Medication for health anxiety

[Whathefisgoingon]

Can I ask what, if anything, worked best for those suffering with health anxiety? I am loath to take sertraline as I tried one tablet years ago and had terrible lock jaw and nausea for hours, I even had to leave work.

Ive had therapy and CBT but things are worse than ever and I need to numb the craziness coming from within.

I am struggling so much.

Just posted about some stuff that worked for me here…

www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4598441-to-ask-for-help-with-my-travel-anxiety?

Also psychotherapy helped me - therapy reply has to be the right sort for you so don’t give up on all of it if you’ve just tried CBT.

@Heroicallyl0st thanks. I’ve had alternative therapy as well but things feel out of control now, I can’t get the rational thoughts in anymore when it comes to health and have been spiralling out of control. I think it’s time to try some meds.

I take citalopram for mine. Just because sertraline didn't work for you, don't write off all antidepressants. A different one may work wonders for you!

I tried to come off my meds recently and my health anxiety got the worst it's ever been, I was losing my mind. Back on the meds again now and am improving day by day - something I was convinced was cancer a couple of months ago is now something I can rationally see is absolutely nothing to worry about.

@Royt453 wow, that’s the dream. I’m glad it’s working for you.

Ive got 3 different “cancers” on the go at the moment. It’s so draining.

I know exactly how you feel. Over the past couple of years I've diagnosed myself with endless illnesses. I've paid for private doctors appointments, had so many tests, you name it...

I finally feel like I'm coming out of it, but believe me a few months ago I never would have imagined I'd get here. I think you should definitely see your GP about some medication. Talk to them about your cancer fears too - they will probably be able to tell you why they think you DON'T have cancer - and then give meds another go. There are loads of different ones available, there's bound to be one that works for you. Wishing you all the best, it can and will get better x

all medications have a risk of adverse side effects; this doesn’t make sense to me if you already have health anxiety. However I don’t experience it to a severe degree and am not knowledgable about it. Just my opinion.

Venlafaxine! I'm similar to you and this has been the best so far.

Hi @Whathefisgoingon i can definitely relate to this post I am at my worst atm with health anxiety and really struggling to do simple little things, it just seems to be taking up my whole day and I am just full of adrenaline and anxiety. I am currently on day 23 with sertraline and I don’t feel any better if anything I’m worst as I keep getting palpitations and shortness of breath but I’m going to give them 1 more week.

My one how are you now?

Low dose of citalopram for me.