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Mental health

Those of you who use/have used anti anxiety meds (inc anti depressants) please tell me your opinion on them.

7 replies

AngryFeet · 21/10/2011 09:27

My anxiety which I have suffered from on and off for 10 years is slowly creeping it's way back in - it often does this time of year. Early this morning I had a bad panic attack (at least I assume thats what it was) which started with dizziness and end up with a racing heart and hot flushes. It lasted 90 mins and the OOH doc told me to come in but I couldn't get there because of the kids so have made an appt to see the GP at 11. I know he will say it is anxiety and ask me to take anti depressants again. I have resisted for 10 years and used therapy instead as I worry about the side effects short and long term of using these drugs.

To be honest I am so tired of this anxiety, the irrational thoughts, the obsession with death, the palpitations, the dizziness, the stress and the insomnia. I need to deal with it but there is no quick fix and there seems to be no long term fix at all :(

What have your experiences been and would you advise me to use them or not?

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RosiethePriveter · 21/10/2011 09:37

Hi there

I can't say that I've experienced the same level of anxiety as you but I've recently been put on citalopram for anxiety and depression. The 20mg didn't really seem to help with the anxiety but I've just been put up to 30mg and it definitely is starting to help. Beforehand I found it almost impossible to leave the house, except for if I was going somewhere well known. It's very different now. I still have to odd morning where I lay in bed and feel that panic at just facing the day but those are getting less.

I feel that if you're given a break from it, maybe you can look at working on other coping mechanisms to help you when you eventually come off the meds.

I think a discussion with your doctor about the best type of medicine is best with a view to keeping an open mind? My anxiety is constant and generally at a low level, but maybe you need something stronger to take when it all gets too much?

Hope it goes OK with the doctors.

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MrsCornish · 21/10/2011 18:10

i suffered from dreadful general anxiety for about 3 years (having always been an anxious person, but manageable til i became a parent and simultaneously lost my own) before i was persuaded to go to the doctor about it. i then saw a psychiatrist who let me try lots of CBT and talking therapy before eventually i 'gave in' and started taking fluoxetine (Prozac). Within a month or two i was a different person, totally relaxed, happy, couldn't even remember what it was like to panic. That was about 5 years ago. I have come gradually off them, twice, and both times the anxiety has returned big time, and because now I know i don't have to feel like that, it's even harder to endure than it used to be. so the consequence is that i continue to take them, and i expect i will until my children are a lot older and i feel less depended on. I have no side effects that I am aware of, other than perhaps a loss of libido. But i don't find that problem. the psych said that if i did, other drugs were available taht didn't have that side effect.

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nightshade · 21/10/2011 18:35

have used fluoxetine on and off during winter months for several years. depression ( seasonal) with anxiety.

think they are great. short term and it helps knowing that within two weeks of taking them, i will be back on par.

wouldn't hesitate, for me a solution is far better than the long process of waiting for it to pass.

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chimchar · 21/10/2011 18:46

Take meds... See it as a shortish term solution for you to get back on an even keel. Give yourself a time limit it it makes you more comfortable about it.

I too have taken Prozac for anxiety. I felt horrific and life was being unbearable. Within a few weeks I was feeling much better and my dreadful feelings of constant panic had gone.

I came off them by myself after about 7 months with very few side effects.

I still suffer, but I feel better just knowing I can take them if I get as bad as I was before.

I hope you feel better soon.

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Mabelface · 21/10/2011 19:04

I'm currently on Prozac. Started on 20mg and recently upped the dosage to 40mg. They have made a massive difference to me. My energy levels have increased, I have more motivation and I'm not anxious any more. They've helped so much, that I've managed to get myself a job which I started today.