Anxiety keeps coming back - back on ADs again

[Leytonmum]

Hi, I haven't posted on here for a while as I thought I was feeling much better. Had anxiety after DD1 was born but it went pretty quickly after a few months. Got it again after DD2 was born and was prescribed ADs - dosulepin - about a year ago. Felt better pretty quickly but have twice tried to come off it and both times after a few weeks, ended up spiralling downwards very quickly and quite badly. I am now back on ADs again after being recommended them by my GP.

I have had CBT in the past and it really helped but it's hard to remember it when you're feeling incredibly anxious.

In the past year since I first went on ADs, my husband lost his job, I have found out I have a heart condition, I now have two jobs to keep the money coming in and my Dad's not been very well. I keep trying to tell myself that it's just a bad year but I am really worried that I'll never be able to come off the ADs and that i should really try and get off them soon as a year seems a long time.

Anyway, I just wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem or could give me advice/support.

If they're helping you to help yourself, and the side effects are fairly benign why worry about coming off them during such an already stressful period in your life?

hi i can totally relate to what your going through i tried to come of ADS but i got bad side effects and the aniexty and panic was just not worth it, but now im pregnant with my 3rd baby i had to come off the ones i was on i can understand where ur coming from with the cbt i see one every tuesday and altho initially it helps when u get into 'anxious mode' u forget and cnt rationlise what they teach you. like you i have a lot of stress in my personal life which makes anxiety 100 times worse, i wouldnt come of ur AD's until u feel ready, i was on mine for 5 years and i think its impossible to come off them until u really feel ready too it might make u feel worse if u do it now in the middle of all of your stress.

I have had very bad anxiety recently and had a panic attack driving on the motorway which I am now not able to drive too far from my town. Thankfully ds was not in the car with me at the time.

I have just received today some homeopathic remedies and I am addressing my diet, have cut down on caffeine and drink camomile tea instead.

When I feel it coming on I repeat an affirmation over and over again such as "I am calm, relaxed and happy" and I do yogic breathing. It does seem to help.

Thanks for your advice. I feel a bit calmer today. Sometimes I feel as though I'm a bit of a failure for not being able to handle my anxiety myself and resorting to ADs but I think you're right, jenn321, I'll wait until life is a bit less stressful.

Anyone else managed successfully to come off ADs - and how did you do it?