Anxiety & Panic Community

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of the child and I certainly understand that this can be an extremely difficult thing to endure. That plus the medical problems which you indicate you have had would all result in a high stress time of life. Although I am not an M.D., I know that certain medical conditions can also leave you more prone to stress and anxiety. Even the medications that are used to treat these illnesses can result in side effects such as anxiety and depression and I'm wondering if that might be the case here too.

Medication is always a difficult thing to decide. In the area of medications taken for anxiety or depression, unfortunately, most of them do have unpleasant side effects initially and a withdrawal syndrome if you should stop. The question that you have to ask yourself is whether or not taking the medication through this difficult period may result in your feeling better. Of course, there is no guarantee but each medication should be given an adequate trial.

There is still another consideration for you and that is the fact that you are in your mid-70s. This would indicate that there are changes in your body which may affect medications even more. We know that as people age they can become more anxious not only because of life's circumstances but because of biological changes. They also may be taking a number of medications and, for that reason, anyone who is going to be considered for psychotropics (medications for psychological problems) really should have a consult someone who is a specialist in geropsychiatry.

I don't know who is prescribing your medication but this is a factor that must be considered. Age makes the kidneys and liver work differently and we may not be able to clear medications as effectively from the body. This can result in the medication building up or interacting unfavorably with other medications.

It's true that depression and anxiety appear to be highest in the morning when we first get up, so what you're experiencing is normal. I think that you and your therapist can discuss this as well as discussing ways that you can work on this to help yourself. You may wish to use something that I have found to be quite good and that is relaxation breathing. We do have a video tutorial on this in our Tips column and I would suggest that you view it and give this technique a try. Don't just use it once, use it several times a day anytime that you might begin to feel a bit anxious. In other words, don't let the anxiety take hold before you start to do the breathing; use the breathing to forestall the anxiety.

I hope you find this useful and that things do improve for you very soon.

Thank you so much for your insight and suggestions. I do breathing exercises that I learned while working at a hospital and have seen recommended by some holistic doctors and medical doctors from time to time. I will check out your video too.
I do take other meds--one for Afib and another for high b/p and asked my pharmacist if any of my meds could affect the anti-depressant or be bad together and he said 'no' interactions are indicated. However, as you said, people are different. I'm going to try to 'hang in there a few more days'. Today was 'awful'--nausea intense and made me more anxious.
The doctor I'm seeing was highly recommended and sees all ages, and doesn't push meds at all--but is trying to find one I can take. We don't spend much time together--probably 10 mins. The therapist is an hour! Love that

So, the doc just does med checks, but it's the therapist who is going to provide the support and direction you need. The meds may just enable you to use the therapy better.