Meds no meds - success stories

Ive had anxiety for years now and am trying to get back to normal. I am not on any daily medication for it though it was prescribed plenty of times (Just never fully followed through) self medicated with alcohol but havent drank for 11 months now. I take my as needed panic attack medicine rarely usually when ive had a really bad run of days. Most of the time I just white knuckle through my anxiety... It sucks and has been a roller coaster of a ride.. Dont know why I dont just take the meds but im stubborn/scared/unsure/etc. The way it effects my life, meds would be justifiable. Like I said im scarred.

Has anyone ever beaten anxiety on here? I would hope to hear of some success stories of people having a tough time with it and making it out bake to normalish. With meds or without doesnt matter just something to give hope.

Has anyone ever went on zolft/or equivalent for a period of time, and then weaned off? with successful results?

Its been 5 years and Im still anxious, probably time to take the meds. I work on so many things to help but its still there. I have been thinking about going to CBT. Has this helped anyone?

Thanks you for reading and any potential info.

I was on Zoloft for about three years and quit cold turkey. Its been about 10 months since and I go to the dr tomorrow and am going to ask to be put back on it. It did not get rid of the panic totally, but it was not everyday. When on it I had attacks but nothing lasting more than one here and there. I was rid of these things for about 5 years and then they came back worse than ever. Like they were punishing me for the time they were gone. Thats when I started Zoloft I took a xanax everyday for about a month or two, I guess until the zoloft started to work. I want to try cbt with the meds and beat this hell I go through. I have been trying the breathing exercises they work, but I need to practice them more. This place has been a blessing and has helped me more than probably anything, I am grateful I found it. The people here are great, I would not be as far along without them.
Wish you luck in your journey.
Ed

Hi TMM,

Well done on getting sobriety! I know that is not easy.

I have never taken medication...but I am all for it when it is needed.

Here is my story:

I went to my GP and explained my situation...anxiety and panic attacks everyday...thought I might be dying, exhausted and terrified, ect...

She prescribed me an Rx that I never filled. I decided to give my second 'prescription' for CBT a try first. I made up my mind that I would see how the therapy worked, and then see if I still needed the medication.

The therapy worked...however, looking back, I wonder if I might have found some relief in taking the meds while I did the therapy, and later weaning...I guess I will never know. However, it was a tough few weeks until the therapy started to help, I can tell you that.

So now I ususally recommend asking their doctor about a combination of both meds and therapy to members who are suffering moderate to severe anxiety issues.

It is a personal choice...so take the stories here with a 'grain of salt' and ultimately make the choice that is comfortable for YOU!

I wish you the best in whatever you decide.:)

Keep us posted so that we can support you.

S.C.