Anxiety Meds...HELP!

You have gotten a lot of advice. I have been dealing with panic/anxiety disorder since I was 16. Xanax is only for immediate relief. You will be better off with an antidepressant daily to stop the anxiety. I did this for about 4 years and one day I decided I didn't want to take the meds anymore. I have been medication free for about 7 months now, and it is not easy, but I have taught myself to recognize the anxiety for what it is, know that nothing is going to happen to me and just talk my way out of it. You do what you think is best, but get help now before it gets too bad! Good luck!

I would highly recommend you see Dr. James Thomason 729 Lonesome Dove Trail, Hurst TX 76054 ###-###-#### .

He's a Psychiatrist and while it might be a bit of a drive he will work closely with you to find the best medication and the best dosage for you.

General practitioner's often prescribe the same thing to everyone (Zoloft or whatever is popular) but there are many medications available. Some work in similar ways but have subtle differences and thus affect people differently.

Dr. Thomason will work with you to find what is just right for you. Often he has samples to get you started, so you aren't investing a fortune in prescriptions that may or may not be right for you. He's a really nice man too! Definitely worth the drive for me.

You do not have to suffer with this, get some help. Best wishes!

My advice is to take the zanex, for sure! I take them because I have anxiety problems myself and they really calm me down. Just be sure they are enough doseage for you. Just breathe!!

Hi C.. Anxiety is a horrible thing...I have it too although it really only kicks in bad during life changes (new baby, new job, etc...). I called my doctor and went in for anxiety. He had me try a medication called Zoloft (it's non-addictive). After I had my baby I also took Zoloft for about 6 months.

Don't just take medication-go to your doctor first and discuss it. But try to push through the anxiety and go. You will be amazed how much better you will cope with things with the medication. It's truly amazing.

Many, many people have anxiety. It is definitely nothing to be ashamed of!

Good luck.

hi Carry how are you? you migth have panic attack disorder.....10 percent of the population have today.........you can get some information here .........thttp://www.panicportal.com/indextqi.htm.....
good luck

My sister seems to go through this every now and then. They have put her on all types of meds over the years (Wellbutrin, Celexa, Zanax, etc) but just recently they found one that works for her. They put her on Effexor and it has made a big difference. She actually seems more relaxed (esp around her daughter which was the source of a majority of her anxiety since she recently moved out and didn't have the family help she had before). Before she would lose her temper over just about anything and now she controls it much better. At times she would cry over nothing as well. The Effexor seems to have made a world of difference for her and her family that worried about her. Also, my mom is on Effexor. She use to have panic attacks in the middle of the night which made her blood pressure spike really high. Since she has been on it she has only had one (which is very big drop). Hope this helps. I know how worrisome it feels when you feel like you don't have control.

I secretly "dealt" with my anxiety for years before I said anything. I was too embarrassed and worried what others would think of me. The longer I let it go on and dealt with it on my own, the worse it got; so, good for you that you're trying to get help. I've been taking Effexor for a while, and what a difference it's made. I don't have the weird stresses about silly things anymore, which is wonderful.

Another thing that helped, non-anxiety related, was that my allergy/sinus problems were causing my ears to be highly sensitive to all sounds. The dog eating his food sounded as though he was eating right in my ear! It was that bad, which only made my stress level even higher! I am taking allergy injections now, which has been wonderful!!!!

I don't know if you have the same things or sensitivity to hearing, but just wanted to add that just in case. I really didn't realize how much my allergies/sinus problems were affecting my stress level. I am glad for the meds, but I am also learning to retrain my thoughts to overcome my anxieties, as well. I hope you feel good about yourself for admitting it, at least. It's a big, wonderful step, and one that will benefit you and your family! :)

Celexa and therapy! I did wonders for my sister!!
Good luck,
Val

C., while you may not be depressed, I have found that many of the best anti depressents help tremendously with anxiety. Xanax is a quick fix drug that you can take when you feel anxious but there are many others that might help with PREVENTION which in my opinion is much more important. I took effexor for a long time and it worked wonders. Unfortunately I had to get off of it when I got Pregnant. After I had my son it just wasnt working like it used to. I have switched to Cymbalta and it has also been great...plus you will probably lose some weight on it. Just some suggestions...I never wanted to take an antidepressent because I wasnt depressed, just anxious but it has worked wonders. Good luck and I wish you the best! Just remember...when it seems like you will never feel better, THINGS WILL ALWAYS GET BETTER!

In most women after having a child, we tend to have aniexty. It's our hormones that are out of whack. This can play a huge part in panic and anxiety attacks.. I had severe anxiety attacks after having my daughter.I could not drive I could not even take care of my baby properly without help. I would wake up having anxiety attacks.
I never took anxiety meds. What I did do instead was have my hormones checked (Alot of labwork) and sure enough my dhea was off, estrogen, progesterone,adrenals were offetc.. Everything was out of whack. Long story short I was given the proper meds and I am fine it's been almost two years. I know you said you are doing well now and that is great. I just wanted to add that taking aniexty meds may not always be the answer. God Bless!

Oh, I sooo know how you're feeling! I dealt with some terrible anxiety shortly after my eldest daughter was born. It took about a year for me to finally work up the nerve to go to the doctor. I was worried that when I got there I'd feel too silly and embarassed so I wrote down every little thing I was anxious about (I was a grown woman afraid of the dark!!). I was prescribed Celexa and took it for about a year. I still deal with some anxiety...I hate hate hate meeting new people, I plan escape routes.

Definitely go see your doctor. And do what I did; make a list (even if it's pages long) so you don't forget something or leave it out because you're embarassed.

Good luck to you.

Hi,
I feel your pain! I too hve major anxiety problems. A couple of times I had such bad anxiety attacks we thought I was having a heart attack. My doctor also gave me Xanex. I have been taking it as needed, but "as needed" started to be all the time. I was also on Zoloft for depression. That started to not seem too effective lately so my doctor switched me to Lexapro for depression. Since I switched to Lexapro not only is my depression better, but my anxiety is tons better! I rarely have to take the Xanex anymore, but I still have it on hand for whenever I have a bad attack. My husband also has serious anxiety problems - his doctor has him on Klonapin (Colazepam). He takes the pills twice a day, then he also has quick acting melt in your mouth kind for extreme panic attacks. Anxiety can be a very serious problem, but different medication work for different people. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you, and if something doesn't work for you try something different. I wouldn't do anything without the advice of the doc though - many of these meds can be habit-forming, so do it under the supervision of docs definately! Wish you the best!

C., It sounds like your emotions are all out of whack. This can be contributed to alot of things. My husband and I have found a an awesome husband and wife team of Chiropractors. Dr. Darrell and Rachael Lomonaco. I am amazed after 1 visit what they could tell was going on within me and after 3 visits I am feeling amazing. It is so good to know that I am finally getting to the bottom of my problems that have been going on for years. You can check out their website at www.lomonacofamilychiropractic.com or give them a phone call at ###-###-####. Tell them D. and Mark referred you. It is amazing how intricate God has made our bodies and how everything within has to contribute to the function of it. If one thing is out of whack so many other areas can be affected. Good luck and let me know what you find out. D.

I was diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder and my psychiatrist prescribed Effexor. I've been on it for a few years now and it has really helped me alot. Not to mention, its one of the few that doesn't have weight gain or sexual side effects. While Effexor is a daily med, Xanax is supposed to be taken when you feel an anxiety attack coming on. It's an "as needed" type of med. So if you're worried about long term effects or anything like that, then I'd just take the Xanax whenever I felt anxious (and following the prescribed dosage). Good luck finding something that works for you. Anxiety took over my life for years before I even realized that it was a problem, I can't imagine how hard it would be to suffer from it now, being a mom and all.

Effexor is great for anxiety. I can't take it because I vomit for the first month on it. My mom takes and loves it. I take Wellbutrin for my anxiety and it controls it pretty well. I also have a friend who was on the Wellbutrin and just switched to Cymbalta 2 months ago. She has not had to take zanax in 2 months now. She was taking them with the Wellbutrin about 4 times a week.

I hope this helps. Best of Luck! Remember you are doing the right thing for you and your family by stopping it now.

M.

C.,

First of all, please know that you are not alone. Anxiety is real and it can be very scary. Please go to a good psychaitrist to talk about your options. You may be scared to go and medication may seem like too much, but it really does help, and in some cases it helps immediately. You should also look into talking to a good psychologist or therapist as well. In those sessions you can work through you anxieties, and come up with coping strategies, etc. The first step is to talk to your doctor. Ask lots of questions and be very honest with whoever you go to see. There is relief out there and you will find it. This is just one bump in the road of life. By getting help, your children will hopefully learn that it is ok to experience anxiety and that reaching out is not a bad thing.

Good luck and let us all know how you are doing.

C.

Just from what you are describing, it sounds like you are developing agoraphobia. From what I have heard about that phobia is that it progressively gets worse, can get better for a time, then come back. It seems to be related to traumatic stress in a lot of cases. If you know anything about Paula Deen, she's a popular personality on the Food Network who suffered with it for years. An exerpt from her new book describes to a "T" how you are feeling. The book is called "It Aint Always About the Cooking"
I'm not all that crazy about citing Wikipedia, but they seem to have a really good overview of agoraphobia, and it may help you to read it, and talk to your doctor asap:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agoraphobia
Don't give up--you can get better!

Dear C.:

You might want to check with Lisa Price, the only registered Bach Flower Practitioner in Dallas. She uses the natural stress relieving formulas specifically for the worries and anxieties that are individual to you WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS, really, I mean it.

Her office is in Richardson, just off Arapaho and she is REAL, caring and understanding. She has saved my hiney more than once!!!

Her phone number is:
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She is also conducting a workshop this weekend. I've been to one before and it is FABULOUS! Even my 9 year old went and loved what he learned! Here is the info from her site:

Reply to:
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What Are YOU Juggling?
Family? Career? Illness? Divorce? Aging Parents? Relocation? Spouse?
School? In-laws? Grief? Personal Time? New marriage? Kids?

How is it making you feel?
Overwhelmed? Guilty? Angry? Frustrated? Tired? Bitter? Jealous?
Depressed? Impatient? Unhappy?

Stress can be increased by
1) The situation
2) Your personality and
3) The way you handle it

It’s easy to get caught up in the world of pharmaceuticals to help us deal with negative emotions, without really getting to the underlying issues, causing them.

If you want a simple, natural solution for gaining control over your negative emotions without the side effects of drugs, then this workshop is for you.

Bach Flower Essences-101 Workshop
Presented by Lisa Price, BFRP*
On Saturday, July 21st
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Richardson, TX 75081
Cost: $45.00

What you’ll learn:
What are Bach Flower Essences? Are they used like aromatherapy?
How do they work? Why in the heck should you care?
Learn indications for all 38 essences + Rescue Remedy.

Learn how safe they are -even for children and pets!
Presented by Lisa Price, BFRP (*Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner) , who of only 1600 Bach Flower Registered Practitioners in the world is the only one in Dallas.

With over 7 years experience with Bach Flowers, Lisa is delighted to share her knowledge of Bach Flower Essences, which she calls the “worlds best kept secret.” Founded by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930’s this simple, effective, natural healing system has been used for over 75 years, by families in over 66 countries. Learn which essences can help get you back on track.

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C.
Your going through what I went through about a year ago. Although I don't think mine was as severe as yours. I used to have panic attacks in the middle of the night and I couldn't even remember what it was about. That was the biggest problem...not being able to get through a night without waking up in a panic. I also would get nervous in some situations. My doctor did ask me if I was depressed and I told him that I wasn't. I'm probably the least likely person to be depressed. I've been on Effexor for a year and it's been a whole lot better.

I hope you get better.

There is no reason for you to live with that kind of fear. I have anxiety issues, too, along with depression, but when I am in social situations, I get the rapid heartbeat and upset stomach, etc. I take Xanax for the symptoms, and within minutes, I am feeling better. There is no shame in taking a medication as prescribed by a physician to help you. While you are using the meds to help with the symptoms, you should see a therapist to learn ways to deal with situations like that so that you don't feel so anxious. A combination of the meds and therapy could get you to a point where you can deal with it on your own. In the meantime, take the meds and enjoy your children, and go and do things with them. The enjoyment you start to get from doing things in public could very well help you overcome some of your anxieties. You don't have to live in fear. Use the meds to help you get to a place where you don't need them anymore. I wish you the best.

A.

C.--Talk to your doctor or a doctor. I went through the same thing and because I was the one who was always "steady on the boat" I was ashamed to admit that I might have a problem. I took Effexor for a few years and it really did help me through a bad time. I didn't think I was depressed, but I was having anxiety attacks. Those anxiety attacks kept me from doing a lot of every day things, which eventually did lead to depression. Get some help. Try something. Your kids and family deserve as much as you do. They need their mom.

C.-
I completely understand what you are going thru. I dealt with that for atleast a year or so. I literally drove my husband out the door when my twins were 15 months and daughter just turned 11. It was that BIG event that pushed me right into the dr's office to face my fear. I take zanax as needed and it has been so much better. I was finally able to share everything with my husband and still working things thru, but I am sure you also feel like it is out of your control and that is hard in itself. I never really confided it in my husband because I didn't want him to think it was an "excuse" for my behavior. I would back out of going places last minute because I just couldn't do it. Now I am a completely different person. I only have to take the meds maybe once a week or so. It's nice not having to take something every day because, like you, I am not the type that takes medications. I hope just hearing this helps. It sounds as though it has really put a strain on your marriage. Don't let it be too late!!!

I have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks since being an adolescent. I started Zoloft 5 years ago and have never looked back. I know it's working because 3 years ago when I found I was pregnant with my first child, I decided to wean myself off the Zoloft. 3 weeks after I had completely stopped, I had 4 panic attacks in 1 weekend. I called my dr monday morning and got back on it. I have stayed on it through two pregnancies with no problems with either of my children. I can't imagine what kind of basket case I would be without the stuff. Hope this helps you feel better about it. Best of luck.

Girl, TAKE THE ZANEX!!! Believe me, it helps! I've dealt with anxiety issues my whole life! I've been thru periods of time in my life, like now, where I only need it every now and then (maybe once or twice a month), but I've also been thru periods (like when I had a really stressful corporate job, had to travel, do presentations in front of large groups, etc.) where I've needed it 3 times a day!

There are also other medications out there that help with anxiety. I take Cymbalta daily, which is for anxiety and depression. I've only been on it for a few months, but after trying just about everything on the market, this is the best stuff I have ever taken! And it has really helped me to not keep the Zanex by my side everywhere I go.

There are so many options out there, and your doctor will understand. I would recommend going to an office that specializes in these types of things. They will make you feel more comfortable than a regular family doc. I would try Martin Fisher. He's in Euless in the North Hills Hospital professional building. His number is ###-###-####. He has assistants there that I see regularly that are just as qualified. Dr. Fisher does seminars and presentations across the US, so it may take a little longer to get in with him personally. However, he does make every attempt to evaluate his patients first and then have his assistance maintain treatment.

Good luck! You will be fine! Just get the right doc & the right treatment, and all will be better in a couple of months (before you know it)!

A. =)

Hi C., Your story is a duplicate of my life several years back, even down to raising two daughters. I, like you was afraid to take any medications and for about 15 years suffered with anxiety and panic attacks. I couldnt drive my girls around to the mall or anything. Had to rely on others. It was a nightmare. I finally said that I had enough and as scared as I was made myself an appt. with a doctor close to home. That was the best thing that ever happened to me. After being medicated with SSRI medications(Prozac), I finally was living life again. I was told that the panic attacks were because untreated anxiety can eventually turn into panic attacks. Im amazed at the difference and now see clearly that I waisted 15 years of my life being scared of medications. PLEASE DONT WAIST ANOTHER DAY OF YOURS! Go get what you need to live a normal life. You have a chemical imballance that can be fixed with medication. My doctor also gave me a tranquilizer Xanax like you. It will not cure your phobias, it will only relax you or make you sleep. I dont take mine except if I have to travel a distance and someone else is driving. Prozac is an anti-depressant(anti-anxiety). I have taken it for the last 10 years and I am LIVING rather than existing. I can't stay home. I am out the door everyday. My girls are grown and married now and I only wish I had gotten treated when they were young so that I could have been a real mom to them. Please don't wait like I did. Find a doctor close by and ask for an antidepressant SSRI drug.
By the way, I felt like this was my opportunity to help someone like myself live a full life before your girls are grown and out the door. Thank you for taking the first step in posting and if I can be of any further help, please contact me. ____@____.com