Hello
Let me introduce myself to the board. My name is Stanley. I have been suffering from depression and anxiety for the last 14 years or so. Till 6 years ago i was being treated for my condition. I have been on several different types of meds. Prozac, Wellbutrin, Effexor, Paxil, Ativan, Valium and Xanax. All of them had side effects..some worse than others. I think Paxil was the worst.
During Katrina i lost everything. My home, job, insurance and doctors down to my socks and shoes. Since i could not get my paxil i had to go from 60mg to 0. I had to go through withdrawls for 3 months while living in a tent with almost nothing. The army set up a temporary pharmacy and was giving out Xanax like it was candy and since i was on that med before the storm i was happy to get that at least.
Until 6 months ago the Xanax was doing a good job at keeping the panic attacks at bay but now they are not working like they use to and the attacks are back and getting worse every day.
A Month ago i decided to go back to therapy and on the 15th i get to see the doctor, i am sure he is going to want me to start taking meds again and that is scaring me to death. I remember how hard of a time i had when i was on them with the side effects and can't forget what the withdrawls were like when i switched and had to get off of them. I don't know if i can go through that again but in the same breath i can't deal with the depression and panic disorder.
Anyones input would greatly be appreciated.