Interested in anxiety medication testimonies

Question

Howdy, I'm diagnosed General Anxiety Disorder and I can't beat it on my own.  God knows I've tried, ten F'n years I've put of this med stuff.  I also have some OCD type stuff too triggered from when my dad died about seven years ago.  

I'm really interested in some real life testimonies of people's experiences with medication for anxiety and perhaps OCD.  I'd appreciate some perspectives anyone who care's to elaborate.

Thanks

elizabethjoan · Answer

Hi, 
You answered a question of mine so I thought I would return the favor. I have never personally taken anti depressants. However, I'm from a large family and every one of my siblings and both my parents have at some point. In particular my sister suffered from crippling anxiety- panic attacks, vomiting when out in public , extreme paranoia. She took Xanax to calm her in panic situations and help her sleep and aropax each day. 
I am an advocate for such medication because i really don't think she could rationally think clearly enough to beat her anxiety without it. After about some time- combined with routine change etc she gradually weaned herself off it and aside from some bad days she has never looked back. 
Another member of my family had depression so bad she was hospitalized and took zoloft for some years. She has been off it for almost 4 years now and can cope with the feelings much better. 
I think that what the tablets do is help one gain perspective enough to help themselves. If you were to talk to her my sister would tell you they saved her life. 
You have been suffering a long time. It's worth a try.

lynn57 · Answer

Often people take short-term benzos like Ativan or Xanax while getting on an SSRI.  The first week or two starting an SSRI can increase your anxiety temporarily. In order to increase your chance of success doctors try to make you comfortable enough so you won't quit the SSRI the second day.  You have to give them an honest effort if you go that route.

MeganPixel · Answer

On taking two at once - My doctor has advised me to take Xanax "as needed" while taking the SSRI. I also was kind of suspicious and asked if this was safe and she told me yes, because they work in two different ways.  I *think* from having read elsewhere on this board that this is a pretty common practice.  My hope is that the SSRI will make it so I don't feel that I need Xanax anymore but as above, I'm super early in the treatment so only time will tell.  And apparently I ain't takin' that Xanax anyway so I haven't really given much serious thought to it other than to listen to the instructions... :D

Julie359 · Answer

See the thing is, the reason u hear far more bad stories on thei forum about drugs is quite simple if u think about it.  People come on here to find answers and to stop their suffering, a few people have already tried anti-d's with unsussessful results so they search for some thing else to help them.  In that search they start answering posts and next thing they are sharing their experiences with the next person who needs help.  I normally don't tell my story if the poster is asking for help but you asked for peoples stories so this I gave u. 

I have to say this thou, Paxil did give me back my life despite the fevers and temper, I could function far better than now and managed to make some very happy memories with my children, going on hoilday, day trips being able to just randomly go where ever we wishes and not be fearful or thinking something will happen.  I got my life back and so did my kids.

As for now yes meditation is a God send for me, I have numerous guided meditations on CD and downloads and I take time out every day to relax and listen to them.  Althou I use meditation as just part of a daily routine along with diet, beta-blockers, valium and other supplments.  Yes everyone is very different and what will work for one person may not be the best for the next, so u have to find out the good old fashioned way I guess, which means to try until u buy. s

SkaterDave · Answer

This is good stuff. Keep it coming. I find this eye opening and enlightening. Though I wish anxiety on no one, I do identify with all your humanity, and though it doesn't help so much in the moment, the over arching feeling is one of identity and comraderie in life. Thanks for the posts so far folks!

annalawny · Answer

Hi, All:  I am just startingo ut with the Meds journey, and have taken some Ativan, and now, am taking Valium - Megan, I can relate - My doc gave me an Rx for 2 mg. of Valium a day, which is already a very low dose,and I'm only taking one mg. / day.  Obviously, it's not enough and I know she's less than pleased.  The last time I went to see her, she said she wasn't giving me a new Rx.  I just left her a message saying I needed more, if she wants me to upgrade before returning.  I have also put off the Med issue for years, and finally, the depression and OCD issues got to be overwhelming.  The plan is for me to start on Lexapro (probably next time I go).  

Today, I was having lunch w/ a friend who's a retired RN, and who has also been diagnosed w/ major depression, and who has been hospitalized several times for it.  She is on Lexapro and she swears by it - says it will change my life.  However, my understanding is that I would be on a benzo (like Valium) while I'm getting on the Lexapro (or Celexa, something the Dr. is also thinking of givine me - not sure wht the difference is... anyone?).  She seemed to think that wasn't 'right,' that as Valium as an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) agent, I wouldn't need that as the Lex would address the anxiety as well.  Now I'm pretty confused.  I realize that the ultimate answer is "Your doctor will tell you what you need to take," and that's cool, however, like the original poster here, I'm interested in hearing from others who take these meds / have been in a similar situation.  Also, I've been doing some reading about SSRI's here and online, and I saw that folks with prolactinomas (benign pituitary tumors which secrete the hormone, prolactin) can have that condition exacerbated by the SSRIs.  Does anyone else have that issue?  If so, are you taking an SSRI?  If so, which one?  Looking forward to hearing from folks as I think I am scheduled to start the SSRI in a couple of weeks.  Thanks.

colleendawn813 · Answer

The most important thing to remember is EVERYONE will react differently to any given drug. I took zoloft for 8 years, and did wonderful on it. Did ok on lexapro too. Then decided to give med free life a try. 8 months later i decided i was better off on an antidepressant so i took zoloft(which was great for 8 years) and had the same reaction as julie with such intensity that i checked myself into a clinic overnight. now i am about to start to take celexa, and am nervous that it will do what zoloft did, but i need something because taking ativan every day just to cope is not good. Meds are lifesavers for SO MANY people. don't be afraid to try them if you have tried everything else. 
as far as meditation goes, it hasnt helped me much, but i just started it. yoga does help me a ton though because im focusing on my body and not my mind. i kinda forget im crazy anxious while im doing it (most of the time).
whatever you decide, ill just say what everyone on this site has told me. You will find what works. it may take time, but you WILL:)

MeganPixel · Answer

Just a personal anecdote.. I haven't suffered with anxiety issues for as long as you have, just going on 5 months since being diagnosed. But I know the medication fear as I had a bad experience with Buspar a couple months ago, and haven't wanted to take anything since. I was talking with my doctor this week, and she asks:

"What kind of medicines do you have, if you have any, for the anxiety?"

"Well I have some Xanax."

"When you have a panic attack, do you take the Xanax?"

"Umm.. no."

"So you're anxious about taking a drug that would halt your anxiety?"

Needless to say my instructions on leaving were written: "TAKE YOUR XANAX WHEN NEEDED."

When we can't break out of a cycle of irrational thinking... sometimes we just need a kick in the butt. :)

I will be starting a tiny dose of Prozac tomorrow, first I've tried (aside from Xanax) since the bad experience. I am worried about it somewhat, but, I need to do something to break the cycle so that I can work less on worrying and more on getting better.

SkaterDave · Answer

Thanks a bunch for the responses so far.  I've just been so so scared to get started.  Mostly for the fear of having a horror story testimonial but a little bit for the stigma too.  I always had to be the first and the best at everything (I know, perfectionist tendencies! I'm working on that with my counselor). I find it pretty hilarious that the idea of taking meds makes me cringe with anxiety.  If I could look into a crystal ball and know everything will be alright then sure, but it's the horror stories that stick in my head the most.  Plus I lived with hippies for five years and I hate the nature of big pharm so there is a distrust along with the fear that comes naturally and with GAD. 

The only thing I haven't tried is meditation.  Funny perhaps but I've been so afraid of my brain with all this anxiety and OCD that it's been a fear I'll look into myself and see a crazy person and then go the rest of the way crazy.  I know it's not true but a powerful deterrent to start meditating.  I feel in my heart it's the right thing to do though and am currently attempting to create a log book to make it more official.  

Anyway.  I'm going to try it I am pretty sure.  Something always stops me from heading into the doctors office but I'm really gearing up to make myself cross that thresh hold.  Any more personal stories or thoughts would be sweet.

@Julie359, have you tried meditation?  I mean, truly gotten down and dirty with it?

bbxx · Answer

Hi. You tried for a long time on your own and that is amazing! I love that you tried to avoid medications and really gave it a good try, but I also love that you are willing to say I need some help.
In truth, my experience was not a good one, but I have to admit I am one of the rare ones.
There are some things you can try first if you want, but you have to do what is best for you.
I would suggest seeing an intergrated doctor if possible. They are real doctors, but they look into nutritional deficiencies and check for heavy metals, thyroid etc... They also try natural things to deal with the anxiety, but remember, just because its natural does not mean there are no side effects. There is also a good program out there but I am not allowed to post the link, but if you message me I can give you the information. All that said, if you have done all you can and the bottom line is you need medications, then I am not sure looking up the medications and their side effects would be a good idea. However, if you have any other health issues, you probably should. (ie.. heart rythm issues, or taking other meds).
We all wish you well and keep us informed on what you decide and how its going.

heartfluttersflyawayplz · Answer

hi, so sorry your having problems with meds. when i have bad anxiety i take klonopin/ativan. they really help me i will not take the ssri like pax and others . they go throught your brain and i dont want that.  klonopin is a long term med  and ativan is a short term it works very fast for the panic attacks.  they are both addicted and you have to be very careful of over taking them. check into them. i had no side affects from them but i also was not on them a long time.

mammo · Answer

Hi.  We all respond differently when it comes to medications for GAD, what one experiences on a particular medication may not be another's experience.  It's often trial and error, but once we find the right one....it's well worth it!  Don't beat yourself up for needing medication, rarely can we beat this on our own. Don't get caught up in because it's a mental issue that you should be able to handle it on your own, it's rarely the case.  You need to realize that anxiety can be like any other medical condition requiring medication every day to control the symptoms, and that's okay.  I've been on several medications through the years with excellent results, only switching when my body built up a tolerance to the mediaction I was on.  This happens, and can take years, but eventually most people build up a tolerance to the medication they're taking and need to be switched to another.  Medication gave me my life back, and unfortunately you rarely hear all the good stories on the forums, but they far outweigh the bad.  Therapy is always a good way to go, especially in dealing with the loss of your dad, which is a life altering event.  Talking to a professional about this can help you cope better and think differently which will help your anxiety.  There are many medications to help with the OCD, and I feel you will be much better off combining therapy and medication.  Therapy can be a lengthy process, and medication can help you through this time and beyond if needed.  To sum it up, I wouldn't be here if not for medication after losing my son.  Therapy taught me to deal with smaller issues in my life, but did nothing for the loss of my son.  The medication  gave me my life back, and to be a happier, funtioning person. I hope this helps and wish you all the best.

Julie359 · Answer

Also interestingly I no longer have the fevers or the intense outbursts of temper.  Even though I suffer bad nerves I laugh and joke about far more than when I was on paxil.  It gave me freedom but took away my abilty to make people laugh, I became a fraction of my true self personailty wise and only now can I see that.  I may of lost my freedom again but in a strange way I feel more true to myself and open.

Julie359 · Answer

Hiya, well like u I've suffered from anxiety a long time, I initally had a breakdown when I was 19, am now 37, so seems like forever.  When I was 22 I was put on Paxil or generic name paroxatine. For about 4 days after starting it my anxiety worsened a great deal but suddenly settled and without even realising it my anxiety started to fade.  I just got on with life but what I did find and I wonder if it had anything to do with the paxil is, that I would constantly come down with fevers at least 4 times a year.  I never went doctors due to them, they would last two days or so of me being totally wiped out and sweating so much my blankets were soaked. But once it was over I just again got on with life.  Before the paxil I could barely go anywhere and I was extremely socially withdrawn but I found I became far more outgoing and started traveling places, my life in that respect seemed normal.  Then after several years of being on them I noticed I started to have outragous rages of temper, really scary in your face, smashing everything up outbursts.  Even started to physcially attack my partner not just with myself but anything I could lay my hands on.  I would become very aggressive to somone who barged me in the street or on a bus and there were times my temper sky rocketed and I literally in those moments wanted to kill that person.  I became really scared of who I was becoming as this really isn't me at heart, I'm a fun loving peaceful, just wana help people kinda person, goodness I hate even to kill a bug as I see its life as precious and here I was a total monster. 

Well I stayed on paxil until 2yrs ago in March, it took several months to ween off and I had a real hard time as I use to get the worst head shocks and disorentation, my doc eventually gave me valium to help calm my nervous system and get me off of it. Eventually I managed to ween from it but within a very short space of time my panic attacks restarted so my doctor tried to put me back on the paxil and on the 5th day of taking them my body went into the biggest and longest panic episode I have ever had, I've since been told it was akathesia, I couldn't sit down, I couldn't keep still, my anxiety was beyond sky high.  It felt like someone had attached an electicity supply to my spinal cord and was jolting me with surges.  I told my doctor after it happened that if I had of had a gun I would of blown my brains out that day as it was way beyond intense. It was pure and utter torture!!! So of course my doctor stopped me from taking it and well, cut a long story short, I have been in search of coping strategys ever since.  I am nearly house bound agoraphobic with panic disorder and general anxiety, which is all far worse than before I started paxil. I cope by keeping a routine of healthy diet, meditation, relaxation, keeping life as peaceful as possible and by leaning on God.  I do take medication still a beta-blocker and valium when needed and have undergone finally CBT therapy, which I found useful.

So there u have it...