need help panic panic panic

[fnbm]

Ok so I've been living with chronic panic disorder and agrophobia an some depression for 6 years. Never gone on a med. Got it tolerable. I almost was living a good life for 5 years then 2 months ago I hit rock bottom again. Constant anxiety and panic attacks.... depressed and physical symptoms 24/7.... the head heaviness.... light headed.... tired.... racing thoughts.... but now I'm 25 with a 2 year old. I can't be sick like this all day :( so I started therepy 2 weeks ago. We are working on a treatment plan but she had me see a psychiatrist today and he insisted I need lexapro. He wrote the script to start on 5 mg 1* day for a week or 2 depending on side effects an up to 10 mg for a week or 2 tgen 20 mg.... and see him again in 5 weeks. I still am seeing my therepist 1* a week.

I am TERRIFIED TO TAKE MEDICATION. I AM SCARED ILL FEEL SICK OR WEIRD OR WORSE OR GO CRAZY..... I. Try to take it but can't get it to my mouth. Help me cause I need to be better fast atleast for my daughter.

Any advice to help me calm down an just take this medicine?  I'm losing it :/

[fnbm]

Yea I hate the thought but most of all I am scared of side effects. But in the morning I am going to try hard. I get so worked up about taking it I cry .... you'd think this would b the easy part.... knowin it'll help. So frusterating.

[JGF25]

You have to ask why taking a pill is so hard?  It is because you are a strong woman.  That is how you were able to deal with anxiety for so many years without medication.  I did the same as you.  I was med-free for quite a while.  But you know what, there comes a time when even us strong women need a bit of help.  It is very stressful having children to take care of.  Mine are teenagers and yet the worry continues.  

[fnbm]

Yes I am so appreciative of everyone. My pscyh said the 5 mg was a very low dose.... he said I should be fine starting at that. I may feel slightly nausea and maybe lightheaded but he said nothing to be afraid of. Ehhhhh.... I hope its ok. I start tomorrow morning. He told me to take it in the morning so I kno how it'll effect me. Why is taking a pill to help ne so so hard?  Aggravating....

[JGF25]

You will get there...a lot of us already have.  However, before you cut the pill in half, talk to your prescribing psychiatrist and see if he/she is okay with this.  The taper up is what a lot of doctors do when people are worried about side affects, etc.  There may still be some but they can be dealt with in a variety of ways which your psychologist and/or psychiatrist can help you with.  Since you are taking care of kids, the quicker you get there the better for you and your children.  

Rest assured that you are doing what you need to to get better.  Some people don't do anything and are stuck with this anxiety/OCD for years.  So pat yourself on the back for actually taking a step that you actually are afraid of...you will be better for it in the end!  

And of course the forum is always here for you to post to.  As you can see there are quite a few people more than willing to answer your questions and help you anyway they can.

Take care.

[fnbm]

Yes not feeling like you are able to be all you should be for you childern..... it kills me :'( I'm picking my script up today from the pharmacy.... I'm thinking I'm going to tqke 2.5 mg to ease my mind... maybe 2.5 mg for a week then 5 mg? ???? Bahhhhhhh I hate this but I know I need to be better.

[goawayanxiety]

I suffered severe panic as a teen, that brought me to suicide. I still didn't realize meds were for me. I worked my way tough it, plus went on birth control for feminie issues. Now ten years later, it has come back full force. I spent a month trying to get control. But now I have two young kids. I realized I needed help to help them. I bit the bullet and tried meds and therapy. I am still just a month and a half into meds. I had side effects, had to try a second med since the first wasn't working right. I am till not 100% but I do feel better some days and am hopeful. Go to your doctor and see what is out there that may be the best for you. I brought the pills home and stared at them for a long time and really had to work up my nerve to swallow one. I know the fear of pills. I also know the fear of not being the best for your kids. You can do this! Good luck!

[Irishred77]

Just remember if you take one pill and you have any side effects it will not last forever. It will be out of your system by the next day. You just have to go day by day.