Hi Heart Sisters,
Just curious, how long have you been on anti-depressants/anti-anxiety pills? I am on Lexapro, Buspar, Klonopin or Valium as needed and Seroquel which helps me sleep at night.
After a lot of reading, I would say my initial depression was "situational" and I have not really been depressed for a while. I realize that things in life aren't really going to change. (For example, my mother in law is still alive. She is still nasty. Me taking pills will not change this, but my choice not to see her ever again is in my control.)
So I am thinking of getting off the Lexapro and Buspar. I'd like to keep the klonopin and valium around for occasional use when I have to deal with my 9 year old (special needs/difficult child) and the seroquel around until I am weaned off the others.
I have a phychiatrist aappt today and I am going to bring this up. I had my MI in Ddecember and I have been in rehab and am feeling so much better mentally lately that I think I can get off these pills. Plus, to be honest, I am not sure they do/did anything since I never felt any different.
Just curious how others have felt, how long you stayed on these kinds of pills after you had your heart issues and depression/anxiety.
Thanks,
GraceAnn
Already a member? Sign in
Welcome to Inspire!
What - Inspire is a place where you can connect with people who share your health concerns and find information and advice in groups sponsored by organizations you know and trust.
Why - As a member you can use Inspire to let friends and family know how you're doing, contact others who share your health concerns, receive personalized updates and information about participating in surveys and clinical trials, and more.
How - Joining Inspire is completely free and usually takes less than a minute. Join now!
Anti-depressants - HOW LONG????
- By GraceAnnStewart
- Posted October 21, 2009 at 11:22 am · 3 replies
- In Emotional and psychological issues
- Shared with the public
Explore topics in this discussion:
Seroquel Heart disease Lipitor Klonopin Buspar Lexapro Paxil Cardiomyopathy Anxiety Coreg Heart attack Valium Depression
3 replies
- Oldest first
- Newest first
- By Twndd
- Posted October 21, 2009 at 12:43 pm
- Report post
Grace Ann,
I have had Dilated Cardiomyopathy for almost 9 yrs. I have been clinically depressed since then. I started out on regular Paxil 25 mgs. 2xs a day. At the time I had also left my husband. I don't know if you know about Dilated Cardiomyopathy but my prognosis for this disease was 5 yrs. per the AHA. Since then meds have improved etc, I still take Paxil CR 25 mg once a day and 0.5 mg of Klonopin for sleep. I really don't sleep. Always anticipating death though I know try not to dwell on it. I have good and bad days. I think the Paxil helps keep my chemical mental balance. I worked at at psych center for 12 yrs. and learned much about mental illnesses. Stay on your Paxil talk to your dr. about the others. Be up front and honest and tell them how you really feel and the stresses of everyday life. Having an MI and worrying about the possibility of another one is certainly a BIG ONE. Keep in touch with this group they will help support you. Every day is a battle with heart disease especially for woman. Remember it is the number one killer of woman even though the rest of the world seems to forget that most days.
Be proactive and ask questions. Good luck and let me know how you make it. Stay strong.. Keep your chin up.
God Bless
Donna
- By laurali
- Posted October 21, 2009 at 4:17 pm
- Report post
Hi Grace Ann -- good for you that you are feeling better now! I was on a low dose of Paxil for about 3 years and recently discontinued. I'm doing fine. I have a "just in case" Rx for valium but have not had to use any. I think that taking beta blocker Rx (coreg) has helped me also -- that of course will continue. Just be sure to get your Psy doc or MD help when quitting any of these Rx. I quit Paxil slowly over about a month's time -- had a few side effects but they went away! Take care. Hugs, laurali
- By GraceAnnStewart
- Posted October 22, 2009 at 11:08 am
- Report post
A big THANKS. I am going off the Buspar today and I will see how things go over the next 2 weeks then when I meet with my psychiatrist we will evaluate going off the Lexapro as well. She wants to do one at a time which makes sense.
I am seeing my cardiologist on 11/6 and I am going to see about also decreasing my Lipitor and Lovaza depending on how my blood work comes back. I will also have an ultrasound of my carotids which was never done during all of the heart attack chaos. She will also decide if they will do another angiogram to measure blood flow through my blockage using a flow wire. So far this year they have been leaning toward not doing it.
I just realy want to get off as many medications as I can and get back to normal. I do realize some heart pills will be there forever but I want to start looking at lowering doses.
Thanks!!!!!
Heart hugs,
GraceAnn
Add to the discussion