I want to take meds but scared!

Holly J · Post by **Holly J** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 5:01 pm

I have developed sever panic disorder almost to the point where i cannot work. At first it was not this bad but it got worse in the past week because i started getting shortness of breath which is the worst symptom if anxiety to me ever. i cannot get a good breath for the past 4 days now and it doesnt seem to be going away. im frightened and at first i was going to deal with this wothout medicine but now i feel like it cant get any worse. I want to take an anti depressant for panic disorder. Has anyone taken anything for panic disorder and has it actually helped?? My panic disorder is ruing my life completely AND my relationship with my boyfriend. I am even getting depression from this. I cannot stop thinking of my breathing and even when i do i am still breathing irregularly. This isnt like fear of driving or fear of crowded spaces. its my breathing and is with me always so i feel so stuck and frightened. Any replies would be appreciated. Thank you

oblada · Post by **oblada** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 5:39 pm

I was diagnosed with major depressing in December. Looking back this was a result of work stress and year-end results. I had some shortness of breath and, difficulty concentrating and just could not keep my mind from racing. I went to the doctor and this was the first time I had to admit to depression. That was tough to admit, but doing so also liberated me some. I have been on Celexa since. It does slow down some of the racing thoughts, panicy feelings etc. The downside is in my opinion it de-sensitizes you. You don't feel as gloomy, but also not as engaged in life either. That's why I am going through this now as a next step.

I am not a person who likes medication, but I think talking to a professional to prescibe something to temporarily make you feel better in addition to this program helps. My wife didn't think I needed the mdication, but in the end I feel it was the best move. My goal it to fully get off the medication. I have been cutting back.

How has the relaxation excercise been working? does it feel better after doing that?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 5:42 pm

You're starting to scare yourself. Shortness of breath is really common with panic attacks and extreme anxiety. I had it years ago and thought I was having a heart attack. I wasn't. I was scaring myself to the point of hyperventilating. If you feel unable to cope by all means see your dr. Your regular GP can give you something for acute anxiety until you see a psychiatrist. There are many options for medications for anxiety. I've taken Xanax in the past and I think quite a few other people here have also. There's also other options for meds. If you feel more comfortable with a psychiatrist, ask your GP for a referral.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 6:26 pm

I don't really like medication either. I started out getting prescribed Xanax. I cut the pill into quarters so I could try just a little bit at first. That helped a lot. I felt a little different, but it wasn't an extreme difference (that's what I hate about medication - the sudden difference in how I feel). It sounds to me like you really need to make a serious decision to focus on the program. The skills in the program will slowly start to change the way you feel. Follow Lucinda's instructions explicitly. You will start to feel better if you follow the program. I used to get all panicky in stores, too. I would just stand there and feel like I was puddling into the floor. The program will help you. Give it a try!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jun 05, 2008 6:40 pm

Hey. It really breaks my heart when someone is so scared because I know exactly how you feel. If your panic is that bad there is nothing wrong with turning to medicine for a while. Not everything is dependant and if you need it to help you get out for a while I say go for it, you can still do the program. I had to start medication to get out of the house, and it really worked, it helped with my panic a lot. I tried Xanax and it had a horrible effect on me, I couldn't take it, then I moved onto paxil, paxil worked, but it left me tired all of the time. My doctor switched me to lexapro, I felt so much better on lexapro, and I still take it daily. Just to let you know too, when you start taking these kinds of medications you will feel funny for the first several days to a week. I was dizzy a little while starting paxil and lexapro. Xanax just made me want to vomit and pass out. But you can talk to a doctor and find what is right for you. It is helping with my depression and anxiety. And I do plan on getting off of it as soon as I can! Good luck.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 7:42 am

thank you all. i appreciate your replies. i think i will start paxil cr tonight before i sleep. isnt that the best time to take it? i also right now take ativan. i love that stuff. doesnt make me feel nauseated or anything. just a little out of it but its better than focusing on my breathing constantly. but yes i am very scared of the side effects. . i took paxil when i was 16. i dont remember getting any side effects but that was 17 yrs ago. but im sure i'd remember something if it was that bad, right? i hope i dont get any side effects. i start a new job this monday and dont want to feel im dying when i get there.

New Stace · Post by **New Stace** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 2:58 pm

I take Lexapro and it has worked wonderfully. I too was afraid to take the meds, but I stuck with it and the end result has been great. The start up can be abit rough, but it only lasts about a week and it isnt any worse than the panic and anxiety you are having now.

I would take it at night with some food and try and control your worry, dont overanalyze taking the pill. You will be fine, and I am sure with time you will start to see the good effects of the meds working.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jun 06, 2008 4:56 pm

wow its like your describing my life. I have tried many medications but the one I have found to work the best is Zoloft. The only thing is that it cam affect your sex drive. My boyfriend and I have been together throughout the time I have had anxiety and we were close to breaking up several times because he didnt understand why I couldn't just "get over it" he still doesn't understand now really but he respects that anxiety is not somemthing I bring on myself and He supports me taking medciation even if he doesn't agree with it.
If you feel that medication is the next step for you I would say go for it. It is worth feeling better