Aa
perhaps wrong diagnosis
Hi doc
My question is if I have been diagnosed today with depression but in my heart I know it;s really an anxiety problem do I start the Pristiq meds I was prescibed today? I have been prescibed many antidepressants over 30 yrs or so but have never followed through with any for long.. I know my problems stem from the inability to relax enough. Always anxious..
I I saw my GP today with two problems that concernme.The first being my mouth, throat and neck and the other was more overwhelming feelings of sadness,and every other emotion possible, all in a period of diffrent time frames over the years . They come and go. I 'm not really sure what triggers them or why. I have had a hard life in my eyes in many ways..Sadness is one of the more powerfull emotion I feel and the most frequent now.Anger was one I felt for at least 10 yrs. I really need these address and I am just not convinced depression after 30 yrs of the same symptoms is acurate. I can really enjoy my boring life that I lead I know it's not terribly healthy but that in it's self does not control my thoughts. Could I possibly should be on anxiety meds instead...
Thanks in advance.. Outinsympathy
Ps.. My gp did not even look at my mouth and that was one of my major concerns as I have had undiagnosed mouth,neck and throat probs for years...I asked for a referal but she put that on the back burner. Depression follow up first... I don't really like the idea of taking anti depressants.
My question is if I have been diagnosed today with depression but in my heart I know it;s really an anxiety problem do I start the Pristiq meds I was prescibed today? I have been prescibed many antidepressants over 30 yrs or so but have never followed through with any for long.. I know my problems stem from the inability to relax enough. Always anxious..
I I saw my GP today with two problems that concernme.The first being my mouth, throat and neck and the other was more overwhelming feelings of sadness,and every other emotion possible, all in a period of diffrent time frames over the years . They come and go. I 'm not really sure what triggers them or why. I have had a hard life in my eyes in many ways..Sadness is one of the more powerfull emotion I feel and the most frequent now.Anger was one I felt for at least 10 yrs. I really need these address and I am just not convinced depression after 30 yrs of the same symptoms is acurate. I can really enjoy my boring life that I lead I know it's not terribly healthy but that in it's self does not control my thoughts. Could I possibly should be on anxiety meds instead...
Thanks in advance.. Outinsympathy
Ps.. My gp did not even look at my mouth and that was one of my major concerns as I have had undiagnosed mouth,neck and throat probs for years...I asked for a referal but she put that on the back burner. Depression follow up first... I don't really like the idea of taking anti depressants.
that's great info. Your never too old to learn something new. OCD does ring a bell now..I think I have a variation of both. Example I constantly fidgit with my fingers and have to remind myself to un tense, ( drop my shoulders). I also have problems with some social interactions. Just feel like I don't fit in. Not always though. Thanks and I am glad I found this forum. You are all wonderfull for the work you do with helping.. :).
Hello there! I'm glad you found us! You'll find a lot of help and info here, along with support!
OCD is "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder", an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and worries, along with compulsions (actions) that people engage in to decrease their anxiety. An example would be someone with a phobia/fear of germs who engages in the compulsion of near constant handwashing. OCD can vary in severity. Like all anxiety disorders, a proper diagnosis must come from a doctor, who can distinguish one disorder from another (many are similar). The best doctor to seek out for a thorough assessment and diagnosis is a psychiatrist. Other anxiety disorders are panic disorder, GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), social anxiety disorder (social phobia).
SSRI stands for "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor", which is a commonly prescribed antidepressant medication for anxiety. Examples of SSRI meds are Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro.
You've received great advice here, the only thing I would add is that if you and your doctor decide on trying a medication, it is VERY important to really give that medication a chance to work. For SSRI's, it can take 4-6 weeks (sometimes longer) to really start noticing improvements. Many people stop taking them before they have had a chance to work, and become discouraged with meds as a result. Therapy is also an invaluable tool.
Let us know how you're doing!
OCD is "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder", an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts and worries, along with compulsions (actions) that people engage in to decrease their anxiety. An example would be someone with a phobia/fear of germs who engages in the compulsion of near constant handwashing. OCD can vary in severity. Like all anxiety disorders, a proper diagnosis must come from a doctor, who can distinguish one disorder from another (many are similar). The best doctor to seek out for a thorough assessment and diagnosis is a psychiatrist. Other anxiety disorders are panic disorder, GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), social anxiety disorder (social phobia).
SSRI stands for "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor", which is a commonly prescribed antidepressant medication for anxiety. Examples of SSRI meds are Paxil, Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro.
You've received great advice here, the only thing I would add is that if you and your doctor decide on trying a medication, it is VERY important to really give that medication a chance to work. For SSRI's, it can take 4-6 weeks (sometimes longer) to really start noticing improvements. Many people stop taking them before they have had a chance to work, and become discouraged with meds as a result. Therapy is also an invaluable tool.
Let us know how you're doing!
Hi and thanks for your reply .I am very new to seeking help thru a forum so was wondering if you could explain OCD and SSRI not sure what they are. Thanks in advance
Thank you for reading. Sometimes we just feel so alone when we are confronted with overwhelming circumstances in life. I think the vitamin D idea is probably a good idea , my doctor has ordered blood tests for that as well as others .So maybe there is some hope there. I will have them on Tues and then wait till the 18th for follow up on pristiq with my gp. Hopefully if thats all it is I will be a very hyappy girl. But I know deep down there are other issues for the anxiety/depression. Any way will keep the posts updated and thanks all for listening and your contributions. It really does help. I will do some research on vit d
Theres tons of information within this website. You may notice very similar symptoms are listed there as well. Many people are recovering now that they have learned of the underlying condition. Vitamin D effects the nervous system, bones, muscles, digestive system, cognition, mood... you name it. Definately worth a search. I just dont want people to suffer needlessly like I did when it can be cured so easily. You are all in my thoughts!
Unfortunately jcook144 is right. Anxiety and depression are a viscious cycle. You may have the anxiety as the precipitator but that constant anxiety and the toll it takes on your life lead to depression. I mean how can you not be depressed when your thoughts are out of control and your heart is racing 24/7. Nobody wants to live that kind of life.
I take Wellbutrin which is not really prescribed for my kind of anxiety which is OCD anxiety. I was convinced I had to be on an SSRI to get any benefit but that is not the case. Wellbutrin is working for me. So I think that giving the Pristiq a try is a good idea. You may find that in the end it is not for you but that is okay because there are so many other anti-anxiety/depression medications that can be tried. Just remember, there is something out there that WILL work for you if the Pristiq does not.
You have mentioned you have not stuck with any medication for long during the past 30 years. How have those 30 years been? From your post, they don't sound like they have been pleasant ones and we all deserve to feel good about ourselves and our lives everyday even if that means we have to take a pill to get there.
I don't kow anything about VitaminD but may be worth a google search...You never know.
I take Wellbutrin which is not really prescribed for my kind of anxiety which is OCD anxiety. I was convinced I had to be on an SSRI to get any benefit but that is not the case. Wellbutrin is working for me. So I think that giving the Pristiq a try is a good idea. You may find that in the end it is not for you but that is okay because there are so many other anti-anxiety/depression medications that can be tried. Just remember, there is something out there that WILL work for you if the Pristiq does not.
You have mentioned you have not stuck with any medication for long during the past 30 years. How have those 30 years been? From your post, they don't sound like they have been pleasant ones and we all deserve to feel good about ourselves and our lives everyday even if that means we have to take a pill to get there.
I don't kow anything about VitaminD but may be worth a google search...You never know.
Have you ever had your Vitamin D levels checked? Might be something you want to look into. Docs are now learning that Vitamin D deficiency can equate to many many symptoms such as those you mentioned. Just a thought but it cured me!
Hey,
I am on Pristiq for anxiety purposes. Anxiety and depression go hand in hand, and most anti-depressants act as anti-anxiety meds as well. When I was perscribed Pristiq my psychiatrist didnt even know I have depression, she was just treating me for anxiety. And let me tell you, Pristiq changed my life the first few months I took it...as in my anxiety went from 100% every single day to barely getting any anxiety over the course of a month. Everybody handles meds differently, so give Pristiq a try as it may be your "miracle" drug as I used to call it a few months ago. Good luck!
I am on Pristiq for anxiety purposes. Anxiety and depression go hand in hand, and most anti-depressants act as anti-anxiety meds as well. When I was perscribed Pristiq my psychiatrist didnt even know I have depression, she was just treating me for anxiety. And let me tell you, Pristiq changed my life the first few months I took it...as in my anxiety went from 100% every single day to barely getting any anxiety over the course of a month. Everybody handles meds differently, so give Pristiq a try as it may be your "miracle" drug as I used to call it a few months ago. Good luck!
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