To ask about anxiety medications

[pandaeyes36]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post.

I have suffered from anxiety for several years. I've tried CBT twice that hasn't worked. My anxiety isn't constant, it's usually triggered by having to go to certain places. When it happens I have panic attacks that are really debilitating. And because we've been indoors so much more during lockdown I'm finding going out much tougher.

I've never tried medication before but I really want to be able to live a normal life and not have such a drama every time I want to do something as ordinary as go for a walk in the woods or take my dc for a day out. I've thought about speaking to my GP but I don't know what to expect from medication. I have had friends warm me against it because it makes you feel 'numb'. I've heard people say it doesn't deal with the root issue. And as my anxiety isn't constant and doesn't affect me when I'm in my so called 'safe places' I guess I was hoping for some sort of magic pill I can pop when I go out but maybe don't need to take everyday.

Does such a thing exist? I did once ask my GP about beta blockers but she flat out said no and told me they have horrible side effects.

I've tried a lot of holistic stuff - therapy, meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercise and it's just not enough. I'd like to hear other people's experiences if possible.

I have a beta-blocker, Propranolol. I take one or two 10mg tablets as required for anxiety - so either before I enter a situation where I know I'm likely to panic, or when I start to feel a panic attack rising. They work brilliantly for me - I still have to 'talk myself down' from the mental side of it, but because I'm not experiencing the physical symptoms, it's much easier to convince my brain that there's nothing 'real' to worry about.

I would see a different GP at your surgery and explain to them just how much this is affecting your life. It may be that beta-blockers are not the answer for you, but there may be something else that will help, and the Dr should help you to explore these options. Good luck!

Thanks for replying @Betsy - sorry to pry but could you tell me what they do exactly? My anxiety starts with a rising sense of panic and then lots of other symptoms like nausea (sometimes dry retching) and gastro issues like feeling I need the toilet. Sometimes these can be the cause and reason for the anxiety as I feel sure I'm going to be sick or have a toilet issue in public. Would beta blockers just stop these symptoms in their tracks? If so I feel like they might work for me but I just need a better understanding really.

I have also had beta blockers in the past. In my experience they don't actually help with the anxiety itself, only the physical effects of anxiety. My mind still worked overtime, and they made me feel sluggish.
I would go and discuss your options with your gp because there will be something that is right for you and that will make your life much better.

I have GAD and Sertraline is a god send for me when I consistently take it and don't just randomly stop it isn't a cure-for-all, it doesn't dull my personality or my feelings, just takes the edge of my intense anxiety. I still feel it, but it doesn't feel all consuming iyswim?

Its about a week or so of feeling a bit jumpy, and lots of jaw clenching (the side affects for me of starting the medication) but its one of those drugs that affect people differently. It makes life much easier to handle in my experience. I'd say its worth a try but if its not for you, dont be deflated. There are so many medications and therapies out there. Sometimes its a case of trying a few (under care from GP!) and seeing what works for you x

I started on citalopram, was on the highest dose for I think 7 years, nothing had changed so I tried sertraline and i can't really tell much difference, except my libido has dropped . I'm also prescribed diazepam. My diagnoses are agoraphobia with panic disorder, GAD and depression, but it's only the anxiety that makes me depressed tbh. If I can give you any advice it would be please do see your gp. I've done CBT aswell. Your safe spaces are a warning I would say for maybe limiting the things you do as the list gets bigger. I don't drive but if we go out I have to have the car it's in my pocket in case I need to escape. I had to take sweets out as i would always feel so faint panicking and told myself my blood sugars would plummet from the adrenaline, also a bottle of water. I couldn't wear flip flops or shoes where my feet slipped around because it hinders my need to escape. Can't go upstairs in shops, it takes longer to get out. Have to go in and find the clear entrance and exit. With covid the one way systems are too much for me in shops knowing I can't just run back out the front door. Retracing my steps so I know exactly where the car is parked. Can only park directly outside shops, couldn't park in a car park then walk to shops as takes to long to escape back to my safe place, the list goes on unfortunately but I've managed to stop a couple of safety behaviours. Sorry this list is so long and good luck to you, it's easy for me to talk the talk but I can't walk the walk. The medication also doesn't make me feel numb or groggy.