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Finally considering medications- options?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 12/10/2018 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
hi everyone- so today is the day, that after six months of endless anxiety and my stress being at a constant 5, that i am opening up to medication. the question is obviously: why haven't you done it before? and this is the debate.
i have.
i went of lexapro for a couple of days but i soon discovered that one of the side effects was passing out if your sodium levels were low. i couldn't focus even more now. i would CONSTANTLY just be thinking about not only my phobia, but also my sodium levels! i know there's a couple options that definitely don't have those effects of people. my mom, on the other hand, is completely against medications, insisting that they control you and that they could kill me. however true, if overdosed, i don't see this happening (me dying from taking anxiety medication). ive tried CBT- exposure and going out in public but it's gotten to the point where if i'm even out at a small store, i can't stop sweating and having my negative thoughts until i'm out of these. i'm worn down and exhausted. i think it's time to try out a medication. of course i'm nervous, i have no clue how anxiety medication works on the body! will it lower my stress? help me think clearer? thank you for any and all help in advanced!
Posted 12/11/2018 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sharkbait,
Which medication are you thinking about trying? I take buspar for anxiety and it has had no side effects other than drowsiness for about an hour afterwards but it’s helpfulness has worn down a bit. I completely understand your fears. Going through similar thinking as to whether or not to try Zoloft. I’ve been back and forth about it for weeks but mostly worrying I will loose control of my thoughts and reality and something bad will happen if I take it or if I don’t take it depending on the day. I think with most of these things it’s best to try it and take it one moment at a time and see how it goes. We can have hope for the best outcome with it but note possible side effects as they come along, though not always as easy as it sounds. Good luck with what ever you decide to do.
Posted 12/11/2018 9:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment.

You've asked a tough question as we all react differently to medications and what works well for one person may not work as well for another so it really is a case of giving one a go under the supervision of your doctor. You need to give a medication time to kick in the usual time for this is 6-12 weeks and you usually will experience some side effects during the first couple of weeks before things start to settle.

I hope you find something that helps for you keep us posted and have a look at our resources for some good links to self help sites on the web.

Hibee
Posted 12/12/2018 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
I would try something weaker like celexa at its lowest dose. its 1/4 the strength of Lexapro. its pretty gentle. I hardly even know I am taking it and I am 100% anxiety free. buspar is also good for mild anxiety. tell you mom she isn't the one suffering-you are. whatever you decide-start at the lowest possiable dose and ease your way up. your Lexapro starting dose was prob too high. its a moderately strong ssri. there is no one right med for everyone as hi bee said and we all react in diff ways to these meds. the alt is to suffer and seems you have recached your limit. all of us here know whats it like to suffer from anxiety here and most of us decided to take meds
Posted 12/12/2018 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
Wishing you encouragement in whatever Rx you and your doctor decide on.

Try and be patient with the process of a start up...and work your coping skills daily for your best possible experience.

Keep us posted on your progress, so we can keep you in support!

S.C.
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