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What long term anti-anxiety med will help the most?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 5/16/2013 10:20 AM (GMT 0)
I need advice. I currently only take Xanax 1 MG 3 To 4 Times a Day as needed for Anxiety And Panic Attacks. (along with Lortab 10/500 for pain which helps my anxiety too, it gets my mind off of the symptoms i have) But I need a long term Anti-anxiety/depressant. Such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro. I go to the doctor tomorrow for my monthly check up but I am going to ask for something long term because the xanax is not helping enough. I'm constantly worrying. If My arm starts to go numb I freak out and think im having a heart attack. If my heart starts racing then I just freak out and get confused. It's a daily struggle. I'm always worrying and shaking. My main Anxiety and panic attack symptoms include: Racing/pounding heart, Numbness and tingling in arms, hands, and feet, most of the time all over the body I'm numb, light headedness, confused, dizzy, chest pain, pain in arm and neck, blurry vision, feeling like i'm choking, headaches, constantly thirsty, hyperventilation (probably the worst and scariest symptom), hypertension, shaking, sweating, hot/cold flashes, fear that I'm losing control or are about to die) well I think thats about most of my symptoms lol. I'm only 16 and have been dealing with this for a year now. But it has gotten worse. If anybody takes any of those SSRI's such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, could you please tell me which one works the best for you. I've tried zoloft for a very short period of time (2 weeks) and my doctor put me off it. so I'm trying to avoid that one. I go to the doctor tomorrow so if anyone takes any SSRI's and has had success with them for GAD, And panic attack please respond to this post. Thank you.
Posted 5/16/2013 1:07 PM (GMT 0)
It's like trial and error for everyone. No two bodies are alike and what works for someone else may not work for you. Ask the doctor if they have samples of the med, that way you can try it and if it doesn't work your not out the money. Don't get frustrated if something doesn't work. It takes time for the meds to build up in your system. Good luck
Posted 5/16/2013 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi chandlazz,

As N.L. said, it is never going to be the same experience with any two people in regards to how a medication affects them.

You can ask others how something worked for them, and it could be a completely different story for you...so the best advice that we can give is to just trust your doctor and follow his/her advice.

It is a good sign that he/she saw that the Prozac was not a good choice for you and is making a switch. Keeping in close contact with your doctor will help to ensure that you will find the right Rx for you. Asking what side effects can be expected...and what red flags to watch for is a good idea.

However, at the same time, try not to anticipate any reactions...just be aware of what you might experience.:)

Have you also considered therapy as part or your long term recovery plan? I can't tell you how much it helped me. I went from daily panic attacks, which were almost debilitating, to managing my anxiety really well.

Ask your doctor for a referral if you think you are ready to take this healing step.

Keep posting here with us as well. It is also amazing how being part of a community who understands and cares is a step towards wellness. We are here to support each other anytime.:)

Let us know how your appointment goes okay?

Scaredy Cat
Posted 5/16/2013 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
As you are only 16 your doctor, hopefully you are dealing with a psych. doc. and not a PCP who either way was absolutely right to take you off and not give you anymore SSRI's as all of them say on the side effects sheets and even the commercials say "not recommended for anyone under the age of 18." If you not seeing a psych. doc. please do, as they are qualified to diagnose and treat a mental illness, PCP's are not. I would also recommend you look into some form of talk therapy. I got the most out of one on one CBT but I also did family with my kids. Just a suggestion, I didn't get help until my oldest child was 11 and how I wish I had done something at your age. Kudos to you for doing something about it now, you should be proud of that! I am only sharing what worked for me, I'm Bi-Polar/SMI but i do have anxiety attacks, I've taken myself to the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack, woken my roommate up hyperventilating and about to pass out. I have really, really bad side effects because of my medical issues and the only med I can handle is Lithium w/regular blood tests. I forgot to ask what you take pain meds for? A lot of us on this forum have physical/pain + M/I issues so don't be afraid to share about that too. I know this is long and i Really tried not to sound like your mother smhair Let us know how your doing and you can go on the BI-Polar site and find pretty much EVERY psych med and every side effect/issue or Halleluyah It Works!!
Posted 5/17/2013 2:53 PM (GMT 0)
hey, I have scoliosis, Spondylthesis, and chipped and fractured bones in my lower back. lol thats why i take lortab. I've taken Lortab since I was like 11
Posted 5/18/2013 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Lexepro worked great for me but as SC said we are all different so follow advice of your GP.

Hibee
Posted 5/20/2013 5:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, My doctor prescribed me Prozac 20MG. I'm also getting into a Psychiatrist and Therapist to talk to so I can understand my Anxiety more... Thanks so much for this site it's helped me somewhat lol. (:
Posted 5/20/2013 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
(Oops...in my first response I meant to say that it is good that the doctor took you off of the Zoloft...not the Prozac!!;/  Need to proof my posts better!!)

That is great news about the therapy!!

You will benefit so much from this!

Between getting the right Rx for you, and starting to see someone to work and learn anxiety managment skills...you will start to feel so much better soon.

Keep us posted...and I am glad to hear that being here is helpful. It has aided in my own recovery more than I can tell you.;)

S.C.

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