I need help with meds

T-twins · Post by **T-twins** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 4:15 am

Hello to all,
I have been have anxiety and panic on/off since April of 2007. I was put on busbar twice a day and was seeing a counselor. I was doing really well and was able to cut back on my meds and even my counselor said I didn't need to come as often. Then two weeks ago it seemed like everything went right back to where it had been.

I saw my Md yesterday and he wants to stick with busbar but up the dose. I also take an occasional ativan when I need to but I worry about the dependendcy factor. Sleep is my worse issue and I do take Ambien as well. I guess I am wondering if all of these meds help or just make it worse? (only delaying the anxiety/panic)

I am intrested in natural supplements as well. But when I have done research on these, they seem to have just have as many side effects as well. I try to exercise daily and that does seem to help.

I guess I am searching for answers like everyone else. I just feel so worn out and tired. I would appreciate the input. Most of the posts I have read have been really supportive and I could use some support right now. Thanks

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 5:16 am

One of the things that drove me to this program was the shotgun effect of medication my family doctor was proscribing. Like yourself I have a very difficult time trying to get to sleep and when I don't fall right to sleep the problem compounds itself and a major panic attack insues. I am currently on .25 mg of Klonopin and .25 of Ambien at night to put me to sleep (sleep like a baby), but I also struggle with a major social anxiety after a bad reaction to the drug Paxil.

I think in response to your question--Do not eliminate your Rx's altogether, but take only what you feel you need and couple it with some kind of therapy. Its tough, I know and I am just beginning my jouney with Lucinda. Another thing I might suggest is a different opinion from a different Dr who is not in the same hospital. I think if you've made it thus far freedom is right around the corner if you believe and only use the meds as needed.

Keep me posted on how things go. You situation and mine sound very similar and maybe we can work through the program together.

F

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jan 18, 2008 7:40 am

Personally, I don't care for Buspar, but different strokes for different folks.

I would suggest talking to your MD about a long acting benzo such as Klonopin and possible a nice antidepressant (SSRI). I'd stay away from SNRI's.

Gary

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:25 pm

I am so sick of taking meds and dealing with all the side effects. I'm almost to the point where I just want to dump it all down the toilet and say screw it. whatever happens happens. I've been taking seroquel 150mg, ambien 20mg, xanax 20mg, and didrex (benzoamphet) 150mg/per day for so many years I cant even remember how long. no matter what I never feel better for very long and i am so sick of being so worn out all the time. I can't really relate to people going through anxiety and being afraid of dying. My biggest anxiety is that I will not die not matter how much i wish i could

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 23, 2008 1:39 am

I also am having trouble with meds,I have been taking lexapro for 2 weeks. dont notice a change. i took cymbalta for 3 years. then in november i had a major breakdown like i just lost my sanity. I am seeing a psychiatrist, and counselor. my mom ordered me this program a week ago. i hope it helps. anyway back to meds, i dont think i could make it withot my xanax and ambien. the news yesterday about heath ledger is bothering me terrible. same meds found near him that i am taking. Any advise or comfort from anyone would be appreciated

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 30, 2008 12:51 pm

I found that in my first brush with anxiety, xanax then larazapam (sp?) helped. Once I added an anti-depressant in about 6 weeks the anxiety dropped and I was able to eliminate the anti-anxiety meds.
My latest go-round was much more anxious, and I took the larazapem as needed. I'm very sensitive, so I cut a .5mg into quarters. I put it under the tongue for 10 minute relief. Now that SSRI's have kicked in (this time it took 3 months) the anxiety abated.
Stay with it!
Dave

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 3:51 pm

Dave,

Do the initial jittery side effects and brain zaps go away if you stick with an ssri for any length of time? The longest I've gone was 2 weeks with zoloft which left me unable to leave the bathroom area for the whole 2 weeks. The GI side effects were pretty bad.

Turtle

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 7:51 pm

I just made the biggest screw up of my life I took myself off my meds cold turkey after 12 years of klonopin and elavil. I just hit bottom tonight with the 10th grand mal panic attack of the day and I am calling my dr for an urgent appt i flushed them all down the toilet so i had only some pain meds for back up i haven't slept in 3 days. I have learned my lesson, I cannot get off my meds and I will never hate them again. I take as low a dose as possible mostly for the sleep problem and have slept for 12 years but my brother died suddenly from cancer at thanksgiving and I was blaming my old faithful meds for how crappy I was feeling. Boy I don't know what get into us anxiety people sometimes we were scared to death to take the meds in the first place and then we finally do and are getting help and living half way normal (whatever that is ) and we blame the meds when a crisis hits and we can't deal with it. I have had bad experiences with ssri's in the past and it seems that is all I remember is the bad times not the 12 years that my anxiety has been managed so that I am a functioning part of society and sleeping every night. thanks for all you guys here that post