Anxiety meds

Feel free to FM me if you don't want to post here.

Does anyone take medication for anxiety? Is it something you have to take daily, or is it something you can take only when you feel an anxiety attack coming on -- or when you know you'll be in a situation where your anxiety will be triggered?

Does it help? Any side effects?

Finally, did you see a specialist before deciding to try medication or did you get it from your PCP?

Thanks in advance.

Re: Anxiety meds

I had really really bad anxiety. I woke up multiple times a night every night with panic attacks and I had panic attacks so often at work that I spent most of the time outside. The anxiety came out of nowhere and lasted about 6 months. I went to my PCP and spoke with her and she gave me Xanax to take when I felt a panic attack coming on. She gave me the kind that dissolve under your tongue so they work faster. She wanted me to take a daily medication and I refused. I actually did try it eventually but I hated it and stopped after only 2 days. The xanax worked but not in preventing anxiety.. just in helping get rid of a panic attack. I do know people who would take xanax a few times a day but honestly that would have made me too tired and It is addicting.

I do have to say that I finally tried Accunpuncture for anxiety and it changed my life. The anxiety was so manageable and I took noticeable less xanax. I even stopped having nightly panic attacks.. After a few weeks the anxiety went away.. and so far hasnt returned! When I felt a little anxious here and there I make an appointment for accupuncture and it really helps. I don't take any medication now and panic attacks are a thing of my past.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do i know how horrible unexplained anxiety can be

Re: Anxiety meds

Hey,
I was perscribed Lexapro (SSRI taken daily) for panic attacks/GAD by my PCP after having 1 panic attack. In my opinion many PCP's are irresponsible in the fact that they give out SSRI's like candy without educating patients about there side effects etc.
Since I have" been there and done that" I would say you should definitely see a specialist ( ie psychiatrist) when taking psychiatric medications. They can determine if you actually need medication or if counseling/ therapy might be a better direction for you. They are also much more aware of an individual drugs array of side effects etc.
Finally after 6 long and painful months of trying to slowly wean off of the Lexapro I am done. I had a horrible experience taking lexapro (as well as with withdrawals) but do know of several people who have found it to be very helpful. You just don't know how your individual body will respond till you try it (kind of like birth control)
I have found that taking a benzo like Klonopin/Xanax on an as needed basis (v. infreq.) and therapy to be much more effective for me with little to no lasting ill side effects.
Hope this helps you. Anxiety is a beast to deal with and can be very frightening. Feel free to FM me if you have any other questions or want specifics about my experience.

Re: Anxiety meds

I am taking zoloft for mild depression and anxiety. I also take Xanax for break through anxiety. If I know I am going to be in stressful situation I take the Xanax before like going to the dentist for example. This past week has been very stressful for me so I have been taking the Xanax every day.

Edited to add I have not really had any side effects.

Message edited 5/24/2010 1:43:05 PM.

Re: Anxiety meds

I take fluoxetine (generic prozac) daily for anxiety and mild depression (resulting from the anxiety).

It was prescribed by a psychiatrist. I've been on it off and on for 10 years.

No side effects.

I've also taken xanax or klonopin during extremely anxious times, but that's rare and I don't like doing it.

xanax is taken on an as needed basis, klonopin can be taken as needed or daily (side effects decrease with daily use and helps to prevent anxiety as opposed to treating it). Both cause drowsyness

Message edited 5/25/2010 11:21:24 AM.

Re: Anxiety meds

Re: Anxiety meds

Re: Anxiety meds

Posted by davenjess

Posted by MsPink

Posted by kahlua716

I take fluoxetine (generic prozac) daily for anxiety and mild depression (resulting from the anxiety).

It was prescribed by a psychiatrist. I've been on it off and on for 10 years.

No side effects.

I've also taken xanax or klonopin during extremely anxious times, but that's rare and I don't like doing it.

xanax is taken on an as needed basis, klonopin can be taken as needed or daily (side effects decrease with daily use and helps to prevent anxiety as opposed to treating it). Both cause drowsyness

Same, sort of. I didn't like prozac, but I am on Pristiq now, for general anxiety disorder, and take klonopin if it is really bad. I have been to a few dr and all seem to want to treat with an anti-depressant first and add anti-anxiety if needed. For me, it works. I take my klonopin not nearly as much as I did when I wasn't on an antidepressant.

i was on paxil before becoming pregnant for anxiety reasons....after pregnancy, i became post partumy....(post partum depression).

i have been on pristiq for just about 10 months now and i'm just coming off it now. the detox is NOT fun...and i have to tell you - i am seriously considering NEVER going back on these meds again. i have not felt right in almost a week...and all i did was go from 100 mg to 50.

i think i will stick with my xanax for 'on the spot' needs...no more long term meds for me!