overwhelmed, sad and thinking I need meds again. help!

Corinna Lee · Post by **Corinna Lee** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 4:51 am

I went thru the program and was feeling pretty good and came off my medicine Effexor back in May. Well I slowly started getting anxious with mild panic attacks here and there along with being bummed. I've been job hunting with no success after being laid off in March, haven't had any luck in the relationship department, I really have no close friends to talk to or hang out with and my mom just found out she has lung cancer (she is my "safe person"). I feel like things are just so outta control and I can't handle it. Panic attacks are frequent again to where I'm avoiding doing things and I'm feeling down. I've got a doc appt tomorrow to dicuss going back on meds to help me cope, but I don't want to be on Effexor again because of how bad the withdrawl was. what meds if any do you take? which ones should i stay away from? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 5:11 am

Hi Corinna, sorry to hear you are struggling again but you have alot of stressors going on and it is not surprising. Very sorry to hear about your mom as I lost my mom to cancer in '02. I take a small dose of xanax, do counseling, read books, and take 5-htp (a natural amino acid that works like Lexapro, etc.). I personally wouldn't take 5-htp without being under a dr. direction as it does affect the neurotransmitters in your brain. I just go through my dr. for any supplements to be on the safe side. I hope things get better for you. Email me anytime you need someone to talk to.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 6:16 am

Hi Corinna, really sorry to hear about your mom. I can only offer up what I have found to help me. When I lost a son couple years ago I went on Cymbalta. It has helped me cope with not only loss of son but other things going on. It took a couple weeks to kick in but has really been amazing. GOD bless you and hope this helps, Bruce

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 7:37 am

Corinna....I'm so sorry to hear about your mother's diagnosis. I understand your preocupation with going back on meds but understand that they are there to help. Sometimes we get thrown into a vicious cycle and this may be the only way to cope. I just recently (one week ago) went back on 20mg of Paroxetine. It wasn't after two weeks of having the rx that I decided to go back on. I was ashamed that I had to get help again. But, in th end, I just couldn't take the constant worry/anxiety/panic. It's take a couple of weeks to kick in but it's worked well for me in the past and I pray that I can get back to where I was at enjoying life and not what's it's been lately...a constant and non-stop worry. Hang in there and know that everything will be ok. Send me a PM if you want more info and my experience on Paroxetine/Paxil.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Oct 05, 2009 5:17 pm

Thank you all for your advice and words of encouragement. I know I just need to think positive even though right now it seems hard and not be ashamed to go back on meds. I've never tried therapy because I have been too scared and embarassed but I think I am going to give that a shot as well. Also gonna go back over the program. Thanks again everyone

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Oct 06, 2009 5:21 am

Hi Corrina, sorry about your mother. Try to do the program allover again, try to stay away from medz. I know it is easier to cope with pills, but try to redo the program with out taking any think. The worst case you'll get panic attacks. They usually last 10 min.. on those tapes tell you the way you can deal with those attacks. The way I see is: every attacks I get an ride them out it is a confermetion that I can manage this feelings. A panic attack won't herth you it never kill any body.But withdraw from medications are twice as much anxious/panic. Think about it please. You can do it, it won't be a walk in the park but if you can do it with out medz you will look at your self as stronger/prouder person. You are a STRONG STRONG Person...