Zoloft. I have since stopped xanax, but am still taking Prozac and Zoloft. I am also taking prescription medication for a heart condition known as SVT. Since starting all of these medications I have been extremely tired and having difficulty sleeping. I tend to doze off at work in the afternoon and while driving home from work in the evening. I am concerned I could harm myself or someone else when I am driving. I have talked to my doctors and they all say I just need more sleep and to exercise. I have been told that for years, and I have never fallen asleep because of it. I am concerned it is the medications. I am considering surgery for my heart condition to get off the medication and bought Lucinda's program in hopes of getting off the other medications. Can anyone provide insight into how to come off medications safely? I am also wanting to cease therapy now that I started the program. Is it wise to do that? Or should I continue on with the medications and the "talk therapy" until I complete the program?

NinjaFrodo · Post by **NinjaFrodo** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:13 am

Hey it,s a wise decision to continue therapy and medication for a while along with doing this program. However I went to see a naturopathic physician for supplements (ie:gaba ease and somnilon=zoloft) (wholistic family healthcare). This will take time and work and esp perseverence....just to remind you.

pittypat · Post by **pittypat** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 10:36 am

Hi there,

Have you started the program yet? It might help to stay on the meds until you feel better. I dunno, everyone is different and only you know your body and what you feel is right for you. For me it took 6 months of being on Paxil, Trazadone, and Xanax before I felt better and was able to get off of them. Also, it took a life style change, which was me going back to work to distract myself. Not being able to sleep can be caused by not only the medicine but by depression and/or anxiety as well. For me, sometimes I can't sleep, because I THINK I won't be able to. If that makes any sense. Working out is also a great tool in combating anxiety/depression. If I didn't workout every day, I think it would be so much easier for me to slip back into my old ways of thinking and the darkness of depression. Just hang in there, start the program, and go from there. Just remember, all we can do is take one day at a time.

Don57 · Post by **Don57** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 3:53 am

Thank you for your responses. I agree it would not be in my best interest to just quit every method of controlling my anxiety and depression that have been working. I am just eager to get off medications and weekly therapy and to be able to help myself. As you all know, the cost of these outlets gets rather expensive! I agree exercise would be a big help as it has helped me in the past. The problem I am having now is motivation. I always find something more important to do. How have you "talked" yourself into getting off the couch and exercising?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 6:49 am

I have been on Prozac for years. I also take bp and cholesterol meds. In December, my dr changed my statin and my bp. Of course, they don't tell you why and they don't mention side effects. I have Aortic Valve Regurgitation which he says increases my chance of stroke so I do what he says usually. My depression got much worse so I went to see him in April and he started me on Wellbutrin. By May 1st . I had recieved the program and realised the wellbutrin was making me anxious. I called him and he cut the dosage in half. I have since stopped the wellbutrin all together. I have fatigue some days and always have the fuzzy head. Always drowsy and sometimes a little dizzy. Sessoin 5 has helped me with diet and exercise but it is still hard to get away from the computer or tv and walk around the neighborhood. I have found a volleyball game on Tuesday nights at my old church.
What is SVT and what would the surgery do for you. Be sure to get a second opinion.
My goal is to get off the Prozac and hopefully the cholesterol med before too long. i will be watching this thread and will let you know if I run across any other info.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 7:50 am

SVT is short for supraventricular tachycardia.. I think that's how you spell it

The easiest way to describe it is I have an extra pathway in my heart, a shorter one, that occassionally, for no reason really, my blood decides to flow through the shorter path as opposed to the normal one. When this happens my rhythm gets all out of wack and I start to have heart palpitations and my heart rate increases. My highest so far has been 225 beats per minute. 250 is cardiac arrest. So, it's scary. The medicine I take controls it mostly, doesn't cure it. And the medicine makes me extremely tired. I can still have episodes even being on the medicine. My cardiologist told me about a procedure they can do to ablate or "get rid of" the extra pathway for good which is 95% successful in eliminating my problem. I have met with 1 surgeon already and am scheduled to meet with a second (a specialist) on Monday. The surgery will be the only way to get rid of, not just cover, my problem.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:48 pm

I feel for ya, good luck with your svt and remember that you are NEVER alone ok?

:):)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 9:14 am

Hi there Hawaiihereicome.....BEEN THERE, done that!!! I had 2 ablations done, one in 1987, and then again in 1990. I can tell you that though the thought was scary it was painless, and worked the second time. I recommend it, yes, it is a CURE!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jul 22, 2008 11:17 am

Stopped using Xanax, thank GOD! I use Calms, by Hyland's from the health food store, I chew half a tablet if I get anxious, once or twice a day, it's gentle, non-addicting and safe! (Chamomile & Passionflower Extract), also try sipping a cup of Sleepytime Chamomile Tea, or Sleepytime Extra if you are REALLY anxious, a few sips sometimes is all you need, take a sip, wait, see if you feel better, just a sip at a time till you feel better! It is soooooo much better than the prescriptions, good luck, prayers your way!
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