Two anxiety meds, that is. Not kids. I realize that this headline was pretty misleading after yesterday’s post about my only child, but I decided to run with it anyway.
A few months ago, I started noticing little bits of my old anxiety creeping in for a visit. The occasional heart palpitation would catch me off guard. I found myself being incredibly short with my daughter, and sort of withdrawing from her a bit. Definitely not ideal, particularly considering that I’m supposed to be savoring every moment of this time with her before I go back to work. (Another topic for another day.)
I’m also tired constantly—to the point that I can fall asleep pretty much anytime, anywhere. That has NEVER been a thing for me. I am a lifelong insomniac and aside from the first trimester of pregnancy, I’ve never been a napper. Not even when I had a newborn at home and I should have been napping.
Then, things really got crazy. The past week or so, my anxiety has been absolutely crippling. I’m way behind on schoolwork—well beyond any concept of “behind” I’ve had since I went back to school. I’m just completely unable to focus on work. All I want to do is lie in bed and stare at mindless things on my phone.
I booked an appointment with my doctor about a month ago when the little bits of anxiety first caught my attention, and finally saw her this morning. I have seriously been counting the days out of desperation because I knew she’d be able to help. I am so grateful that I have a doctor who gets it. We’re the same age (ish) and she has a one year old at home. She’s totally down to earth, and I honestly think I’d love to be friends with her if only she wasn’t my doctor.
We chatted about what’s been happening, and after all of the options were laid out on the table, I told her that I trust her to make the right choice. She decided to add Wellbutrin to my Zoloft regimen. (She’s also looking into some other issues—running routine bloodwork, and looking into sleep apnea as a possibility.)
So tonight, I’ll start taking Wellbutrin. Let’s hope that within 4-6 weeks I’m feeling like myself again. I’ll let you know.
Hound Mamas 
With a background in front line mental health before my current gig, I am a big fan of old school meds that tend to work for a pretty generous swath of humankind. Wellbutrin is one of those. It also tends to play well with others for many folks. Hope it helps.
A close loved one has been crippled by anxiety in the last few weeks as well. It is no joke. Here’s all the hope that your meds kick in and make a big difference quickly. ❤
After I got sober I had relentless anxiety. I was jittery all the time and totally unable to focus. My doctor added gabapentin – more to keep alcohol cravings away – but it ended up being the missing ingredient for controlling my anxiety. Good luck – you’ll find your formula but I feel for ya in the mean time. Totally sucks.
We actually discussed gabapentin at my appointment. I was just wary of it because it’s also a seizure med, and with my history of epilepsy I know too well how those drugs affect me. It’s on the list if Wellbutrin fails, though. Hope you’re all doing well!
Doing a test for apnea is easy and treatment makes a HUGE difference. Not really sleeping at night (because not breathing) really messes everything else up including depression and can contribute to a HOST of other physical problems like weight gain, type 2, makes it harder to heal after any infection, turns into bronchitis/pneumonia faster., makes every illness longer and worse. GET THE TEST soonest even if you think the new med addition is working. No, no one ‘wants’ apnea but lordy if you have it you DO WANT IT TREATED ASAP. Apnea isn’t just for ‘old fat men’, it starts in young people ….. and people die from not breathing and the consequences. Do not do that to your family.
Please report back on the test!!! (See, I think you will be bright and get it now.)