Hope this wll help (anxiety issue)

Let me begin by saying I know how you feel, and I know that you think that this horrible disorder will never go away. I started with panic attacks at 17 I had always been a worrier even as a child. I don't ever remember being truely happy and carefree. I had over protective parents that saw danger in everything so I didn't get to experence alot of things growing up that kids need to experense to be well rounded. I not blameing them because they were only trying to protect me. when the panic attacks started it was 1973 and I don't think Drs. knew much about this disorder back then. I was told it was broncheal and given antibiotics and sent home. After several trips to the e r and being told that nothing was wrong I gave up and thought I had to have some rare diease and was going to die any minute, day after day after day. I weighed 95 lbs had an adversion to food and had to force every bite of food I ate for 5 years. When reached the point where the depression started, Iwas so afraid. I had lost my life and I was so tired of living. Then I tried one last Dr. I sat in his office, crying spilling my guts, holding on by a thread. He was quiet, just listened he let me ramble on and on for a good hour. He then told he wanted me to take amitriptyline 75mg. at bed time and wanted me to check in weekly at no charge just to monitor my progress. I didn't have any faith in this med. because I did't understand the problem. I kid you not within 5 days I was a completely different person for the first time in my life I felt truely happy. I finally enjoyed food again. I felt like living and looked forward to the future. How could a medication do this to the brain?  I know it's an old drug and the newer ssri are the norm. I don't mean to give medical advice I'm just saying what worked for me, and is still working til this day.

blessings2u

Hello and thank you for posting !  I believe you 100% as the first class of medications I was started on 30 years ago for my newly dx anxiety/depression was a Tricyclic Antidepressant - Nortriptyline.  This medication served me extremely well for over 20 years.  I did have some small time outs but I was able to do what I wanted to and enjoy life.  I also worked with a therapist right from the start of my dx.

Sad to say for some reason the medication pooped out and since then I have been on way to many ADs and none of them has ever worked as well for me. My Pdoc let me try the Nortriptyline again about 4 years ago but the second time around it did not work.  I suspect that over the years my disorder changed and what worked for so long just stopped working.

It makes me feel really happy for you to know that a med I believed in is now helping you ! Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline are both great choices IMHO. 

I hope this medication brings you as much help as Nortriptyline did for me.  While I was on this medication our son was killed in a car crash and even though I went through a horrrible time my antidepressant held and I did not fall into a major depressive state.

I am with you on this topic, what works for one doesn't necessary l work for another but this is a medication that should be considered when looking at the big picture. 

Be Well,

Kitt 

 

Hi blessings!

I am glad that you and your psychiatrist/doctor have found a regime that is working for you.

It seems as if you have worked hard at learning the origins of your anxiety, and the things that work and don't work for your treatment.

Great job on searching and trying different things for your recovery. I wish you the best, and continued success. Thank you for sharing your experience, and keep posting with us!:)

Scaredy Cat