I am a young professional with a family who has been dealing with depression, anxiety and possibly bi-polar II disorder. I am currently on 75mgs effexor xr once daily and 15 mgs abilify once daily. My bi-polar disorder is self-diagnosed but the Dr. is holding his reservations about that diagnosis, and treating me for the possibility of that, but also chronic depression. This medication combination has worked well and has helped and has allowed me to function and be with my family and work in an office again, BUT I still feel constant anxiety and nervousness. Daily. Over anything or over nothing. Reassurance from my wife often helps but I have turned to alcohal on more then one occassison to make the anxiousness dissipate. Looking for any advice... even alternative medications I can bring up with my doctor to take in place of or in addition to my current regiment. I eat well, and exercise regularly.

Thanks

I'll cut to the chase: For the anxiaty there is Lexapro/Celexa. Either of those would make a great choice since they work very nicely in combinations with other medications, they are both quite effective in dealing with anxiaty, and both are known to be on the "milder" side of the SSRI spectrum. In fact, two very common treatment plans are Lexapro with Abilify, and Lexapro with Effexor. In either case it is said that the Lexapro does a good job on its own only it needs to be supplemented with Abilify or with Effexor. Since you are taking both, and since lexapro goes well with either, this plan sounds just right for you. PS: both Celexa and Lexapro treat both depression and anxiaty. however, if your main issue is depression, go with Lexapro up to 15mg. if your main issue is anxiety, go with higher doses, or go with Celexa.

Student