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Fear of Meds

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/17/2013 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
Im kind of at a cross roads I've tried just about everything, but meds. I'm terrified they will make the
already terrible worse, but i know as well that its not good to keep having so much anxiety(mine can make me housebound). I have an appointment tomorrow this will be my third and i haven't actually been able to take anything. Ive heard lexapro has the least side effects ,but my therapist suggested prozac for my obsessions. Anyone else struggle with this fear and did meds help you at all?
Posted 9/17/2013 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
Meds will either help you or not. If they don't help or if the side effects are bad, you can stop taking them. But if you never try, you will never know if they can help you.
Posted 9/18/2013 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Marie.

I know how you feel as I have developed a fear of meds as part of my anxiety. I can have a panic attack just thinking about taking a new medication. I am still in the process of finding something to help me, but I have tried several meds. Once you find the right thing it can be life changing.

For some, natural remedies are helpful, but for me at this point in my anxiety, they are not enough. I am extremely sensitive to meds which also increases my anxiety. My doc always says to take half my dose to get started on it and this helps me. Of course, you would want to ask your doc to make sure what you are taking can be split.

I have taken Prozac and Lexapro. Either one of these would be a good place to start. Each med works differently for each person.

Flip Flop
Posted 9/18/2013 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
Marie,

Pharmocophbia is a common issue. It is ironic that anxiety sufferers are often afraid to take the very thing that could help them to feel better.

You mentioned trying everything else? I assume that means therapy and self-help techniques?

If you are not finding enough relief through them, then it may be that you need the medication that has been prescribed to get you to a place of healing.

I would talk to your doctor honestly about your fears, and see if he/she can come up with a gentle and gradual start with your Rx, so that the side effects, if any, are not so noticable.

Best wishes and let us know how it is going soon.

S.C.
Posted 9/18/2013 8:36 AM (GMT 0)
I have a fear of taking medications. I just started one today and I've already had severe panic attacks thinking the meds have caused them... I'm scared but I'm just going to have to pull through t and give it a chance or I'm never gonna get better:(
Posted 9/18/2013 8:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hey guys,thanks for the replies. i just got home from the doc. he said to cut the dose in half and take it day by day.

Myself- that's a good point ...i will never know till i try. Do the side effects always disappear after
stopping the meds?

S.C. - I have tried all the other stuff and will continue with them, but i just ignored this for too long and
made it worse. Coming here helps a bunch too

Flip flop and Worry wart- I'm also panicking right now just thinking about it, at least you two were able
to actually take them:) I think i might just stare at the bottle for a little while... I hope you guys
find something that works
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