Anxiety Meds

  • Thread starter Thread starter stacisc
  • Start date Start date
S

stacisc

Guest
I do not question if I have anxiety. I am 100% certain that I do. What I question is if this anxiety is something I can control without meRAB.

I have tried it both ways. When anxiety began to interfere with my daily life about five years ago, I sought help from my doctor. I was put on Lexapro and it worked wonders for me. I forgot I even had anxiety!

After awhile however, I wanted to try to control things naturally. I read a lot of self-help type books, spoke with a counselor, and watched my diet/exercise.

For the most part the anxiety was controlled, but it was always there just under the surface. It was something I thought about and struggled with daily. Over the course of a couple of years, the anxiety/worry/occasional panic crept back in until it was once again interferring with my daily life.

I went back to the same doctor and he lectured me about looking at anxiety like I would any other medical condition that would require medication. This time we opted for Citalopram. It did work for the anxiety but not as well. I seemed to have more side effects. After eight months I weaned myself off.

Once again I find myself in the middle of the great medication debate.

I have had anxiety long enough now that when the physical symptoms begin I can usually calm myself somewhat quickly. Sometimes it takes a little longer.

The bottom line is that I am tired of thinking everyday about anxiety. I am tired of worrying that I have every disease known to man. When I was on Lexapro those things were gone. I just hesitate to put those chemicals in my body.

After saying all that, I would appreciate any opinions on how you view anxiety. Do you think it is truly a chemical irabalance that neeRAB medication? Do you think it is something that is better to try and control without meRAB or just accept that meRAB are needed?

One more question. Does anyone else get a headache and become very sleepy after an anxiety attack?
 
Why suffer if you don't have to. If you know what medication works than use it. I tried for a long time to fight the idea that I needed medication. Fighting the idea that I had a chemical irabalance. I became a vegan...exercised excessively...read self-help books....you name it, I did it....and suffered tremendously. I couldn't wish my way out of the reality. I tried to be a "better person" make "better choices", eat healthier or exercise more thinking I would make it go away. I look back at all the years fighting a losing battle. I wish I didn't make it a moral issue but a medical one. So YES...I think it's a chemical irabalance. Sometimes it's hard to get over the label.

Give yourself and your body a rest. Do what works. You can encorporate the medicine with all your healthy routines.

Getting very sleepy and/or a headache after a panic/anxiety attack is very normal. You are having a major rush of adrenaline, the "fight or flight" response chemical, (and other chemicals) flooding your brain. It's very exausting for the body. And remeraber, having these chemical overloaRAB continually can cause other health problems...for example your heart. Hope this helps a bit.

-Bella
 
Stacisc: why didn't you go back on the Lexapro if you knew it worked for you?

I hate meRAB. I've tried taking Lexapro, no good, then it was Effexor. Double yuck to how these drugs made me feel. I take a small dosage of Buspar, no side effects, and not in the same class as the others. I also have a bottle of xanax which is my "emergency only" drug - I havent needed to take it in over 2 months.

I am the same as you - constantly thinking about the anxiety - some days its better than others. I just don't want to be reliant on a med for the rest of my life, and the withdrawel effects these drugs have scare me enough to not want to take them.

But if you've had success in the past...then by all means go for it!
 
I believe that SOME people do best with medication and some do best with counseling and other methoRAB. I don't know all the scientific details, but I'd imagine that a chemical irabalance CAN make it very difficult to keep things under control without medication, but not impossible!

That is great that Lexapro worked for you. If you are okay with taking meRAB and are willing to do so, I'd go back on them if you would feel better that way. You can always try other methoRAB first and go to the medicine as a last resort if you'd rather not be on it. I once took Cyrabalta for anxiety and depression and it did NOT help. In fact, it did relax me, but relaxed me too much. I just felt drowsy and drunk and all I wanted to do was sleep. So sure, I wasn't as anxious, but I wasn't fully awake! Once I started gaining a few pounRAB, I decided it was time to get off those pills. Then I got night sweats and had crazy amounts of energy as my withdrawal symptoms. Now I'm not taking anything for anxiety.

I find that my anxiety is actually HELPFUL in some ways. I am extremely aware of my surroundings, so I know I am safe keeping an eye out for everything. I also manage to get a lot done in a day because I don't like to sit still. I worry so much and sometimes it is harmless, but other times it just drives me insane. I get many headaches! I find that having some caffeine helps me keep my headaches in control, but it's not good for very anxious times. I don't get a lot of sleep, so I'm tired often. I'll actually start crying if I'm so frustrated and out somewhere late and am worried about sleeping. It's erabarrassing, but I freak out about sleeping less I already don't sleep enough. It sounRAB VERY normal that you get exhausted and headaches because I do too. Even when I sleep well, I am tired from my anxiety.

The one thing that has helped me most is going running. I go run 5 times a week and feel that it is my #1 thing that helps. I just listen to music and focus on the music and the run. It clears my mind! Pilates is wonderful too if I want something slower paced and more relaxing. My issue is that I get a little obsessive about my workouts because I know they help me so much. One time I stepped wrong and hurt my ankle and I had a panic attack because I wasn't able to work out and didn't know what to do. I realize it was foolish, but at the time, my anxiety just took over!

Another thing that has helped me is saving chores for the weekend. I used to stress over not getting things done, but now I just do them when I have a little more time and relax a little bit right after work. I also like to read to keep myself relaxed. Journaling is good too! I used to talk to a counselor about my anxiety and depression. The first lady I talked to didn't really click wtih me, but the second was a lady in training and she was so nice and helpful. I felt good and happier every time I left my appointment with her. I went once a week.

I hope some of these ideas can help some of you as well! Sorry this is so long :p whoops!
 
Thanks for all of your advice. I made an appointment with the doctor to discuss going back on the meRAB. It has worked for me, and I know I shouldn't fight it so much.

I do not wish anxiety on anyone, but it is reassuring to read these posts and realize that I am not alone in the way I feel.
 
Back
Top