To want to take anti-anxiety meds?

[Alwaysasking]

I have had anxiety for 5 years, had counselling and CBT. In general I'm coping ok, although I have never been 'allowed' to take any medication for it as the doctors always just speak of it 'masking' symptoms. Yes I can appreciate this, but why then do other people get prescribed medication? I have had panic attacks in the past and it was quite bad for a while.

The thing is, at the moment I have a big exam coming up and I can't sleep, I feel constantly on high alert. I can't concentrate on my revision and it's all so counter-productive. I don't see how I will get through the exam itself right now, very time I do a test paper I fly into a panic, end up crying and unable to answer any questions. I need to pass this exam. AIBU to go to the doctor and beg ask for something to get me through this next month? I have tried 'rescue pastilles' and herbal things before but they don't seem to work for me.

Hi , I also have bad anxiety ,I dont take regular medication through choice ,but I know I can whenever I want . I do however take a small amount of diazepan if i am really panicking. Do you know why your doctors wont prescribe anything ?

I think you should be prescribed something short term. I couple of years ago I was doing a course and couldn't sleep and went to the Dr in tears pleading for something to help me sleep. Got a supply of sleeping tablets. Dr's look for certain red flags, describing yourself as 'unable to cope anymore' and crying I think are 2!! Good luck hope you feel better.

yanbu for wanting help. I couldn't have got through my anxiety without the help of meds for about 6 months. But, and this is purely personal, it can take a while to get the right kind of meds for you, and it can mess you up a bit while you find one. The first one they tried me on made my anxiety ten times worse and made me afraid to go out. The second ones I tried were perfect, lifesavers even. BUt they made me feel zonked. I had to take them las tthing at night at they made it feel my body was shutting down. Made it easy to sleep, but a very disconcerting feeling, and I woke with a 'hangover' for a good 2 weeks. Are you on a course where you'll have lots of exams? I don't think meds are necessarily the answer. My sister has just the same problems with exams, she's very very clever but siezes up under the pressure. I wish I had the answer for her, and you too.

Yes, Valium.

I have been in your exact position. I got better but I was where you were and used Beta Blockers and mild valium to get me through exams.

I would not have my degree without it, and the medicated help was only at college level.

YANBU.

Go and have another chat with your doctor it see a different one. I get anxiety at work which I can normally control through breathing etc. But if I have to make a big presentation or have a big meeting my doc gives me diazepam and Propanlol, but just enough to get through it.

I used to self medicate with Propanlol (prescribed by my doc) but you do use it as a crutch and it can escalate. Maybe this is why they won't give you meds?

Hmm possibly, I just feel like I have participated in a few other routes now and whilst they have benefited me, for this short period I really need something! This exam will allow me to get onto a vocational course that pretty much will secure me a career, I am currently in a crap paying job ad trying to support my young ds. I have 'coped' with an awful lot without meds, but feel quite angry at the prospect of not being given something now. I guess I will go and chat to the gp.

If your anxiety has been with you for a while, despite counselling and CBT, perhaps it isn't just a short term solution you need. Certainly ask your GP about something for the short term, but perhaps an SSRI would be helpful over the longer term. (I would freak out without mine!)

i was prescribed betablckers for anxiety a few years ago and they really did help me I couldn't do simple tasks without panic attacks, I was on them about 4 months so short term, speak to your Dr about some short term medication, it is just horrible ,

I take Prozac, I have been treated with it on several occasions and find it amazing. I think there is every chance I would have committed suicide without it.

I would insist you at least get to try something.