To ask what the GP will do

[titsmcghee27]

I've been suffering with anxiety for years. Posted about it here many times. It comes and goes but lately it's happening more often. It happens in certain situations - meetings, travel, new places. For example I had to travel 45 minutes in the car for a work meeting today. Was anxious before I left, panicking in the car, in the meeting itself I became hot and breathless and had chest pains. Had to excuse myself twice to use the bathroom despite going several times before because anxiety always sets off my bladder and stomach, it was just excruciating tbh and I'm sick of it.
When I'm at home or in a familiar place I'm fine, it's just new situations that send me into meltdown. I've tried cbt, meditation, breathing techniques. Nothing helps. So I'm considering going to the Gp and asking about medication.
Does anyone know what they're likely to give me? How soon will it work? Am I likely to experience side effects and does medication genuinely make people experience less anxiety generally? Can you eventually come of it? I'm so worried about reluctant to go down this route but it is seriously impacting on my life now.
I know anxiety is different with everyone but I just wanted to know peoples experience with it before i start.

Beta blockers are good. They physically calm you down so no change to your brain chemistry. There are side effects - you can get quite cold as it slows your blood pressure

For anxiety the first line of meds is usually Citalopram/Sertraline/Fluoxetine.

They generally take around 2 weeks to start working, and you are likely to feel much worse before you feel better. But, it is only 2 weeks and then if you’ve got the right medication/dose you’ll see a huge difference.

Anti-anxiety medication is nothing to be scared of and it can totally transform your life. I would also ask for a referral for counselling alongside the medication, as this can help when you’re ready to stop taking the tablets.

Good luck, I hope it goes well for you.

as per PP beta blockers will be the preferred options. I would give them a go as it sounds like you are suffering. Good luck OP

Could you be in peri-menopause?

Are beta blockers prescription only? One of my symptoms is gut and bladder issues not just heart rate so I don't think this would help with that side of it? I've always been a worrier but it's spiralling into anxiety over nothing - often the lack of a nearby toilet sets it off because it's one of my symptoms. It's a vicious cycle.

I can’t really answer your question OP as I am unsure myself. But I am in a similar situation myself so following this post, hugs 🤗

I have high functioning anxiety. To the outside I appear confident and happy but inside it’s a daily battle. This morning I had an appointment. It was only 10 minutes because I was extremely anxious because I knew I wouldn’t be able to park easily at my destination. I’ve been worrying about it for days. Thankfully I grabbed a spot just fine. Now I’m thinking I’m just stupid for worrying about it. My blood pressure is extremely high at the minute (I’m only 28). But you are not alone x

@Aquamarine1029 I'm only 36 so don't think so, I've always experienced this to some degree but now it is much worse

You are not too young for the beginnings of peri, op, and anxiety/increased anxiety is a very common symptom.

i.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/113666670/perimenopause-lead-up-to-menopause-very-uncomfortable-and-poorly-understood

Depends. Some are hesitant to hand out meds and might send you for CBT or talk therapy instead.

Beta blockers should stop you getting to that point. They’re very good for panic attacks. Personally, if you’re wary of medication- which you sound as though you may be- I think I’d try them first. Anti depressants are good but not instant, you’ll need to take them everyday and they can be hard to come off. Beta blockers can be taken when the situation arises

Are beta blockers available over the counter?

No

Ok I will speak to my gp and see what they suggest. I've always felt like an 'as and when it flairs up' medication might be better for me. So these do sound like they might be a good option.

I've always as long as I can remember have suffered from anxiety. It affected me in all aspects of life. It took well over a year to pass my driving test and even once passing (after the 4th time) I was often filled with anxiety whenever I wanted or had to use the car. I have been on both beta blockers and Citrolopram. Beta blockers in my younger days which did help with the physical symptoms and reduced any occurances of panic attacks but had no effect on the over thinking part of my anxiety which was the main issue in my eyes. Since taking the Citrolopram I am like a new person. I still worry but not to the extent where is stops me doing what I need or want to do for example I used to walk 30 minutes to the doctor to avoid a situation where there might not be a space or having to park in a space that I wouldn't be comfortable parking in.
If you are unsure about the right one for you talk to the GP but in my personal experience Citrolopram made the most difference as it helped the negative cycle of thinking.

@MissingMo I'm pleased you are feeling better. For me it's the physical symptoms that cause the anxiety - for example if I worry I'll need the loo and then the anxiety of that makes me actually need the loo. If I could control the physical symptoms it might be a bit better.

Thank you, I hope that everything works out for you too. Just take the best route for you.