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Originally Posted by Br0k3nW1ng3d
So I had been doing great with just some minor tweaking to fight some anxiety I had been having. Thats when I changed birth control to the depo privara shot.
One thing the OB/GYN failed to tell me is that it has the possibility of worsening depression and anxiety.
Next thing I know I have fallen into a deep depression. Almost daily at random times I have horrendous crying fits with a side of extreme anxiety. I landed in the emergency room because I was unable to see my therapist or my psychiatrist for several days.
When I finally got in to see my psychiatrist he decided to double my gabapentin.
At first all was going well. The attacks were lesser in length and the depression lifted. Thats when the chest pain started. Back to the ER I went.
I had to go back to my original dosage of Gabapentin, and was back to the drawing board. Attacks resumed and I was defeated
Now my psychiatrist is attempting to adjust my Lamictal now. So far I have felt no change.
Its going to take months to get the depo shot out of my system. I feel so lost. Luckily work has been very supportive despite the fact that i am on week 2 of missing work. I have been declined FMLA because I havent worked there long enough so the fear of losing my job is still in the balance.
Any advice on coping mechanisms I can try when these attacks happen? Ive tried meditation, art therapy, mindful thinking, sleeping through it, and talking to close family. Nothing has lifted the depression and the attacks keep coming. Sometimes twice a day. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
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Wow. So sorry you are going through this. Just uggh!
For the anxiety, have you tried benzodiazepines like lorazepam or clonazepam? I don't know if you can tolerate SNRI meds, yet if so, citalopram is one which helps with anxiety.
For the depression, have you tried Latuda (which is an AP also used in severe atypical or bipolar depressions)? Stimulants may or may not be an option for your depression as they are sometimes used in stubborn depressions, yet would require first getting the anxiety under control. (Stimulants require close monitoring incase the set-off a hypomania/mania reaction.)
Please don't feel you need to answer this point by point, I am just trying to share some potential options.
My heart goes out to you.

WC