Hello Sandy, thanks for the query. I am sorry to know your current state of difficulties. You said you had great initial improvement with medications
lexapro (escitalopram) &
xanax (alprazolam); then why did you stop these medications? Were there any side effects due to these medications? Secondly, I would like to know that what are your current set of symptoms which are so distressing & disabling? Please revert back with this information. Presently, based on information provided; I can broadly suggest a few points, If lexapro (escitalopram) has worked in past; restarting lexapro or some other drug of similar class (SSRI) along with xanax (alprazolam) or similar safer anxiolytics like (
clonazepam,
etizolam) should take care of your symptoms. Based on your clinical profile, there are many other medication options like TCA,
SNRI type drugs are also available. In addition, you need to do certain lifestyle modifications like getting up early, doing 30 minutes physical exercise daily, sleeping at least 6 hours at night, avoiding alcohol & other substance of abuse. Lastly, in addition to these & based on your symptom profile, you can undergo
talk therapy (known as cognitive behavior therapy, exposure & response prevention etc. depending upon your symptoms) for a rapid improvement. Do
consult a Psychiatrist for these treatments & get back to me for further help. Good Luck