meds

[ash1121]

I have had general anxiety for about the 5 yrs on and off. The past 2 years have been very intense. I had a severe panic attack tonight that makes me realize I do need counseling and maybe medication. Taking meds does scare me because I've heard most are addictive. Is this true?

[ash1121]

Thank u!

[Paxiled]

The addictive nature of these meds isn't really the issue.  Benzos are, antidepressants aren't, but can be just as hard to quit.  But both can also be very easy to quit -- our brains respond differently, so there's just no way anyone can predict whether it will be easy or hard.  This isn't just true for these meds, though, it's true for medication in general as well.  Because of that, I feel that meds are appropriate if your life just doesn't work anymore, you can't function well at all, and you've exhausted non-medication options.  Life being what it is, medication, with all its downsides, is often still the best option, but it should be an option whose time has come and not the first thing to try.  But if it turns out to be the best option, don't let the word addiction be your barrier -- we're all addicted to eating and drinking, too.

[kimberly826]

I was against going on meds almost six years ago.  But my anxiety got so bad I couldn't function.  SO I went in and was prescibed zoloft.  Within a few weeks I felt so much better.  To me its, worth being on medication because Anxiety is NOT fun and can be debilitating.  I also am starting CBT in a couple of weeks since I had another bout while on medication.  They upped my dose and I asked for a referal to a psychiatrist so I can stay on top of it.  5 weeks on my upped dose and I am doing better. I can function again.  If it helps it helps.  Aint nothing wrong with it!

[cj29]

In my experience with anxiety, medication has been a useful tool in confronting my anxiety. While some classes of medications (like benzos) can become addictive, they are usually prescirbed on a short term as needed basis whie you are prescribed a different kind of medication like an antidepressant--i.e. Zoloft, Lexapro, etc.  

I was also initially very hestiant to try any form of medication, but it has helped me tremendously.  I am a firm believer that it was a very useful tool while I went through counseling.  For me, working with a doctor (psychiatrist) that deals with these types of medications on a regular basis, helped to alleviate some of my concerns.  Also, keeping an open line of communication with enabled me to ask questions and share my concerns with him.  

Keep us posted

[remar]

Some anxiety meds can be addictive. Many Drs put their patients on an antidepressant because they not only help with depression but also anxiety. It all depends on the Dr and your situation.
I'm sorry you had a panic attack. They are so awful! I hope you're feeling a little better now.