I really don't want to take medication because of the side effects - can anyone help?

[CakesRus3]

Im really struggling to the point of really needing medication as i feel like there is no way out of this awful state im in. I have tried to avoid medication as i do believe there are so many factors that contribute to low mood/anxiety. It's been a tough half a year. Worked as a nurse throughout lockdown whilst home schooling dc's. So I know why I'm feeling how I'm feeling. I just can't seem to feel better. It's like a knock on.
It started with anxiety around the virus and working, then people at work were making me feel like I shouldn't be scared. My dc's were home alone and although they're of an age where they can be left, it was difficult for them too. It was for so many. As things appeared to ease, my anxieties didn't. At the beginning of lockdown I could feel my breathing was difficult so I had a test and it was negative. It's been 7 months and every single day my symptoms are the same. Night time is the worst, I can hear myself wheeze. GP has said even though I had a negative result, they can't rule out covid. Apparently I'm too old for it to be asthma. Also, doesn't asthma flare up now and again? This is continual, every day. It really gets me down. Now, I can't swallow my food. I can suck on a chocolate bar but struggle to swallow. That's been happening for about 4 months. GP has said it's anxiety. I feel nauseous most days. I was diagnosed with coeliac a year ago and only found out as I was so tired all of the time. For the past 6 or 7 months, I have felt nauseous every day. Cut out dairy about a month ago but still feel nauseous. Stopped drinking alcohol a few weeks ago as I thought it might reduce the anxiety.
I can't stop feeling so overwhelmed/agitated. I actually don't look forward to anything. I don't know what to do?

What have you tried so far?

I felt like this very much as I always get side effects. I managed to get by with just 5htp for quite a while after most antidepressents seemed to have too many side effects, but now am on fluoxetine and had no side effects. Its the 4th one ive tried, so maybe you just need to find the right one for you.
Its tough isnt it, but you dont have to live like this. Dont forget, if you try something and it doesnt help, you can try something else x

18Branleuse thankyou for your message. I have tried citalopram. It states the same side effects for all. I just feel so yuk physically, I didn't want to add to it. Has fluoxetine helped? What do you mean 5htp?

I’ve been both depressed and anxious in my time and the anxiety was much much more distressing. Like you I was wary about taking meds but in the end I decided even awful side effects couldn’t be worse than how I was feeling. Within a month I was feeling like me again and I couldn’t believe just how exhausting fighting the anxiety had been. Yes they had some side effects - libido mainly- but I’ve bee well and off them for almost 10 years now. I really don’t think I’d have had 10 good years without the meds (and certainly don’t think I’d still be married)

OK So:

1. Sounds like it could be anxiety but has doctor run some basic tests to rule out physical causes of your symptoms. Coeliac can cause vitamin deficiencies for example and as you have one autoimmune disease you are more likely to develop others. If the doctor you have seen isn't doing this, go and see another doctor and ask them to do some basic investigations.

1. Has the doctor referred you for therapies. In many areas you can actually refer yourself so you could check this out. If not go back to the GP and ask to be referred. I would go this whether or not you opt for medication. I would ask about both CBT and mindfulness based cognitive therapy course (you usually have to go the CBT first as MBCT is good for reducing relapses).

1. Like the other poster said there are many different types of AD. I tried three before I found one that didn't give me side effects that couldn't be managed AND that worked for me in terms of helping my mood and relieving the anxiety. I also tried citalopram first and had almost every side effects in the leaflet!! I then tried a tricyclic and it made me sleep 14 hrs a day. Finally settled on Mirtazapine. I had no side effects with this with one apart from an initial increase in appetite which went after a couple of weeks.

Everyone is different. It's trial and error.

In the meantime have a look at the ten percent app. It's pricey but you have a free trial. It was recommended to me by my local talking therapies service and I have found it very good.

26sofiessofa I'm glad they have helped. I think that's where I'm at. What could be worse than how I'm feeling. What do you take? If you don't mind sharing.

I take a catalogue of drugs for various conditions and many have side effects. One thing I have learned is that many side effects tend to wear off after about a month. I really have no choice as without the drugs I would be in a lot of pain and unable to function.
As others say, ask for an alternative, the alternative may not be the most suitable but you might be able to strike a balance.

37MiniMum97 thankyou for your message. I'm glad you found something that works for you. I have had bloods taken and they covered everything. All came back satisfactory. I have now got to test my air flow and record for the GP who is calling me Thursday and she has said I need to go in to see her re breathing. I'm sure they think it's all on my head. It really isn't I can hear wheezing.
I'm going to mention to her tgat I need help with the way I'm feeling but I don't want to sway them from my struggle with breathing either. I think there is waiting lists for therapy. With covid, I bet the waiting list has doubled. I would really appreciate therapy though. I will look at that app now, thankyou.

I took citalopram. Once my anxieties reduced I was able to work on some fairly simple cbt type stuff that I could never have managed when I was hyper catastrophising and that’s been enough to keep me on a level keel without meds so far for a while. I can feel things a bit worse just now - combination covid and menopause- and I would’ve hesitate going back on them if I start to get worse.

Sorry that should say ‘wouldn’t hesitate’ !

Glad they seem to be looking into the possible physical causes too. You are right to make sure they do that. Too often I hear people being robbed off with "it's anxiety" without physical causes properly being investigated.

I would get on that waiting list if you can. ADs help but thought patterns also need to be looked at and worked on imo fir longer term change. They will usually do a very quick triage and suggest things to you to start while you are waiting if that's appropriate.

Best of luck with it all. Anxiety is awful. 💐💐💐

Well I have been wanging on, on other threads about my alpha stim. It most definitely works. Properly. 10 times better than 5htp et al. As good as meds. Zero side effects.

Google it, there's plenty of evidence. £500 but then that's what happens when you have to pay for double blind placebo controlled studies just so the FDA doesn't shut you down.

@CakesRus3 hey, bit of a long shot not sure if this account is still in use but I was wondering if you ever had any relief from the issues around swallowing? Really hope you’re feeling better then you were x

@CakesRus3 are you still working for the NHS? Talking Therapies is now prioritising NHS staff so you might find the waiting lists are shorter for you? It might be worth trying?