I have battled GAD, SAD, OCD and depression for over 2 decades now. I can't take it anymore.
I was raised to believe that medication should be avoided at all costs. Go natural, do alternative. But I'm a food addict. I can't stay away from sugar or caffeine or junk food when I am emotionally distraught, which is most of the time.
I am 39 and finally willing to admit that I need medication. I need some sort of evening out in my brain or I have no hope of survival anymore. I am FRIED! I am only partially employed, I can't handle office jobs, I don't have discipline to have my own business or work at home productively - I'm always in massive debt. I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!!
I've decided to call a nurse I was referred to a few years ago to get me on anti-anxiety medication. I was told that for my brain chemistry I should get one that is a "norepenephrine inhibitor" - anyone know which ones this would be? Which brand names?
Anyone who is like me who had to go on meds please reply. I feel terrible about this but I'm afraid my options have run out. I'm scared of side effects but I need help. I'm running my adrenals into the ground with all this career and job and money worry. Thank you.
I need meds!!!!
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Guest
Smile , Your just an average person with troubles. Med's can work for a lot of people.Worring about money , life , relations, work can be a tremendous strain on someone. Med's can be adictive also. Give yourself a break. Hey
it's rough out there !!! Take a day or two, say to yourself... why do I want these med's and on the other side of the page can I do something about it with out them. Slow down a bit, accept
bills, worry and work related problems as a part of life's experiences. Change what you can at this time and work on the rest. Nothing is done in oneday. After you cope with what your really worried about and reason with what you can do yourself, you'll feel better. Then if still feeling down, worried see a Doctor, now you'll know what to tell him is really wrong. See someone proffessional not a nurse!!! Maybe something as simple as a supplement might help you. Nether the less do what you can do ! Don't over expect things from yourself,its rough now a days but be possitive in areas you excel in and move upwards!!! Hope this helps you..
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Guest
Go get some help and don't down yourself for it. Sometimes meds can help one focus on what is really going on.Depression can really narrow your focus like tunnel vision.Yes I had to go back on meds even after the program and felt like such a loser.But I thought oh well I have to live my life( and In my brain) so now I will start the program again and see what happens.
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Guest
When you catch yourself saying "I cant take it anymore", it is time to seek help. Maybe go to a psychologist first to talk about your problems. If you need further help, go to a Psychiatrist to discuss medication. I am 40- years old and have suffered from PTSD, Chronic Depression and Panic Disorder since mid-2002. It gets a little better sometimes then comes right back in full force. Currently it is in full-force. I hate taking medication but I know right now I need it. Hope this helps!
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I was anti meds as well, but one day I said lets try them as all the natural stuff I tried just wasnt helping enough. I also have GAD and mild anxiety and tried to control it myself for about 15 years, some years were better than others and I just got tired of it always creeping back on me. I also have a high family history of GAD and anxiety in my family so for me it s a true chemical imbalance. I am now sooo glad I tried the meds, I take Lexapro 10mg, a low dose, and it has worked wonders, I have been aniety and GAD free now for about a year.
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Guest
Okay - there is nothing wrong with taking meds if you feel you need them. I've taken Lexapro in the past and I'm considering going back on it. The way I see it is if it were diabetes I'd not hesitate to take my insulin if I couldn't manage my blood sugar by changing my diet...so why should anyone hesitate to take medication to treat their anxiety if they are unable to manage it on their own. Sometimes they can be a great aid to get you over a hump while you are learning the behavior modifications you will need for if/when you decide to come off the medication. At the end of the day you need to do what is going to work best for YOU. Everyone is different so look at your situation as an individual and make a decision based on that is best for you.
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I am in the same boat as you are in. I have been fighting the anxiety for 30 yrs. I have put myself through the program and it does work. I know how to cope and not have a full blown anxiety attack. The truth is I am so tired of fighting this on my own. I wish I could fix this imbalance in my brain but can't. I mediatate everyday and it helps but I still have anxiety. I have tried the meds in the past but gave up when they didn't work. I tried the natural stuff and they take the edge off. I to need real help, and the time has come for real meds. I am tired of living and feeling this way.
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Guest
Don't be afraid to go on medication and don't be discouraged that it might take time to find one that really gels with your chemistry. Sometimes, it seems like this kind of medicine is much more of an art than a science. Personally, Lexapro did not work for me, although it led to being put on Wellbutrin, and already even at the end of my 2nd day on it, I am seeing some positive benefit from it.
As for your question regarding drugs that deal with norepinephrine, you have a few choices, but from what I understand of the most currently used medications, none of them go after norepinephrine exclusively.
Effexor (venlafaxine) targets serotonin and norepi... This is also a medication that is sometimes used as a migraine treatment. Pristiq is a prodrug of venlafaxine, so it might have the same properties, though you'd have to check with a doctor to be sure. Venlafaxine is VERY effective for a lot of people - the only down side is that you need to keep up with it. You'll know it if you miss a dose once you've adjusted to it. Tapering off venalfaxine can also be a little tough - but very manageable as long as you take your time with it and ween off slowly. DO NOT stop any psycho-active med cold turkey, but ESPECIALLY venlafaxine!
Another medication is Wellbutrin. It targets dopamine and norepi. It has some off-label success with treating ADHD, too, since the dopamine effects can sometimes feel a little 'speedy'. Wellbutrin has been around for a long time - since the mid 80s. If you can afford it and/or your insurance will cover it, it pays to get brand name. The generics of Wellbutrin have come under a lot of fire.
Finally, there is Cymbalta. This is another serotonin/norepi drug. It's FDA approved for diabetic nerve pain, fibromyalgia, GAD and depression. It's a newer drug than Wellbutrin and Effexor, and the FDA is watching it closely because this one is tough on your liver. I think you could help yourself (and your liver!) out if you go on Cymbalta by adding the supplement Milk Thistle.
Best of luck to you!
As for your question regarding drugs that deal with norepinephrine, you have a few choices, but from what I understand of the most currently used medications, none of them go after norepinephrine exclusively.
Effexor (venlafaxine) targets serotonin and norepi... This is also a medication that is sometimes used as a migraine treatment. Pristiq is a prodrug of venlafaxine, so it might have the same properties, though you'd have to check with a doctor to be sure. Venlafaxine is VERY effective for a lot of people - the only down side is that you need to keep up with it. You'll know it if you miss a dose once you've adjusted to it. Tapering off venalfaxine can also be a little tough - but very manageable as long as you take your time with it and ween off slowly. DO NOT stop any psycho-active med cold turkey, but ESPECIALLY venlafaxine!
Another medication is Wellbutrin. It targets dopamine and norepi. It has some off-label success with treating ADHD, too, since the dopamine effects can sometimes feel a little 'speedy'. Wellbutrin has been around for a long time - since the mid 80s. If you can afford it and/or your insurance will cover it, it pays to get brand name. The generics of Wellbutrin have come under a lot of fire.
Finally, there is Cymbalta. This is another serotonin/norepi drug. It's FDA approved for diabetic nerve pain, fibromyalgia, GAD and depression. It's a newer drug than Wellbutrin and Effexor, and the FDA is watching it closely because this one is tough on your liver. I think you could help yourself (and your liver!) out if you go on Cymbalta by adding the supplement Milk Thistle.
Best of luck to you!
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Guest
No advice but though I am 24 and have only had severe Panic for four years I am in the same boat.
I can't work, I can barely get myself to the store, I spend every day suffering. Unfortunately no SSRI/SNRI has worked for me, my only way out seems to start taking benzos long-term..... it's a scary thought considering how addictive they are.
Props for hanging in for 20 years, at 4 years I'm already losing my grip on things but I'm still hanging in there. If a medication helps stick with it though, I'm starting to see that I would rather become an addict but be able to live my life.
I can't work, I can barely get myself to the store, I spend every day suffering. Unfortunately no SSRI/SNRI has worked for me, my only way out seems to start taking benzos long-term..... it's a scary thought considering how addictive they are.
Props for hanging in for 20 years, at 4 years I'm already losing my grip on things but I'm still hanging in there. If a medication helps stick with it though, I'm starting to see that I would rather become an addict but be able to live my life.