Anxiety Disorder? Changes in Meds After Surgery?

I am a worry wart and have been since I was little.  I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder in college and have tried a few medications over the years to help (Zoloft, Paxil, and now, Cymbalta).  When I told my doctor of my decision to have WLS, he was so pleased that I was finally doing something for me!

I have been on Cymbalta for about a year and it has been amazing!  I have relaxed, let go, and become a person that people, particilarly my kids, can be around without walking on eggshells.  One of the crappy things about Cymbalta is that it really made a difference when I took it and what I ate immediately after I took it.  I would feel really nasty if I didn't eat enough and/or didn't eat the right things.

Fast forward to my surgery last week.  I tried to take my medication twice and both times I felt like crap afterward so I haven't taken it since.  I've also noticed that I am pretty darn relaxed and am dealing just fine with all the changes that have transpired over the last week.  I've been in charge (taking care of the family, driving, schedules, etc.) 100% on my own since Saturday and there hasn't been a blip. (NO, I do not recommend that anyone stop taking any medication after surgery, it just happened that way).

I plan on calling my doctor today and at least reducing my medication (as I asked him before my surgery), but I was wondering if anyone else with a similar condition noticed a change after surgery.

Congrats on surgery and feeling good!  I'm sure someone will post some great advice soon.  Just wanted to say congratulations.

Thanks! :)

That is what is best about the board ... so many people with great support and great advise!

Hi Sara,

I am pre-surgery and dont have any advice, but have you tried either pulverizing the pill or opening it and putting it in pudding? I'm not sure what you can or cant eat, but I was wondering?

I hope you can find the right answers.

Best,

Sharon

It isn't an issue of actually ingesting it.  I can swallow it easily by opening up the capsule and putting it on a small spoon of babyfood applesauce.  That's how I take my prevacid each day.

Thanks :)

I was on Citalopram before surgery and noticed after surgery that i was falling asleep about half an hour after I would take my afternoon dose. I was already on the lowest dose possible but taking it 2 times a day. So my doc had me go off it at my one month mark. The depression over my weight and being so un-healthy has pretty much been non-existent since the surgery so she didn't see any need for me to stay with it. I am still on Wellbutrin and we actually bumped that one up again to help me quit smoking since I was doing really well with it before the surgery. i'm just starting to test out what times are best for me to take it since i think it may make me sleepy too but i took it at night and could have just been tired from a really busy day yesterday.
My only advise would be to monitor how you are feeling before and after you take anything and work closely with your doc to make sure you are taking the right medication in the right dosage for you. I need to get off my PPI as I think it's giving me heartburn instead of fixing the problem lol.

Thanks!

I'm going back on the medication this morning AFTER I get something substantial in my stomach.  I am going to log my reactions exactly as you suggested and bring it to my doctor's appointment in two weeks.

Hi Sara,

I have had similar anxiety for many years and take medication.  However, since my surgery it feels as though the "weight" around my neck is loosened and I don't feel completely demoralized anymore.  I believe one of the chief reasons for my anxiety through the years has been my weight and self esteem issues as a result.  I have not been anxious since surgery.  I have seen my psychiatrist who has significantly reduced my medication.  I believe that before 6 months, I won't even need it anymore.  I'm not saying this is for everyone, however for me---I feel totally free!  My confidence comes from the fact that I believe that I will be successful in loosing weight and the fear of failure is gone....  Good luck to you. 

Thanks!

I have always been bummed about my weight and I am sure it has contributed to my anxiety.

Although I present a tough outer/take no prisoners attitude, inside I am very insecure.  I am always worried about disappointing people and/or inconveniencing them.  From that point, I can get very frustrated/angry.  It was most noticable at home as that is where I can let it loose.  Unfortunately, my little ones were having to deal with a Mom that was angry and frustrated most of the time, especially when I was working full time as a special education teacher.

I completely agree about the confidence aspect.  I do feel like I can do anything that I set my mind to.  I have failed so many times in the past because I didn't give myself a fighting chance to succeed.