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Anyone coping without meds?

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Anyone coping without meds?

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 21

oops,

I think I hit send too early, sorry :)

What I'm thinking is that you should talk to your doctor about this (given that you've taken those meds for quite a while) and hopefully the two of you will be able to figure out what the best option is. Get a second opinion if needed, do some research about the meds you've been taking and try to figure out the pros and cons of discontinuing.

I hope this helps.

Best of luck and hang in there.

Alex

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 21

Hi Jazzmynn,

I can't even compare my story to yours, as I've only started experiencing anxiety and panic symptoms recently (only since July), but I am the kind of person who doesn't like taking pills, particularly the kind of pills that have a load of side effects and are potentially addictve. I do realize that there are circumstances where there is no other option than to take pills, but I also strongly believe that for anxiety and panic, even if the pills migt help, they only helpin the short run, more than that, they don't solve the problem, but rather mask it.

I might be wrong, but I attribute some of the problems I have had lately to withdrawal from oxycodone (some horrible headaches that would not respond to any OTC pain killer, when I've rarely had headaches before),and from ativan (pins and needles in my arms and legs, muscle cramps and aches, and a bunch of panic attacks - it felt like my body was asking me for more ativan). I've taken oxycodone as needed for about 2-3 weeks, and ativan, also as needed for about 6 weeks (during the 6 weeks I had a 2 week period when I took 0.5 mg daily, then I started experiencing the above mentioned symptoms).

Now I am forcing myself not to take any pills (aside from some vitamin and supplements) but I also realize that everyon is different and it's hard to make general statements in instances like this.

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 6252

You don't say if all the meds you tried were SSRIs or if you have tried any of the other class of anti depressants. SSRIs are first line but not for everyone since we are all different. I am only using meds when I have to counter the side effects of certain medications totally unrelated to anxiety but causing it. But we are not in the same boat. I started CBT five years ago and was also on meds. The fact I don't need them is partly due to CBT and partly due to my Psychiatrist saying I didn't need them. Like a lot of people I did not like being on meds and it took a few tries to get one I was comfortable on. Meds won't cure you but what they will do is keep the negative at bay so you can do the CBT without getting frustrated and saying "this isn't working" and giving up. I would gladly have stayed on an SSRI if they did not make me sick. I think I would have had less trouble understanding CBT also if the anxiety was not dragging me all over the place.

Only a doctor can really say whether you should be on meds but it is still your right to research the different kinds and try different ones till you find one that works. When they work they work very well.

Davit.

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11218

Hi Jazzymynn,

All the symptoms you list could be related to the anxiety; however, if you have concerns about your symptoms you should talk to your doctor.

If the symptoms you list are related to anxiety then this program can help. If you put in the work, this program is proven to work. It is based on cognitive behaviour therapy principles and is created by experts. Many members here can also offer you great advice, as you have already received.

Post often and work on the program and we will be here to support you through it.

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1665

Hi: Sounds like you are getting some symptoms. I have had them. I find the relaxation and visualization techniques described and taught in this CBT Program very helpful when the symptoms start up. Also the breathing ex. are excellent. Hope you try them. Remember that these take practice. I know it took me awhile to get the full benefit of these ex. when I first practiced them. I did them every day whether I needed them or not. A great way to start the day and a great way to relax at night before bed.

Sunny

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2

I have had anxiety for years. I was on zoloft, then lexapro for about 20 years, but it didn't really help my anxiety. I also felt so tired on it and couldn't afford it anymore.

I went to many psychiatrists who tried all kinds of meds but I got worse.

I found a dr who helped me wean myself off the lexapro and I felt better.

It has been almost three months, but I have been getting hot/cold spells, nausea, indigestion, inceased blood pressure and irrtability.

Does any of this sound familiar?

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Anyone coping without meds?