How Effective Is Hormone Replacement Therapy In Treating Anxiety?

Posted on Tue, 21 Jun 2016

Question: I have serious anxiety in postmenopause and have started taking hormone replacement and effexcor. When will that help me?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Postmenopausal onset of anxiety is a relatively common problem, so you aren't alone! Hormone replacement alongside an SNRI antidepressant such as Effexor is an excellent regimen to combat this problem. Due to the way SNRIs work on receptors in the brain, it can take up to 4-8 weeks for you to experience full efficacy and relief, though this can certainly work sooner in some people. For rapid management of symptoms while you're waiting for the SNRI antidepressant to kick in, I recommend finding a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT) in your area. If there is not one available, I do offer text-based therapy via questions at my private link below. In time, you will feel better!

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (10 hours later)

I just switched from lexapro after several years and have been given klonopin for short term help. Since I had lexapro in me already should things progress a little sooner?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
If Lexapro was ineffective for you, Effexor is really considered a "new" trial of a drug, so having taken Lexapro won't really cut down on the length of time Effexor needs to kick in. However, Klonopin will help in the short term. Just be aware that Klonopin should not be taken for more than a couple months due to risk of dependence.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D