Posted by ShellyM on January 18, 2006, at 7:58:20
In reply to What do you take for your anxiety?, posted by christinav on January 15, 2006, at 19:37:55
Hi Christina
I can sure relate. I have had severe anxiety and panic attacks from age 17 (I am now 40). It took me a long time to get up the nerve to try medications and my first couple of experiences on medications were tough-like you experienced, they only made my anxiety worse.
I started Paxil when I was about 30-35 and it really helped. The first 2-4 weeks on it did make my anxiety worse, but I stayed with it and started seeing improvement. When I had to travel, drive on the freeway or do other things that made my anxiety worse, I took a Xanax. After a few years on Paxil (and a lot of weight gain!) it stopped working and I found I was taking way too many Xanax. Tried a couple other medications that didn't work and then got on Cymbalta.
The first 3 weeks on Cymbalta the side effects were tough- insomnia, increased anxiety, etc.) but now after 2 months on it, I feel a ton better and am not taking Xanax. I also take Trazedone to help with sleep. And no weight gain with Cymbalta (in fact dropped some).
I really believe, at least for me, that medication and how I think about anxiety/panic are key to managing my anxiety. It took a while to find the right one and the side effects can be troubling. And after so many years living with anxiety and panic, I have finally changed my mind-set about anxiety and panic- while it sucks and is down-right scary at times, it won't kill me and today I am living a productive, happy life.
My thoughts are with you.
Shelly
> I am in need of help? i have taken countless meds to help my anxiety. I am a person who is very sensitive to meds and sometimes i have a opposite response to meds. I would like to know what you take and how it has helped. I am on topamax right now and i think it has made my anxiety worse but i cant be positive. I take the topamax for my migraines. My life feels like its in shambles from the anxiety and i am running out of meds and ideas. Anyones help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
poster:ShellyM
thread:599412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060115/msgs/600263.html