Anxiety Meds

[BarlowB]

Hi,

I've been suffering with anxiety for many years now: I've always been a worrier. However since September of last year it's started to become incredibly overwhelming. It's affecting my sleep, I feel forgetful, I would quite happily stay in, it affects my eating habits etc.

I was referred for CBT but due to work and childcare circumstances I'm struggling to make the appointments.

I want to know good and bad stories of medication prescribed for treating anxiety. I think I will try this option if I feel comfortable with other peoples experiences.

Thanks in advance

Medication was a life saver for me - I was prescribed the anti depressant Escitalopram for anxiety and depression & initially Xanax for a couple of weeks until the anti depressant started to kick in.

Hope you feel better soon x

I was prescribed the anti depressant Escitalopram yesterday OP, and have take my second one this morning. They have made me feel nauseous and a bit numb, but the tightness in my chest seems to have lessened which is good. It does take a while for them work though, and lots of people I know seem to rate them. I didn't feel I had time for CBT, and am convinced that my anxiety is hormonal as I am peri-menopausal, so am taking these until I have a chance to get my HRT dosage sorted out.
The lady in the pharmacy was telling me that most of her extended family are on Escitalopram and it has transformed their lives.
PS I'm not sure what the difference is between Escitalopram and Citalopram if anyone can enlighten me?

I take citalopram. It’s been very helpful for me.

Fluoxetine settles my anxiety a lot.

They help with the physical side of it, the nervous stomach and palpitations etc but dont help the thoughts. CBT is very helpful for anxiety, it is worth making the effort to attend.