To be anxious about starting anxiety medication?

[ThornAmongstRoses]

I’ve had a rough 18 months with my health which has now led to me having a diagnosis of anxiety.

I was prescribed Propanolol last week and I still haven’t mustered up the courage to take my first dose.

I’m anxious to take something that may help my anxiety. It’s nonsensical.

I guess I’m scared of side effects, or maybe I’m scared that it won’t make any difference.

Part of me is scared that I need medication for anxiety just to function normally.

Anyone else been in the same boat?

What made you take the leap and take that first tablet?

Why am I so scared to take it

What are you doing to help yourself if you don't want to take medication? There is no magic wand that will stop you feeling anxious. You sought help and have been offered medication to try. You're writing it off without even trying it. You believe that the tablets, which have been prescribed by the doctor to make you feel better, return to work, live more 'normally', etc are worse and more unbearable than living with constant anxiety, panic attacks and being on long-term sick. Nobody can force you to take them but surely they're worth a try?

Hey :). I'm going to be in a similar situation soon. I reached the end of my tether with my anxiety on Christmas Eve, and sent an email to my doctor asking for a consultation with a view to starting medication. I don't know what she will suggest yet, as obviously she won't even see it until tomorrow at the earliest, but I am almost certain that they will prescribe me something.

I know it's what I need to get myself back on track. I just need the anxious thoughts and churning stomach/racing heart to calm the hell down!

But I, too, am very scared of taking the first one.

I would personally be happy to take it forever if it kept me on an even keel, but I think what I'm more afraid of is that it WON'T work. I've always had it in my head that if I get any worse, I could always get some medication. There's always been options. But what if medication doesn't help? What do I do then? That's what I'm afraid of most. Plus the side effects, but if there are any they should go away once I'm used to it.

It's also worrying me that I don't know exactly what I'm going to be prescribed. I'm rubbish at explaining what I think and how I feel, so I worry that I haven't explained myself properly, so I might not get given the right thing.

I was plagued with anxiety and depression for years took the plunge went to doctors now taking Venlofaxine, pregablin, feel so much better but they make me so tired feel like I am wading through treacle at times and long for my bed at 6pm

I don't have experience with that but I've been on citalopram for almost 9 weeks now. In the beginning I was terrified and was convinced it would kill me, when I took my first tablet I'd prepared myself for the worst. Each day after I'd convinced myself
I was reacting badly. It was the anxiety rather than the tablets.

The first month was rough, around week 2-4 I had horrendous headaches and my anxiety was through the roof, but because I'd been told to expect these effects it felt strangely comforting, almost as if it was working.

My dosage was increased after 4 weeks and the first week or so felt odd. The only side effects I'm left with are hot flushes/sweating and fatigue - I'm exhausted a lot of the time. But I honestly feel like a new person, I have clarity and I don't feel like the world is going to come crashing down on me at any moment. So I'm happy to keep on with the side effects if it means I can function like a normal human.

I started fluoxetine for anxiety recently. I’m glad I asked for help. My doctor has been really supportive and has helped me access support services too. Please take the help being offered. I’m already feeling a bit better.

I’m sure you already know this OP but just want to make sure you’re aware that propranolol works quite differently to the antidepressants that some people are talking about here. It’s great that everyone is sharing their experiences though and there’s some really helpful advice here that applies regardless, just worth keeping in mind that what you’ve been prescribed isn’t an antidepressant.

I don’t think there’s much else I can do to help myself.

I’m living with quite a serious health problem which has deteriorated over the last 18 months to the point that I feel like a nervous wreck some days.

I also have a responsible job with long hours (nurse).

I have two young children, 6 and 3.

I’m doing a Foundation Degree (currently over Zoom as Campus is closed due to Covid).

And I do volunteer work in between the above aspects of my life.

Life is full, admittedly, but none of it is expendable, I can’t remove any of those factors so my life.

I’ve recently been off work for almost 5 months due to my chronic health condition, I went back on reduced hours and within 4 weeks I’m off again

My husband wants me to quit work as he thinks that’s making my health problems worse (health condition) and triggering my anxiety. He’s probably right but I don’t want to give up such a large part of me, my life.

I just don’t know what to do for the best.

I take propranolol on and off. It doesn’t help the psychological feeling of anxiety but it calms racing heartbeat, shaking hands etc. So I find it useful if I’m giving a presentation and need steady hands!

Only side effect for me is feeling a bit dizzy if I stand up too fast, and feeling tired (it drops your blood pressure a bit).

Have you asked your GP for medication that targets the actual anxiety eg Sertraline, rather than just the physical symptoms?

Hope you feel better soon.

I would rather avoid my trigger - which unfortunately is my job