Anxiety increasing for no apparent reason - is this perimenopause?

[francesrivis]

Hi, I'm 45 and have been on ADs for many years - initially for depression but more recently for anxiety. Until about a year ago I was coping well - still needed the ADs but felt really confident that the anxiety was under control. Since then things have gone haywire - I'm now on twice the dose of ADs that I was but my anxiety is probably the worst it's ever been. No particular life events or stressors that triggered this so I am at a loss - the only thing I can think is that it's hormonal - however I'm confused as I still have regular periods. Could it nevertheless be perimenopause? Has anyone else experienced this, and is there anything you found helpful? The psychiatrist I've seen most recently suggested a change to pregabalin - however I am really wary of this as a) am concerned about the long list of side effects and b) the ADs always worked well in the past (and help me sleep, which I don't think the pregabalin would) and I don't really understand why they don't any more.

Any suggestions gratefully received, TIA

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I don't have experience of ADs but have you had your thyroid levels checked? I had a similar experience: anxiety levels shot up for no apparent reason. I went to the GP, had bloods done and it turned out I have a thyroid problem. Might be worth checking

Thanks - I did wonder about this but don't seem to have any of the other symptoms - seeing GP Monday though so will ask whether it's worth getting tested.

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Yes. And mirtzapine taken with fluorextine. Magic.

Hi Katharine - am already on mirtazapine - what does the combination with fluoxetine do?

I don't know what they do together - but they work so much better than anything I've taken in the last 20 odd years. I do think the surge in anxiety which left me housebound (again) and actually unable to care for my children for the first time, was due to perimenopause. Have lots of other symptoms but because I was 38 when it started the doc says it's not menopause because I'm too young. Full stop. I think HRT would most likely of worked just as well and had less side effects i.e. the weight and cost the NHS less but hey ho.