PTSD, Major, severe Depression and Agoraphobia

Can anyone tell me why the media is slamming drugs like, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and Valiuim? The people that are in TRUE need of these life saving medications are being denied them because the media has profiles celebrities dying from cocktails involving such drugs.
OMG...I can't sleep, eat, socialize, or leave my apartment (unless I want to have a total melt down of full-blown panic attacks) and my PCP WILL NOT prescribe ANY anti anxiety medication.  I have offered to do urine screens, pill counts, 1 pharmacy use, blood drws...ANYTHING they ask, if I can just get the help I need.  NO was a staight and cruel answer.
Now...with my depression...I was on Zoloft and was in need of an increase in dosage (was on for over a year at same dosage) and my PCP switched me to Cymbalta, after I pleaded with her to just increase my Zoloft (as it has been working fine with me). She ignored me and thus the Cymbalta was started...with hestitation from myself.  Because my body reacts so differently than most to meds...I was afraid...and was discovered why.  After 2 weeks on Cymbalta...I began having severe dizzy spells, extreme nausea and my cognitive abilities became very dull.  I weaned myself off of them, as directed by an emergency room nurse.  Its been over 5 months now...my PCP has YET to prescribe me anything for my depression and has given me Trazadone...25mg at bedtime so I can sleep.  This drug does more harm than good.  If I take what is prescribed...I sleep 2 hours and awake with the worst spasms throughout my upper body that I had ever experienced before.  My PCP works with the County Health Dept., because I have no health insurance.  These doctors run a "cattle prod mentality" business.  Get them in and out and do as little as possible to help them.
I now fear for my mental health safety.  Suicide enters my mind every single day...I can't work...sleep, eat, go outside unless forced to, I don't care about my looks or cleanliness and I become angry with anyone that tells me "You'll be fine" or "Everyone has days like that".  OMG...I hate people, I hate doctors, I hate the people that have caused me so much pain in my childhood and adult life.  Where is the TRUE mediacl health providers that actually care about human beings?????

[edgyboy]

It is very unfortunate how the media grabs onto something and tears it down just for the sake of a story. However, we are a drug abused society in my opinion.

I also know that alot of these drugs are life savers for some people. I have to believe that your doctor has reasons for not wanting to increase your dosage or give you another script.

Hang in there.

[LovePastels]

The reasons my doctor won't prescribe anti-anxiety meds....she won't even prescribe an anti-biotic for a severe sinus infection! She is suspicsious of anyone...even those that are trully disabled from the throes of severe anxiety.
It forces many, that NEED, these types of medications to have an "almost" normal" quality of life, to seek these meds on the street. Not saying this is what I do...I am just stating a sad truth to this situation.  There are ways for doctors to screen/follow/dispense these kinds of medications without fears of addictions or over doses.  The media and the people abusing these importanat, and life saving, drugs, are making mental health sufferers worse off.
Sad sad sad.

[nursegirl6572]

It seems like the logical answer would be to find a new doctor?  Have you been seen by a psychiatrist?  That is the best route for anxiety/depression treatment anyways.  If you haven't yet, you should explore that as an option.

[lsmith0192]

My cousin is an Iraqi War Vet and was treated for severe PTSD… he was on meds and nothing was really helping. He almost lost everything…. job, family… everything. Basically, he completely fell apart. It was recommended to him and his wife to read a book called “Waking Up: Climbing Through the Darkness” by Terry Wise http://terrywise.com.

It really helped them get through their difficult times and I think it would be a good read for anyone faced with PTSD, depression, suicide or any other kind of personal issues like these. You could check out the book, maybe it can help put things into perspective and give you some advice. Keep your chin up!