Hello and welcome!
I am sorry to hear of your struggles with anxiety and the sleep problems it is causing you. We understand how this feels, so know that we are here to listen, support and help in whatever way we can.
It is good that you have taken the first steps and sought help from your doctors. Unfortunately, side effects with medications are pretty common. However, they usually do phase out after an initial break in period, so if you find yourself needing to use this tool to effectively manage your anxiety again...be comforted in that you will find relief if you can push through the first few weeks.
However, you may be able to manage with therapy and coping skills...and find this sufficient, but everyone is different with various needs for their individual plan.
Therefore I recommend that you give therapy a chance, and leave a new Rx idea
open...just to see what works.
Talk to your doctor about
a therapy referral if possible...
...and here is the link to our Resources, filled with material that should be helpful to you. Practicing the suggested exercises in the Stress Relieving Exercises link and working the Meditation Videos daily would be a good start.
/www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206Post with us anytime you need encouragement...we are here to cheer you on!
Scaredy Cat