Results 1 to 25 of 25

Thread: Meds for anxiety

  1. #1
    Member kokoro's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Under the auroras
    Posts
    48
    Thanks
    13
    Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts

    Dizzy Meds for anxiety

    I'm sitting here, ready to leave for work in about twenty minutes, and I'm sweating and my heart is racing. This happens everytime I'm about to go to work. And everytime I'm done with a shift, I feel relaxed and pleased, and wonder why I have to get so worked up.

    Once I get into the club and talk with customers and do dances, I'm generally fine. You probably wouldn't be able to tell I am a very anxious and wound-up person if you met me, but I get extremely nervous. It does a number on my gastrointestinal system and my nerves.

    However, I recently started Prozac, but I'm still in the early stages, so there isn't enough build-up in my system to start affecting me. I have obsessive-compulsive disorder on top of generalized anxiety, so I'm finally giving in and taking medicine to see if it can help me.

    I'm curious to see if any of you ladies have had similar experiences, and if you've taken medication, how it affected you while at work. I suppose one of my concerns is that I feel my friendliness is directly related to my overexcitability and nervousness, so I fear that will affect my interactions with people. I'm worried about other side effects, and how it will translate into my dancing life.

    I stopped drinking alcohol pretty much completely, so I'm not concerned about interactions with the medicine. But some nights, I'm so tied up in knots, I want to slam a couple screwdrivers and get it over with.

    Any first-hand experience you can share with your own anxiety and related issues? I'd love some insight.
    callmecass.livejournal.com

  2. #2
    Senior Member Marilynxoxo's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Philly
    Posts
    146
    Thanks
    21
    Thanked 34 Times in 28 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    I have school related anxiety it is the weirdest thing lol. There is something about a classroom that makes me feel clausterphobic (sp?) and trapped. My heart races, I feel shaky. It has been that way as long as I can remember and it never improved. When I decided I wanted to go back to college I went to a psychiatrist to see if I could fix my anxiety. The first doctor I saw insisted I was depressed and wanted to put me on zoloft or lexapro. I wasn't depressed and this doctor just kept insisting the medicine would make my depression go away. I tried zoloft and it made me feel depressed. Finally I went to another doctor he understood immediately that my anxiety was specific to school and not life in general. He put me on xanax which I like. It works well for me. I like that I don't take it all the time and that it doesn't alter my personality it just takes away the anxiousness. It also works instantly and wears off so I control how it effects me.
    I never really felt that anxious about dancing except for my audition and first day at a new club. So I haven't used xanax there but it definitely doesn't take away your personality (unless maybe you abuse it idk). If you feel prozac changes how you approach people you could always try another medication. I would give it a chance though.

    I don't know if this is helpful since it isn't really dancing related but I figured I'd share.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

  3. The Following User Says Thank You to Marilynxoxo For This Useful Post:


  4. #3
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Sep 2005
    Location
    San Diego
    Posts
    760
    Thanks
    239
    Thanked 91 Times in 81 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Marilyn ^^^ your doctor wanted to put you on zoloft for a bit of anxiety? run girl, run! that shit is potent, and it's soooooo hard to get off of. lexapro is great - I have GAD (general anxiety disorder, which is anxiety with depression). I take lexapro and lamictal every day, and I feel the most normal I have in years.

    You don't find it difficult to work on Zanax? It always knocks me out.

    Kokoro - I completely understand what you mean. I've had a drinking problem for years, and a LOT of it had to do with work related anxiety - Stage fright. Prozac is a pretty hardcore drug, however - this raises concerns for me. I really think you should seek a second opinion on this, I have a weird gut feeling in regards to it.

    The thing that has helped me the most lately was being prescribed an ADD medication. I'm taking Concerta, and it's made all the difference in the world. My alcohol intake has been cut to a third of what it was, I'm focusing more on my hustle, and I don't let negative things bother me as much. The DJ even remarked on how much more low key I am tonight, which kinda made me happy - I was an irregular spazmonkey.

    I'm lucky enough to have an AMAZING doctor. She has amazing empathy and insight, and I probably owe my life to her. I used to have a hard time working, especially since I was on Zoloft and Trileptal - those drugs sedated me, and basically made me blow up like a blimp (it's taken me almost a year to lose 20 of the 30+ lbs I've gained). The 'cocktail' I'm on now really makes me feel like a normal, ambitious productive person.

    If I were you, I would suggest getting a second opinion. Some drs have their favorite drugs to prescribe, and Prozac is kind of old school.... I'm not a doctor, but I'm really getting a weird vibe from what you're saying. Something doesn't seem right. I think it's VERY VERY good, however, that you aren't drinking - that's only going to make things worse for you (trust me, i would know). Prozac is normally prescribed for depression, and it really sounds like you have something like General Anxiety Disorder - like me. I've got GAD and I'm bipolar, and it took me soooooooo many doctors to find the right medications.

    I completely understand the anxiety you're going thru - I lived through it for 4+ years dancing. If you ever want to talk, feel free to shoot me a PM.

  5. The Following User Says Thank You to callista For This Useful Post:


  6. #4
    God/dess Gia2608's Avatar
    Joined
    Jul 2004
    Location
    Miami/ Ft. Lauderdale
    Posts
    3,337
    Thanks
    4,235
    Thanked 3,664 Times in 1,451 Posts
    My Mood
    Cheerful

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    I'm going through this myself a lot lately. I am seriously hurting for money but everytime I am getting ready I completely freak!!!!! About three days ago I almost fainted and then yesterday I couldn't even put a ring on that I wear all the time because my fingers were so swollen. I guess my BP is messed up because of it. I convinced myself to go tomorrow when it was slow and get back into things because I don't want to lose my car or apartment.

    I really want to quit altogether but realisitcally (sp?) need to work at least one night a week (in addition to a full time job) in order to survive.

    I realize I am probably not helping you, but you're not the only one who is dealing with this, that's for sure! I agree with the other gals that if you wanna go the mediciation route, Prozac may not be the best thing as it is an anti-dperessant and not something specifically for anxiety.
    XoXo Gia
    Danielle Fishell (the Dish): "If the Super-Star thing doesn't work out, Gia makes a great stripper name"

  7. #5
    God/dess Miss Jessica's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Funktown, East Oakland, Califas.
    Posts
    2,142
    Thanks
    162
    Thanked 27 Times in 19 Posts
    My Mood
    Amazed

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    I take Librium for my anxiety. Valium for my panic attacks. I was prescribed 3 Librium a day, but noooo waaaaay! I would NOT be able to function. I don't know wtf my doc was thinking. I just take one as needed, and it works well for me. That still irks me that I was even prescribed to take so many, a day. It makes no sense. I only end up NEEDING to take maybe 2 a week... at least I have a stockpile so I don't have to be bothered getting refills.

    But I would suggest talking to your doctor and trying something for your anxiety. I'm just a makeup artist, but because I'm "on the spot" and people watch me while I work like I'm an effing display , yeah, I tend to get a little shakey handed and nerve rattled at times. The Librium has definitely helped w/that. When I got that way while dancing (didn't happen too often), I would have a drink. But working for M.A.C, there's no bar on site... so I had to find other options. LoL.
    "We all must suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons. In order to achieve what others don't, you have to do what others won't."


  8. #6
    God/dess Elvia's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    2,636
    Thanks
    495
    Thanked 744 Times in 433 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    ^^^ Doctors get a kickback from the phamacutical companies for getting you on their drugs. I don't know if they get more if you take more, but if so, that might explain why your doc was so eager to get you to take so much.
    Quote Originally Posted by Vamp View Post
    As Katherine Hepburn put it so eloquently " Nature is what we were put here to rise above"

  9. #7
    Curious Guest
    Joined
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    3
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Strong recommendation against meds here. Best thing to do would be to try to get to the root of what's causing your anxiety. Meds are dangerous.

  10. #8
    Veteran Member heidimonster7's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    326
    Thanks
    33
    Thanked 57 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Hello!
    I have bipolar disorder with anxiety, and I'm a nursing student. From personal experience being on the med and because I studied it last quarter, I know that Prozac IS in fact used for anxiety as well as depression.

    There is a widespread fear of psych medications; people assume "drugs are bad", especially anti-depressants. Yes they are potent drugs, but they exist and are used because people need them and they WORK.

    What doesn't generally work for someone with a chemical imbalance is wishful thinking, beating themselves up for not having the willpower to "get over it", or their friends telling them they don't need drugs.

    Yes meds can be dangerous if not used properly. Other things that can be dangerous are debilitating anxiety causing an impact on ability to do activities of daily living, or suicide from un-treated depression. It's a matter of working closely with a good doctor (get second or third opinions if necessary).

    Personally speaking, my meds didn't negatively alter my personality. What they did was remove some barriers so that my true personality could finally shine through.

  11. The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to heidimonster7 For This Useful Post:


  12. #9
    Veteran Member heidimonster7's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    326
    Thanks
    33
    Thanked 57 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Oh, and they probably prescribed you Prozac in particular because it is very effective in treating OCD, which you mentioned you have...

    Hope you start feeling better!!

  13. #10
    God/dess Elvia's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2007
    Posts
    2,636
    Thanks
    495
    Thanked 744 Times in 433 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Quote Originally Posted by heidimonster7 View Post
    Hello!
    I have bipolar disorder with anxiety, and I'm a nursing student. From personal experience being on the med and because I studied it last quarter, I know that Prozac IS in fact used for anxiety as well as depression.

    There is a widespread fear of psych medications; people assume "drugs are bad", especially anti-depressants. Yes they are potent drugs, but they exist and are used because people need them and they WORK.

    What doesn't generally work for someone with a chemical imbalance is wishful thinking, beating themselves up for not having the willpower to "get over it", or their friends telling them they don't need drugs.

    Yes meds can be dangerous if not used properly. Other things that can be dangerous are debilitating anxiety causing an impact on ability to do activities of daily living, or suicide from un-treated depression. It's a matter of working closely with a good doctor (get second or third opinions if necessary).

    Personally speaking, my meds didn't negatively alter my personality. What they did was remove some barriers so that my true personality could finally shine through.

    And even properly prescribed, they can be dangerous. They are often labeled as "non-addictive." Clearly a big lie, as so many of us who have every tried to get off prozac or paxil can tell you. They are often labeled as having no sexual side effects- also often a lie.

    There's really no way to know if someone has a chemical imbalance, and most doctors don't even bother to take the time to find out if there might be a real situational reason for someone feeling depressed. I'd have a lot more faith in the prescription of meds if doctors bothered to send people to a therapist for awhile first. But they almost never do.

    Sorry, but after years and years of being put through the med machine and only ending up the worst for it, I'm definitely one of those "drugs are bad" people. They should be a last resort, after seeing a therapist fand making lifestyle changes. There are so many other types of therapies that work just as well or better, without the negative side effects.
    Quote Originally Posted by Vamp View Post
    As Katherine Hepburn put it so eloquently " Nature is what we were put here to rise above"

  14. #11
    Senior Member
    Joined
    Sep 2008
    Posts
    75
    Thanks
    11
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    I have social anxitey as a result of ptsd and I'm on prozac and while it works for the most part it everyday situations I still have extreme anxiety while working in the club. Like you I'm fine once I get into the swing of things but I usualy drink to calm my nerves, deal with bs and elevate my mood...needless to say I'm looking for a new doc so I can be put on the right combo of meds.

  15. #12
    Member kokoro's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Under the auroras
    Posts
    48
    Thanks
    13
    Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Quote Originally Posted by Elvia View Post
    There's really no way to know if someone has a chemical imbalance, and most doctors don't even bother to take the time to find out if there might be a real situational reason for someone feeling depressed. I'd have a lot more faith in the prescription of meds if doctors bothered to send people to a therapist for awhile first. But they almost never do.
    I completely empathize with your excellent points made; I put off taking medication for years because of how worrisome I was in regards to the ease of obtaining prescriptions, lack of doctors' care and understanding, etc. However, I have been in therapy on-and-off for ten years, and finally felt like this was necessary. I hope that, if it does work, I will not have to be on medication forever, as I am anticipating it will give me the push I need to take control of this myself.

    Right now, I'm just so nervous, I feel like I'm going to throw up and I can't stop sweating. My pulse rate is almost 100 beats a minute. It's really frustrating, because I used to think I had this under control, and now I feel that taking medicine is a type of surrender. I hope I've done as much as I can, and that this is just to help. I'm only on week three right now, so I haven't felt any difference. I'm really tempted to get a drink at work, but I'm going to try my best to be good and not rely on a second drug.
    callmecass.livejournal.com

  16. #13
    Featured Member
    Joined
    Sep 2005
    Location
    San Diego
    Posts
    760
    Thanks
    239
    Thanked 91 Times in 81 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Quote Originally Posted by Elvia View Post
    And even properly prescribed, they can be dangerous. They are often labeled as "non-addictive." Clearly a big lie, as so many of us who have every tried to get off prozac or paxil can tell you. They are often labeled as having no sexual side effects- also often a lie.

    There's really no way to know if someone has a chemical imbalance, and most doctors don't even bother to take the time to find out if there might be a real situational reason for someone feeling depressed. I'd have a lot more faith in the prescription of meds if doctors bothered to send people to a therapist for awhile first. But they almost never do.

    Sorry, but after years and years of being put through the med machine and only ending up the worst for it, I'm definitely one of those "drugs are bad" people. They should be a last resort, after seeing a therapist fand making lifestyle changes. There are so many other types of therapies that work just as well or better, without the negative side effects.
    ah yes, let's not forget how much fun it is with zoloft.... both the sexual side effects and weaning yourself off it. I consider myself lucky, I've found an excellent doctor who doesn't just act like a pharmacist - she listens, and goes from there. I do agree that there are other options that should be explored, and I did try some myself. They didn't work to the extent that I needed, and so I returned to the pharmaceutical option.

    I do consider myself lucky to have found a rare doctor that actually CARES. Otherwise, I'd feel the same as you. I've been through quite a few meds, and quite a few doctors. My medication now (lexapro, lamictal, and concerta), however, is exactly what I need, and I feel normal now.... Something that hasn't happened in nearly a decade.

    IMO, sometimes you just stumble upon the right option for you. For some, it can be lifestyle changes, others may result to homeopathic remedies. For me, it was taking better care of myself, working out, and having excellent psychiatric care.

    My opinion on doctors is like that of men: sometimes you have to kiss a lot of toads to find your prince. The last doctor I had before my current one had me basically sedated, and my medication made me gain tons of weight. I've finally lost 20 lbs that I gained because of it. I found my doctor thru a friend, and I've never been more grateful. However, I really believe that doctors like her are few and far between.

  17. #14
    Veteran Member heidimonster7's Avatar
    Joined
    Mar 2005
    Posts
    326
    Thanks
    33
    Thanked 57 Times in 30 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Kokoro, I totally understand what you mean about taking meds feeling like some sort of defeat.

    I agree that meds shouldn't be a first line of therapy, and that it's good to explore other options first. But once one discovers that meds would be a good option, I feel there should be no shame involved. After all, should a diabetic be ashamed that they need insulin? Why is there such stigma attached to psych meds? I wish people would really ask themselves this.

    There is huge pressure to "do it yourself", and to make yourself feel better through positive thinking, diet changes, etc. While these are all great (and they do work in SOME but not all cases), what that can do is set you up for a feeling of failure if/when it doesn't work. People feel that they haven't tried hard enough, haven't done enough, and have failed themselves. Not exactly what someone needs on their plate if they are already depressed or anxious.

    Trust yourself that if you are in this situation, you most likely have tried as hard as you could on your own already, because no one WANTS to be on these meds.

    There may be feelings of grief at first, for sure; a sense of loss of control, that you "need" a med to feel normal. This is a normal part of the grieving process that people go through when they have a major health problem to deal with. It does get easier, I promise!

    Hope you start feeling better!

  18. The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to heidimonster7 For This Useful Post:


  19. #15
    Member Andy08's Avatar
    Joined
    May 2008
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    57
    Thanks
    7
    Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Marilynxoxo, I have a question. I take Xanax as needed for anxiety as well. My only problem is that even a quarter will knock me out. I took one before a chemistry lecture one time because I was starting to panic. I ended up falling asleep - mid sentence in my notes, right in front of the professor!

    How much do you take when you feel a panic attack coming on?

  20. #16
    Member kokoro's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Under the auroras
    Posts
    48
    Thanks
    13
    Thanked 13 Times in 6 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    I really appreciate all the feedback, from all perspectives. Thanks so much, ladies. I think I will continue the medication for the summer, and see if it helps. I feel it's worth a shot after all these years. If anything, it'll completely discourage me from ever wanting to spend money on alcohol at work.
    callmecass.livejournal.com

  21. #17
    Member
    Joined
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Earth.
    Posts
    28
    Thanks
    9
    Thanked 10 Times in 2 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Deleted.
    Last edited by Averyxo; 12-12-2010 at 08:19 PM.

  22. #18
    Veteran Member ohiogirl26's Avatar
    Joined
    Oct 2006
    Location
    NE Ohio
    Posts
    379
    Thanks
    275
    Thanked 46 Times in 33 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    I get major anxiety/panic attacks in many situations...not only clubs, or school, any kind of public environment, stores, etc...It kind of all of the sudden just hits me. I'll get real hot, kinda faint feeling, shaky, pulse rockets, and im sure BP does too....its not a good situation to be in.

    Anyhow I'm on Zoloft, Xanax, & Ambien CR. The combination of the meds seems to keep me calm. I do still have nervous spells but nothing like it was.

    Good Luck with everything
    XoXo


    "The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up." Mark Twain


    "Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight." Phyllis Diller




  23. #19
    Veteran Member Electrum's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Location
    If I was up your butt you'd know, Michigan
    Posts
    738
    Thanks
    16
    Thanked 38 Times in 30 Posts
    My Mood
    Daring

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    I'm currently not medicated, but I was actually just thinking of looking for help with some anxiety problems I'm having. I've had anxiety in the past but not like it's been the past month. I'm not even sure why it's gotten so bad but I'm doing crazy things like having panic attacks and picking at my scalp compulsively. And I'm even developing "rituals" that make me extremely uncomfortable if I can't do it in that exact way.

    I was diagnosed with OCD as a kid but I remember not taking it very seriously, and the OCD symptoms seemed to go away for a long time, and they now just resurfaced. It's so fucking weird I don't know why. It's not as bad as others I've seen, like the OCD mailman on youtube (lol poor guy) but it's freaking me out nonetheless. I actually had a panic attack the other day because I didn't have enough time to do my morning rituals before work and I completely freaked out at my boyfriend.

    I feel a lot better today, but it was so hard to go to work while I'm so anxious and depressed. I'm finally thinking about trying meds again, after about 6 months off of zoloft. I was on zoloft for about 8 months and it made me a mess. Besides making me violently ill at first the dosage constantly needed to be increased and finally I was taking the highest dosage and it made me a nervous wreck. So I weaned myself off of it and the doctors wanted me to try lexepro. I still have the prescription to it in my purse because I just didn't have the strength to try another drug right away after the zoloft hell. I still feel like I'm recovering from that mess.

    But things are getting out of hand again. So I'm seriously considering trying medication again. I have nothing against psych meds, but I think they are pushed and it's hard to find a doctor who actually gives a shit. And I seem to be highly resistant to all the meds I've tried It's really hard but you just can't give up.

    Has anyone had any experience with lexapro? Of course, they might want to prescribe me something different now that I'm having all of these other symptoms, but I'm still curious because I don't hear a lot about lexapro.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lysondra
    I had previously stuck the bananas and cucumber in my cooter, yes.

  24. #20
    Veteran Member Electrum's Avatar
    Joined
    Apr 2008
    Location
    If I was up your butt you'd know, Michigan
    Posts
    738
    Thanks
    16
    Thanked 38 Times in 30 Posts
    My Mood
    Daring

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Quote Originally Posted by callista View Post
    I used to have a hard time working, especially since I was on Zoloft and Trileptal - those drugs sedated me, and basically made me blow up like a blimp (it's taken me almost a year to lose 20 of the 30+ lbs I've gained). The 'cocktail' I'm on now really makes me feel like a normal, ambitious productive person.
    OMG I just made a connection. No wonder I've lost SO much weight over the summer. I think zoloft made me have more cravings for some odd reason, and I just ate and ate and ate, smoked, drank, it was terrible. I have no idea why it effected me in that way. I would tell doctors that it made me "crave" things and they just never said much about it.

    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Lysondra
    I had previously stuck the bananas and cucumber in my cooter, yes.

  25. #21
    Senior Member
    Joined
    May 2009
    Posts
    83
    Thanks
    10
    Thanked 41 Times in 17 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    I'm not gonna go into the whole debate on whether drugs are bad or not, but one thing to remember is this...

    As someone whose been on...well...pretty much every class of drugs to treat psychiatric disorders, it's often a case of trial and error.

    Don't listen to your friend who says "oh well i took xanax and it worked for me", "lexapro is great! you should try it!"

    BIG MISTAKE. What works for one person won't necessarily work for you, and honestly, doctors generally don't have a clue what's gonna work and what isn't.

    The only way to find a medication (for anxiety disorders or depression) is to try them out for a good period of time, and review whether how it effects you makes it worth staying on. If you're experiencing a myriad of side effects, and little improvement in your condition...time to try a new one. However if you're feeling heaps better and only experiencing a mild side effect...maybe it's worth sticking with.

    Sounds frustrating and horrible, and that's because IT IS. Going on and off these drugs while you try them will turn your life upside down, often aggravating the initial problem in the process.

    But unfortunately it's the only way you can find the one that's right for you.

    Anybody who says that these drugs are the easy way out obviously has no idea what it's like to be on them. Some of the side effects of these drugs make your life UNLIVEABLE.

    Of course always exhaust other options before resorting to medication. Sounds wanky I know, but if therapy isn't affordable/feasible for you, there are some great self help books for handling anxiety and depression out there, and meditation can be extremely helpful also.

    I'm looking into a practise called Mindfulness meditation atm which is really interesting and seems to be becoming more popular among psychologists....it's basically a method of meditation which helps you reprogram your brain in regards to how it handles/reacts to stress. It's pretty interesting, very logical and practical, and if you PM me I can recommend some books on this subject if you like.

  26. The Following User Says Thank You to katalinda For This Useful Post:


  27. #22
    Senior Member
    Joined
    Mar 2008
    Posts
    196
    Thanks
    8
    Thanked 10 Times in 10 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Quote Originally Posted by Elvia View Post
    And even properly prescribed, they can be dangerous. They are often labeled as "non-addictive." Clearly a big lie, as so many of us who have every tried to get off prozac or paxil can tell you. They are often labeled as having no sexual side effects- also often a lie.

    There's really no way to know if someone has a chemical imbalance, and most doctors don't even bother to take the time to find out if there might be a real situational reason for someone feeling depressed. I'd have a lot more faith in the prescription of meds if doctors bothered to send people to a therapist for awhile first. But they almost never do.

    Sorry, but after years and years of being put through the med machine and only ending up the worst for it, I'm definitely one of those "drugs are bad" people. They should be a last resort, after seeing a therapist fand making lifestyle changes. There are so many other types of therapies that work just as well or better, without the negative side effects.
    Only psychologists should be allowed to prescribe meds after a thorough consultation.
    I mean for crying out load I've had a better consultation at a department store beauty counter when choosing a face cream than I have at the doctors! Though I understand there quite a cost involved in seeing a psychologist in America and hence why popping on to see a doctor and getting an instant prescription seems more financially viable...I would recommend reading reviews and hearing about other peoples experiences first before popping any pills as the wrong one will just cause havoc!

  28. #23
    Featured Member
    Joined
    May 2008
    Location
    wrong side of the tracks
    Posts
    1,332
    Thanks
    307
    Thanked 1,626 Times in 537 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    I have always had this issue and would drink myself into a coma to work up the nerve to WORK! It was horrible. I have never tried any medications myself (more or less self medicated) and that is not the route you want to take. It is all about trial and error and what works best for you. I have been so nervous about getting into dancing again but it is time for me to face my fears and I am going to go for it, but before I do I am also seeking out ways to relieve my anxiety before hand, without drinking that is! For me it is best to seek out meds or other natural ways to relieve anxiety, becaue the alchy in me knows a few shots of liquid courage will do! Best of luck to you! Bump for this post!

  29. #24
    Featured Member
    Joined
    May 2008
    Location
    wrong side of the tracks
    Posts
    1,332
    Thanks
    307
    Thanked 1,626 Times in 537 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    Quote Originally Posted by Andy08 View Post
    Marilynxoxo, I have a question. I take Xanax as needed for anxiety as well. My only problem is that even a quarter will knock me out. I took one before a chemistry lecture one time because I was starting to panic. I ended up falling asleep - mid sentence in my notes, right in front of the professor!

    How much do you take when you feel a panic attack coming on?
    Sounds like you are on the bars. Try to get a on a lower script! They should not knock you out. Sounds like your doseage is too high!!!

  30. #25
    Veteran Member Fionaver's Avatar
    Joined
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Atlanta GA
    Posts
    352
    Thanks
    329
    Thanked 92 Times in 47 Posts

    Default Re: Meds for anxiety

    When I was younger, I had alot of problems with depression. I'm talking 17-18, and I'm 25 now. Nothing in my life has really changed, but I've taken 15 different drugs to try to help (as well as others to help with their side effects).

    For me, the side effects weren't worth it. I went into the club that I've been working at since Nov., tonight - on a weekend night - for the first time, and although it was slow - I've been on the verge of a panic attack all night. Where I can barely breathe.

    Self-medication can only go so far for me - alcohol just won't cut it anymore! And I've had too many friends fall prey to the Xanax/alcohol combo.

Similar Threads

  1. Anybody taking meds for Anxiety????
    By Moon Sprite in forum Life Support
    Replies: 37
    Last Post: 05-16-2011, 04:41 AM
  2. Anti-anxiety meds
    By kandie_kitten in forum Body Business
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 01-03-2010, 10:52 PM
  3. what are you on? anxiety meds
    By britt244 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 74
    Last Post: 02-25-2008, 04:44 PM
  4. i need anti anxiety meds & cant get them
    By britt244 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 10-03-2007, 08:41 PM
  5. question about anxiety meds
    By britt244 in forum Body Business
    Replies: 23
    Last Post: 06-25-2007, 09:37 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •