Taking the edge off

[deliakate]

Does anyone have advice on meds than can help? I have been prescribed ads for mild depression, but loathe to go on them again, as I don't think they are quite the right thing for me, and I get lots of paradoxical symptoms - nightmares, paranoia in addition to the other horrible side effects.

I also don't feel that depressed - quite happy with my life and the way things are going, tolerably happy with myself. But its the edginess, the anxiety, the way a dropped piece of lego on the kitchen floor can make me internally scream. I always feel primed for the next big shock or scare.

Valium I know would help, but isn't a long term solution at all. I've read about anti-anxiety medication - is this a different thing to ads/benzos?

I also do the deep breathing and relaxation stuff, but I don't have time daily, and it seems a bit more serious than that.

Will see GP again, but any comments welcome from fellow mums.....

The best way to treat anxiety in the longer term is through ADs (SSRI type) as they are not addictive and habit forming and most people can tolerate the side effects.

Other than that there are benzos which are only for short term and intermittent use as they are so addictive and lose their effect if used continuously.

Propanolol can help if you are scared of the physical symptoms of anxiety, as it stops your heart racing basically.

Do you know why you are so on edge? Sounds like some counselling might help?

As MM said propranolol is really good for this kind of anxiety. There are also lots of other meds that can be taken long term on top of your ads. Speak to your GP, I had to try lots of different combination of medications before we found the ones that work. Stay strong x

Don't want to hi jack your thread delikate, but just want to say Hi to Memoo - I remember you feeling so awful a while ago. Hope things are a bit better for you.

Thanks everyone - I was taking beta-blockers (Atenolol, not Propanolol, as I was bf) after both my babies were born as I had pre-eclampsia, and coming off them each time was a bit hairy. Perhaps that's the answer. But GP was keen I stopped as soon as my bp hit normal again.

I'm also on the waiting list for counselling thru gp, and could do it privately if I could find the time/energy/babysitter! I've had a fair bit of counselling in the past however, and am pretty aware of all my issues. The anxiety feels far more of a physical/biological/chemical thing. But talking it all through will prob be useful too.

Hi NanaNina, I'm doing good :) I think I'm finally on the right combination of medication now and have been relatively stable. Still have bad days and still working hard to stay well but I think I'm finally getting there. Thanks for asking after me xx how is everything with you?