Hi,
I am somewhat at a crossroads with my recovery strategy and am looking for some help. I am a former drug user (cocaine) and I have been 100% sober for the past three and a half months. I stopped as a result of a bad "episode" which I thought was an overdose. It scared me into sobriety, that's for sure. In any case, since then I have been suffering from depression and panic-like symptoms. Fortunately, I've only had 2 or 3 full-blown attacks, but I get mild symptoms of panic quite frequently (palpitations, choking sensation, dizziness, etc.)
I have gone the whole time without meds (besides a few Xanax and Ativan) and now I am working with a cognitive-behavioral therapist who works with a psychiatrist, as a "tag-team" sort of deal. Anyhow, her and the psychiatrist are really pushing me to get on an anti-d, specifically Effexor. As mentioned, I have gotten by without any meds, but I still find every day to be a struggle to get through. I have also worked with a Naturopathic Doctor and a Nutritionist, have exhausted many natural alternatives that have not really worked out for me.
Should I get on an SSRI, or even Effexor, as they recommend? I have done a lot of research, and have found that Effexor has the highest rate of success against depression, however the withdrawal symptoms are as nasty as I've heard from any SSRI type drugs. The only other anti-d I'm considering is Lexapro; my mom is HUGE on it, and of all the SSRI's, it seems to have gotten the most positive results (generally speaking). Let me know what you think. I have never taken anti-d's; I just want to know if it is wise to go down that path, in my situation. I certainly could use something to make me feel better than I do as of now.