Coming off anxiety medication

[Fruitbat1980]

Hi,
I'm wondering if anyone can help or advice or just reassure me I'm not going mad?
I had a crazy job (thinkmlongbhours crazy commute) and a young family and was at the end of my rope. I was so miserable and I thought depressed. Saw doc just over a year ago who did BP tests etc and said blood pressure spiked massively in day (at work) think 190 over 140! He advised atenolol.
This had an almost immediate effect, turned out (at least I think - self diagnosis alert!) I don't think I was depressed, I think i was anxious, trying to be a good wife, mum and employee in an 80 hour a week mental job was too much with crazy job - I also have a complete terror fear of failure. 3 months later I quit (with support from hubby) to take stock and plan next move. That was 4 months ago. Been feeling topmof world ever since.
A month ago went back to docs, he said BP normal, come of meds. Ok great I thought. Since then the fear/anxiety has returned. I'm trying to set up a new business and it's going well but I can't sleep for fear I'll fuck it up. In addition whole time I was on BP meds my periods were v light (a happy coincidence I thought) now back with a vengeance heaviestmonenive ever had and it's not helping lift mood.
I don't know what to do, I was so happy they said come off meds, and really don't want to be on BEta blockers forever as know they come with risks, but I'm so down.
Anyone been here?

[NolongerAnxiousCarer]

My CPN told me that depression and anxiety are caused by very similar chemical imballances and therefore ADs are often useful for correcting anxiety too I don't know if that helps at all.

I also found meditation, mindfulness and exercise really helpful for anxiety. High levels of cortisol over a long period of time will have messed with your brain chemistry, so it will likely take time for everything to settle, 4 months is nothing really in terms of recovery, I'm over 12 months into recovery this time and doing well, but not back to normal yet.

[Bimbop5]

I have generalized anxiety disorder and have found the antidepressent, Paroxetine, works really well. So far the best one for me.

[Foreverretro]

Firstly, well done for making such a positive step with your life - it sounds like you’re really getting there in a lot of ways

When it comes to meds & anxiety it’s a bit of a minefield. I am wondering though whether it’s your anxiety causing your high blood pressure, in which case maybe a beta blocker wouldn’t be the right path for you and anti-depressants may be better?

Saying that there are so many things that you can do for anxiety without needing medication. I would suggest going back to your doctor and explaining what has happened, they may refer you for counselling or something similar?

Setting up your own business is exceptionally stressful, and there are a lot of risks involved (it’s taken me around 5 years to get mine almost under control...) but I’m sure there are a lot of people around you who can support/help you through it - I mean your hubby supported you through leaving your job and so I’m sure he will be there through this as well.

To be honest I think that counselling to help get to the root of your worries and help you understand/Learn how to deal with them might be more of a long term solution than medication, especially than beta blockers as they can do more harm than good in the long term.

[Fruitbat1980]

Thank you. It all helps get a new perspective. Your probably right I should speak to doc. Problem I have is I always cry! (Don't know why- a white coat thing where soon as someone asks if im ok I break down!) and then they think I'm a mess and suggest anti depressants (they have several times) but I omhonrdtly don't feel I should
Take them. I have a good life, a great family. I should be able To work through this....