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Need Reassurance , here....afraid to take meds...

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Posted 1/27/2012 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
So the doc gave me, Zoloft for my panic and anxiety, problem is Im afraid to take, for fear how it will make me feel,,,this is so ridiculous!!!

Is it just me, or has anyone else, had a fear of swallowing what could possibly help, but i think 50mg is to much for me, Im so easily medicated...

so please help...

Posted 1/27/2012 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
WhyPanic

You are not alone in feeling this way.  I have a love/hate relationship with meds and the idea that I need medications is one I have had trouble accepting for years now.  I also feel anxious about the side effects but most of all I worry that the meds will not work and then what do I do?

I have been on many of the meds over the years and some I have had to just make up my mind that I would take them for a determined amount of time to give them a chance ( 6-8 weeks). Others I simply did not tolerate physically and others I did not feel they worked.

I have tried more then once to go med free only to come crashing down so now I take my meds and do my very best not to make it the focus of my day.

Therapy has also been extremely helpful as well as coming here and sharing my thoughts, feelings and my ups and downs.

Do keep talking with us here as we know what your going through.

Kindly,

Kitt


 

Posted 1/27/2012 9:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Why Panic,
I am in the same boat you are afraid to take meds well afraid to take anything really!
I have been on antidepressants before(many of them!)and no bad side effects ever occured.
Having said that everyone is different though.They do take time though,like Kitt said they can take several weeks to reach full effect. Perhaps you can take them while someone else is with you maybe that will make you feel more comfortable, or if the doc say's it's ok you could try take it before bedtime? That way if there is side effects maybe they won't be such a bother.I took mine in the evening because they made me a little sleepy doc said it was fine,then once I was used to them I took them every morning.I understand the fear of medications you are not the only one! I can't even take a vitamin!!That's crazy!To go from no fear of anything to fearing everything is frustrating.We are strong and will get through it.Try it and give it a little time,if it doesn't feel right talk to your doctor.I wish you luck. Take care.
Posted 1/27/2012 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Why Panic,

I am in the same boat as you!! The only medicine I am not afraid to take in prevacid, as I have been on it for quite some time and have no choice. However, please know that you are not alone. Medicines are out there to help and as I was told by many of my close friends and family members: "I'd rather be afraid of the side effects than live my life in constant fear, you're afraid anyway." I recently had to take an antibiotic and I was in panic for 5 days, however, I am so grateful I took it as I feel so much better.

Good Luck--You are not alone
Posted 1/27/2012 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
Whypanic, I would highly recommend not starting out on the full 50 mgs right away. I would get yourself a pill cutter, and cut them in half, and take 25 mgs for a week or two. This will give your body time to adjust to the medication. It is a well known fact that alot of people who are just starting on ssri's do get some increased anxiety, and the 50 mgs right away may make it worse.

I am currently taking Zoloft, and have taken it 3 times in the past. I've always titrated by starting with a lower dose and working my way up to the dosage that I was supposed to be at. Also, i'm surprised that your doc didn't give you anything to take with it (like xanax or ativan) to counter possible side effects.

Just my opinion....

Fox
Posted 1/29/2012 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I have severe OCD, and I am absolutely petrified to take meds, but things are getting so bad that I may have to try again. I have an appointment in two weeks with a psychiatrist, and I am sure he will insist I take something. I have tried in the past, but usually stop the first month due to side effects, etc.

I worry what the medications will do long term. I have read about everything from Alzheimers to breast cancer, and I am paranoid about both due to family history.

If I start them again, I am going to insist on a pediatric dosage and then try to titrate up. I need relief, and cannot make any progress right now in my CBT as my OCD is too strong.

It's good to know I am not alone in the fear of these meds.
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