Anxiety, Meds & Alcohol

PugMum

Just a little background. I always considered myself a moderate social drinker. I was taking Lexapro prior to my diagnosis for anxiety. Found myself CRAVING alcohol and weaned myself off the Lexapro. Diagnosis and back on anti-depressant ( Effexor XR this time ). Went through menopause pretty suddenly. I'm currently taking a very small dose of Effexor and Femara. Once again found myself craving ( and abusing ) alcohol. After a particularly nasty and embarassing night decided to quit drinking. A couple questions, has anyone else had this experience with the alcohol and meds? Are there any anti-anxiety meds that are better/safer to take if you're on Femara? I think the anxiety is a life-long issue and will probably be taking something forever which is o.k. with me as long as there aren't any negative health issues.

pabbie

PugMum-I take clonazapem for my anxiety and for sleeping. The anti-hormonal Tamoxifen that I am on made me more anxious so I increased my clonazapem a little. I'm still under 1mg. per day. I personally try to keep my dose at the lowest because these types of drugs can be addictive. (benzo's)

My psych and I have been discussing the drug Neurontin in which I will start soon. The Neurontin helps with mood, insomnia, hot flashes & anxiety. My goal is to get off my zoloft and clonazapem and take one pill. I researched the drug on-line after looking at these bc threads.

I used alcohol alot when I was younger but now after all these meds I have to take; I'm always careful with the alcohol if any.

PugMum-I think you're on the right track with the anxiety issue. Touch base w/ your doc on this. Take care of yourself.

PugMum

pabbie,

Thanks for the info. I'm going to do some on-line research tomorrow and then take it with me to my appointment with my GP on Wednesday. That Neurontin sounds like it would address all my issues. I realize some of these may simply be menopausal but I can't take do any HRT so may be exactly what I need. I'll let you know what he says.

Thanks again,

Kathy