Anxiety medication advice please
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi,
I'm new to this forum and I'm hoping I could be given some advice about anxiety medication. Over 7 years ago I had a nervous breakdown. Out of the blue (age 34) I developed panic attacks - prior to this I had been extrememly confident, didn't even know what panicking was! At the time I was so scared by the panic attacks that I would dread them and so it all spiralled. Things improved a lot within a few months and over the years I have just taken a 5mg diazepam tablet if I feel the need to now and then. I don't have anxiety every day, but certain situations can bring on panic and I can spend days dreading an event that others would find totally normal and nothing to worry about. It has impacted on my driving too - I avoid driving on motorways now because I can feel panicky, unable to get off the road quickly etc.
I have decided to book an appointment and ask my doctor for a long term medication to help with the panic attacks and worrying about certain situations (I've tried counselling and it's not really help - in fact it has made me dwell more). As mentioned, I don't have anxiety every day - more that I have panic attacks when in certain situations so that's when I take a diazepam. I am just wondering if anyone can help advise about this - is there a tablet that could help me - help stop the occasional panic attacks and feelings of excessive fear for normal situations like going to the dentist, going on a plane, driving on motorways etc.
I'm a mum to three children too so I don't want lots of horrible side effects, which is why I've been reluctant to take anything on a daily basis, but I've got to the stage where I feel I need to try something.
Thank you!
0 likes, 7 replies
Unicorns BTC
Posted
Hello there. Sorry to hear of your recent troubles. There are many many options that may help you and it's definitely the best thing to go and speak to your GP about these. Everyone is different and it takes a long time to find the right medication and dosage. I've just come off of my initial meds after 5 years and am suffering terrible side effects. I'm trying out something new with help from my doctor and I feel loads better but nothing can get rid of the weird sensations I have. At this point I'm not sure if it's new meds or old ones fading out. It's a bit of a maze!
You've done the hardest thing by asking for help and taking actions to help yourself. I wish you the best of luck with it all. It can be very overwhelming. Remember to take everything you read with a pinch of salt and trust your own judgement. Take care of yourself. Eat well. Get out lots and exercise. Take supplements and make time for a bit of pampering
be kind to yourself xx
BTC Unicorns
Posted
Thank you for your advice. I hope you feel better soon on the new medication. It is a big step speaking out because even though I suffer from anxiety and have done for many years, I prefer to carry on and not admit to it. I always feel like it's just me and no one else has anxiety etc. I guess people just don't talk about it and that's why it's quite isolating and upsetting to feel stressed and anxious. Also being a mum I want to feel strong for them so I feel guilty and wish for them I could be the person I used to be. So here goes going to the doc in a couple of weeks and trying some daily medication. Fingers crossed it helps! Don't know what they will prescribe and can't deny I'm a bit nervous they will make me feel awful but I'm willing to give it a go x
AnxiousP BTC
Posted
BTC AnxiousP
Posted
Good luck with the Lexapro. I've no idea what these different drugs do so will be interesting to find out what my doc puts me on. I've read citalopram is good for anxiety with lower side effects but I could be wrong! I guess lexapro is similar? Glad to hear your side effects are minimal. I hope you feel better soon x
thomas96833 BTC
Posted
I found propranolol helped a lot with situation anxiety for me and didn't come with a lot of side effects.
I am just starting to switch to Sertraline though as I need something more long term. Hope it goes well for you!
BTC thomas96833
Posted
Thank you - unfortunately as an asthmatic I don't think I can take propranolol. However diazapem help helped now and then but I too need something more long term so will have to see what the doctor advises! Hope the Sertraline helps you!
thomas96833 BTC
Posted
Diazapam is good, however it's only a very short term use isn't it. Great for quick relief
Not going to lie, the side effects are not pleasant so far, but with anxiety I can't tell what is the tablets and what was there before!
I tried a lot of herbal remedies before jumping to Sertraline, some of which worked well. Passionflower and valarian root being the best. Might be worth a try?