Diabetes Talking

Question:

Thank you Mike and Sheldon! You’ve both made me feel much better about this and I’ve decided to give the Lexapro a fair shot. John C Keep us posted on how it works out.

Yes, John…. do let us know what kind of experience you have with the Lexapro. Best wishes! MikeH  . — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, perhaps the knowledgeable folks on this NG could provide me with some guidance/advice/experiences. I’ve been seeing a therapist for the anxiety and depression I seem to have aquired since my heart attack and diabetes diagnosis in April. I’m only 45 years old. On Wednesday I saw a psychiatrist for an evaluation. This is standard procedure when beginning therapy. Apparently I don’t have full blown clinical depression, but am borderline with general anxiety. The doc started me on Lexapro 10mg. I’m starting to feel it and frankly, I don’t like what I’m feeling…a sort of sluggish nervousness if that makes any sense. I’m really thinking about just bagging it and trying to tough it out on my own. It’s not like I’m suicidal….just miserable, an empty sense of hopelessness with bouts of crying sometimes (heh…imagine that, this tough guy hasn’t cried since I was a kid). The doc wants me to take the Lexapro for 6-9 months. Personally, I always worry about withdrawal with meds like that and tend to avoid drugs like that. Does anyone have any experience with depression/anxiety and antidepression meds? Thanks, John C Lexapro did wonders for me, and I know a lot of cardiologists use SSRI drugs in their treatment of patients.  These types of medications can make you very nervous at first, and if you haven’t been taking it long what you are feeling sounds normal.  It took me two weeks to feel the effects of the med and I’m glad I stayed with it.  Not every med works for everyone, and it’s often best to either wean onto an SSRI slowly, or take a benzo like Xanax or Ativan to knock out the nervousness.  Feeling tired is normal and will go away after some time. If it helps, I was also worried about side-effects and withdrawal, especially after trying two similar drugs with no positive effects, but when you find one that works it’s worth it.  Your anxiety and depression will wane, and the meds will keep you from bottoming out and your brain from doing that awful circular thinking like a dog chasing it’s tail. Of course you can tough it out, but why go that route if you don’t have to? Thank you Sheldon for your thoughtful answer. As far as toughing it out, I’m worried about withdrawal at some point. I really don’t want to be on an antidepressant for the rest of my life since I’ve never really been a depressed anxious person. This all started with my sudden (and unexpected) health problems. Am I naive in thinking this depressive/anxious episode will more than likely be of a temporary nature? John C Well, you could go the Xanax route on an as needed basis.  That works for a lot of people and if taken as directed will not be addictive.  Just as I suggested you wean onto an SSRI you also should wean off of it.  I was worried at first, too, but I’ve heard so many stories of people getting off these thing with no problems at all I’m not worried anymore. Keep in mind that many docs will prescribe these things for a lot of people who go through the death of a spouse, divorce, and stuff like that.  Time does heal all wounds, and as soon as the anxiety of your condition wanes you should be fine.  That said, I have seen a cardiologist for a minor problem and I know they use meds like this a lot.  He was even happy to find I was on Lexapro for completely different reasons, as anxiety was causing the heart problems and making the anxiety worse.  Also brought my blood pressure down. Only you can decide whether you want to try and bring down your anxiety with meds, and it does sound like a temporary thing.  For me, If I had a heart attack I’d be worried every day I was going to have another one, so I’d  be begging for meds to lead a normal life. Good luck, and I’m sure you’ll be fine whatever path you choose. — The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm – Show quoted text –

hi i had heart surgery in 1995.now taking paxil and buspar.feel great.never have any heart problems in years. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, perhaps the knowledgeable folks on this NG could provide me with some guidance/advice/experiences. I’ve been seeing a therapist for the anxiety and depression I seem to have aquired since my heart attack and diabetes diagnosis in April. I’m only 45 years old. On Wednesday I saw a psychiatrist for an evaluation. This is standard procedure when beginning therapy. Apparently I don’t have full blown clinical depression, but am borderline with general anxiety. The doc started me on Lexapro 10mg. I’m starting to feel it and frankly, I don’t like what I’m feeling…a sort of sluggish nervousness if that makes any sense. I’m really thinking about just bagging it and trying to tough it out on my own. It’s not like I’m suicidal….just miserable, an empty sense of hopelessness with bouts of crying sometimes (heh…imagine that, this tough guy hasn’t cried since I was a kid). The doc wants me to take the Lexapro for 6-9 months. Personally, I always worry about withdrawal with meds like that and tend to avoid drugs like that. Does anyone have any experience with depression/anxiety and antidepression meds? Thanks, John C Lexapro did wonders for me, and I know a lot of cardiologists use SSRI drugs in their treatment of patients.  These types of medications can make you very nervous at first, and if you haven’t been taking it long what you are feeling sounds normal.  It took me two weeks to feel the effects of the med and I’m glad I stayed with it.  Not every med works for everyone, and it’s often best to either wean onto an SSRI slowly, or take a benzo like Xanax or Ativan to knock out the nervousness.  Feeling tired is normal and will go away after some time. If it helps, I was also worried about side-effects and withdrawal, especially after trying two similar drugs with no positive effects, but when you find one that works it’s worth it.  Your anxiety and depression will wane, and the meds will keep you from bottoming out and your brain from doing that awful circular thinking like a dog chasing it’s tail. Of course you can tough it out, but why go that route if you don’t have to? Thank you Sheldon for your thoughtful answer. As far as toughing it out, I’m worried about withdrawal at some point. I really don’t want to be on an antidepressant for the rest of my life since I’ve never really been a depressed anxious person. This all started with my sudden (and unexpected) health problems. Am I naive in thinking this depressive/anxious episode will more than likely be of a temporary nature? John C

Well, you could go the Xanax route on an as needed basis.  That works for a lot of people and if taken as directed will not be addictive.  Just as I suggested you wean onto an SSRI you also should wean off of it.  I was worried at first, too, but I’ve heard so many stories of people getting off these thing with no problems at all I’m not worried anymore. Keep in mind that many docs will prescribe these things for a lot of people who go through the death of a spouse, divorce, and stuff like that.  Time does heal all wounds, and as soon as the anxiety of your condition wanes you should be fine.  That said, I have seen a cardiologist for a minor problem and I know they use meds like this a lot.  He was even happy to find I was on Lexapro for completely different reasons, as anxiety was causing the heart problems and making the anxiety worse.  Also brought my blood pressure down. Only you can decide whether you want to try and bring down your anxiety with meds, and it does sound like a temporary thing.  For me, If I had a heart attack I’d be worried every day I was going to have another one, so I’d  be begging for meds to lead a normal life. Good luck, and I’m sure you’ll be fine whatever path you choose. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, perhaps the knowledgeable folks on this NG could provide me with some guidance/advice/experiences. I’ve been seeing a therapist for the anxiety and depression I seem to have aquired since my heart attack and diabetes diagnosis in April. I’m only 45 years old. On Wednesday I saw a psychiatrist for an evaluation. This is standard procedure when beginning therapy. Apparently I don’t have full blown clinical depression, but am borderline with general anxiety. The doc started me on Lexapro 10mg. I’m starting to feel it and frankly, I don’t like what I’m feeling…a sort of sluggish nervousness if that makes any sense. I’m really thinking about just bagging it and trying to tough it out on my own. It’s not like I’m suicidal….just miserable, an empty sense of hopelessness with bouts of crying sometimes (heh…imagine that, this tough guy hasn’t cried since I was a kid). The doc wants me to take the Lexapro for 6-9 months. Personally, I always worry about withdrawal with meds like that and tend to avoid drugs like that. Does anyone have any experience with depression/anxiety and antidepression meds? Thanks, John C Lexapro did wonders for me, and I know a lot of cardiologists use SSRI drugs in their treatment of patients.  These types of medications can make you very nervous at first, and if you haven’t been taking it long what you are feeling sounds normal.  It took me two weeks to feel the effects of the med and I’m glad I stayed with it.  Not every med works for everyone, and it’s often best to either wean onto an SSRI slowly, or take a benzo like Xanax or Ativan to knock out the nervousness. Feeling tired is normal and will go away after some time. If it helps, I was also worried about side-effects and withdrawal, especially after trying two similar drugs with no positive effects, but when you find one that works it’s worth it.  Your anxiety and depression will wane, and the meds will keep you from bottoming out and your brain from doing that awful circular thinking like a dog chasing it’s tail. Of course you can tough it out, but why go that route if you don’t have to? Thank you Sheldon for your thoughtful answer. As far as toughing it out, I’m worried about withdrawal at some point. I really don’t want to be on an antidepressant for the rest of my life since I’ve never really been a depressed anxious person. This all started with my sudden (and unexpected) health problems. Am I naive in thinking this depressive/anxious episode will more than likely be of a temporary nature? John C Well, you could go the Xanax route on an as needed basis.  That works for a lot of people and if taken as directed will not be addictive.  Just as I suggested you wean onto an SSRI you also should wean off of it.  I was worried at first, too, but I’ve heard so many stories of people getting off these thing with no problems at all I’m not worried anymore. Keep in mind that many docs will prescribe these things for a lot of people who go through the death of a spouse, divorce, and stuff like that. Time does heal all wounds, and as soon as the anxiety of your condition wanes you should be fine.  That said, I have seen a cardiologist for a minor problem and I know they use meds like this a lot.  He was even happy to find I was on Lexapro for completely different reasons, as anxiety was causing the heart problems and making the anxiety worse.  Also brought my blood pressure down. Only you can decide whether you want to try and bring down your anxiety with meds, and it does sound like a temporary thing.  For me, If I had a heart attack I’d be worried every day I was going to have another one, so I’d  be begging for meds to lead a normal life. Good luck, and I’m sure you’ll be fine whatever path you choose. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm Thank you Mike and Sheldon! You’ve both made me feel much better about this and I’ve decided to give the Lexapro a fair shot. John C

Keep us posted on how it works out. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thank you Sheldon for your thoughtful answer. As far as toughing it out, I’m worried about withdrawal at some point. I really don’t want to be on an antidepressant for the rest of my life since I’ve never really been a depressed anxious person. This all started with my sudden (and unexpected) health problems. Am I naive in thinking this depressive/anxious episode will more than likely be of a temporary nature?

Hello, John…. There is no reason to believe that your depression/anxiety might not get to the point that you no longer need the anti-depressants.  As for getting off them, you simply taper off the med over a few weeks time and you will have no problem.  Many of us here have had anxiety for years…. some of us all our lives.  It seems that you are struggling with this as a result of some serious health issues.  As those issues improve, and as you begin to feel more *back to normal*, there is every reason to believe you might, one day, wean off the meds and no longer need them.  In the meantime, don’t suffere needlessly when you have meds that can make your day-to-day existence easier. Best wishes! MikeH  . — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thank you Sheldon for your thoughtful answer. As far as toughing it out, I’m worried about withdrawal at some point. I really don’t want to be on an antidepressant for the rest of my life since I’ve never really been a depressed anxious person. This all started with my sudden (and unexpected) health problems. Am I naive in thinking this depressive/anxious episode will more than likely be of a temporary nature? John C

Depression and anxiety have their own schedules. You can’t force them. You just have to ride them out with medication and therapy if necessary until they have run their course and then under a doctor’s supervision wean off the medications if that is what is recommended. These disorders are somewhat like trying to grab a wet bar of soap. The harder you try, the more difficult it becomes. Good luck — Ron P Member of the invisible generation — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, perhaps the knowledgeable folks on this NG could provide me with some guidance/advice/experiences. I’ve been seeing a therapist for the anxiety and depression I seem to have aquired since my heart attack and diabetes diagnosis in April. I’m only 45 years old. On Wednesday I saw a psychiatrist for an evaluation. This is standard procedure when beginning therapy. Apparently I don’t have full blown clinical depression, but am borderline with general anxiety. The doc started me on Lexapro 10mg. I’m starting to feel it and frankly, I don’t like what I’m feeling…a sort of sluggish nervousness if that makes any sense. I’m really thinking about just bagging it and trying to tough it out on my own. It’s not like I’m suicidal….just miserable, an empty sense of hopelessness with bouts of crying sometimes (heh…imagine that, this tough guy hasn’t cried since I was a kid). The doc wants me to take the Lexapro for 6-9 months. Personally, I always worry about withdrawal with meds like that and tend to avoid drugs like that. Does anyone have any experience with depression/anxiety and antidepression meds? Thanks, John C Lexapro did wonders for me, and I know a lot of cardiologists use SSRI drugs in their treatment of patients.  These types of medications can make you very nervous at first, and if you haven’t been taking it long what you are feeling sounds normal.  It took me two weeks to feel the effects of the med and I’m glad I stayed with it.  Not every med works for everyone, and it’s often best to either wean onto an SSRI slowly, or take a benzo like Xanax or Ativan to knock out the nervousness.  Feeling tired is normal and will go away after some time. If it helps, I was also worried about side-effects and withdrawal, especially after trying two similar drugs with no positive effects, but when you find one that works it’s worth it.  Your anxiety and depression will wane, and the meds will keep you from bottoming out and your brain from doing that awful circular thinking like a dog chasing it’s tail. Of course you can tough it out, but why go that route if you don’t have to? Thank you Sheldon for your thoughtful answer. As far as toughing it out, I’m worried about withdrawal at some point. I really don’t want to be on an antidepressant for the rest of my life since I’ve never really been a depressed anxious person. This all started with my sudden (and unexpected) health problems. Am I naive in thinking this depressive/anxious episode will more than likely be of a temporary nature? John C Well, you could go the Xanax route on an as needed basis.  That works for a lot of people and if taken as directed will not be addictive.  Just as I suggested you wean onto an SSRI you also should wean off of it.  I was worried at first, too, but I’ve heard so many stories of people getting off these thing with no problems at all I’m not worried anymore. Keep in mind that many docs will prescribe these things for a lot of people who go through the death of a spouse, divorce, and stuff like that. Time does heal all wounds, and as soon as the anxiety of your condition wanes you should be fine.  That said, I have seen a cardiologist for a minor problem and I know they use meds like this a lot.  He was even happy to find I was on Lexapro for completely different reasons, as anxiety was causing the heart problems and making the anxiety worse.  Also brought my blood pressure down. Only you can decide whether you want to try and bring down your anxiety with meds, and it does sound like a temporary thing.  For me, If I had a heart attack I’d be worried every day I was going to have another one, so I’d  be begging for meds to lead a normal life. Good luck, and I’m sure you’ll be fine whatever path you choose. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Thank you Mike and Sheldon! You’ve both made me feel much better about this and I’ve decided to give the Lexapro a fair shot. John C — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, perhaps the knowledgeable folks on this NG could provide me with some guidance/advice/experiences. I’ve been seeing a therapist for the anxiety and depression I seem to have aquired since my heart attack and diabetes diagnosis in April. I’m only 45 years old. On Wednesday I saw a psychiatrist for an evaluation. This is standard procedure when beginning therapy. Apparently I don’t have full blown clinical depression, but am borderline with general anxiety. The doc started me on Lexapro 10mg. I’m starting to feel it and frankly, I don’t like what I’m feeling…a sort of sluggish nervousness if that makes any sense. I’m really thinking about just bagging it and trying to tough it out on my own. It’s not like I’m suicidal….just miserable, an empty sense of hopelessness with bouts of crying sometimes (heh…imagine that, this tough guy hasn’t cried since I was a kid). The doc wants me to take the Lexapro for 6-9 months. Personally, I always worry about withdrawal with meds like that and tend to avoid drugs like that. Does anyone have any experience with depression/anxiety and antidepression meds? Thanks, John C Lexapro did wonders for me, and I know a lot of cardiologists use SSRI drugs in their treatment of patients.  These types of medications can make you very nervous at first, and if you haven’t been taking it long what you are feeling sounds normal.  It took me two weeks to feel the effects of the med and I’m glad I stayed with it.  Not every med works for everyone, and it’s often best to either wean onto an SSRI slowly, or take a benzo like Xanax or Ativan to knock out the nervousness.  Feeling tired is normal and will go away after some time. If it helps, I was also worried about side-effects and withdrawal, especially after trying two similar drugs with no positive effects, but when you find one that works it’s worth it.  Your anxiety and depression will wane, and the meds will keep you from bottoming out and your brain from doing that awful circular thinking like a dog chasing it’s tail. Of course you can tough it out, but why go that route if you don’t have to?

Thank you Sheldon for your thoughtful answer. As far as toughing it out, I’m worried about withdrawal at some point. I really don’t want to be on an antidepressant for the rest of my life since I’ve never really been a depressed anxious person. This all started with my sudden (and unexpected) health problems. Am I naive in thinking this depressive/anxious episode will more than likely be of a temporary nature? John C — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, perhaps the knowledgeable folks on this NG could provide me with some guidance/advice/experiences. I’ve been seeing a therapist for the anxiety and depression I seem to have aquired since my heart attack and diabetes diagnosis in April. I’m only 45 years old. On Wednesday I saw a psychiatrist for an evaluation. This is standard procedure when beginning therapy. Apparently I don’t have full blown clinical depression, but am borderline with general anxiety. The doc started me on Lexapro 10mg. I’m starting to feel it and frankly, I don’t like what I’m feeling…a sort of sluggish nervousness if that makes any sense. I’m really thinking about just bagging it and trying to tough it out on my own. It’s not like I’m suicidal….just miserable, an empty sense of hopelessness with bouts of crying sometimes (heh…imagine that, this tough guy hasn’t cried since I was a kid). The doc wants me to take the Lexapro for 6-9 months. Personally, I always worry about withdrawal with meds like that and tend to avoid drugs like that. Does anyone have any experience with depression/anxiety and antidepression meds? Thanks, John C

Lexapro did wonders for me, and I know a lot of cardiologists use SSRI drugs in their treatment of patients.  These types of medications can make you very nervous at first, and if you haven’t been taking it long what you are feeling sounds normal.  It took me two weeks to feel the effects of the med and I’m glad I stayed with it.  Not every med works for everyone, and it’s often best to either wean onto an SSRI slowly, or take a benzo like Xanax or Ativan to knock out the nervousness.  Feeling tired is normal and will go away after some time. If it helps, I was also worried about side-effects and withdrawal, especially after trying two similar drugs with no positive effects, but when you find one that works it’s worth it.  Your anxiety and depression will wane, and the meds will keep you from bottoming out and your brain from doing that awful circular thinking like a dog chasing it’s tail. Of course you can tough it out, but why go that route if you don’t have to? — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, perhaps the knowledgeable folks on this NG could provide me with some guidance/advice/experiences. I’ve been seeing a therapist for the anxiety and depression I seem to have aquired since my heart attack and diabetes diagnosis in April. I’m only 45 years old. On Wednesday I saw a psychiatrist for an evaluation. This is standard procedure when beginning therapy. Apparently I don’t have full blown clinical depression, but am borderline with general anxiety. The doc started me on Lexapro 10mg. I’m starting to feel it and frankly, I don’t like what I’m feeling…a sort of sluggish nervousness if that makes any sense. I’m really thinking about just bagging it and trying to tough it out on my own. It’s not like I’m suicidal….just miserable, an empty sense of hopelessness with bouts of crying sometimes (heh…imagine that, this tough guy hasn’t cried since I was a kid). The doc wants me to take the Lexapro for 6-9 months. Personally, I always worry about withdrawal with meds like that and tend to avoid drugs like that. Does anyone have any experience with depression/anxiety and antidepression meds? Thanks, John C — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response: