Anyone take mood stabalisers for Anxiety?

[Bluecity]

I have been on an SSRI for 3 years, it seems to mostly help. But I'm currently hit with a massive bout of anxiety out of nowhere for no reason.

My question to all of you:

Does anyone here take mood stabalisers to help with a bout of anxiety?

[Croix]

Dear Bluecity~

I'm sorry that anxiety has increased, it sometimes does for me and I've not always any idea why.

Over the years I've taken many combinations of meds both long and short term and have had mixed results.

I'm fortunate my current regimen suits me and is mostly effective. It is in conjunction with a life-style that is as healthy as possible and takes my conditions into account and tries to avoid stress and triggers.

As everyone is different I'd strongly suggest seeing your doctor and discussing the matter.

Please let us know how you get on

Croix

[blondguy]

Hi Bluecity

I'd like to echo Croix's thoughts (above) as mixed meds can sometimes present issues

I currently take 2 different types of meds....after many consults with my GP

The SSRI's are usually an excellent management tool where anxiety yet everyone has a different set of symptoms to contend with

Our meds can be a huge help yet are not a 'fix all'. The AD's have the best results when used in conjunction with frequent counseling. Can I ask if you see your GP on regular basis?

If you want to talk about your recent bout of anxiety, you are more than welcome to do so!

The forums are a secure and non judgemental place for you to post Bluecity

Thankyou for being a part of the forum family 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Quercus]

Hi Bluecity,

I'm replying because I would like to read future replies too. Sorry that I don't have the experience you are asking for.

Like you I have been on am SSRI for a few years now. Psychiatrist added a stimulant to manage ADHD also. Recently he has asked me to consider either trying a new SSRI altogether or adding a mood stabilizer.

I don't know what I want to do yet. But if I choose the mood stabilizers I will let you know how they go.

Nat

[Israphel]

Hi BlueCity,

I'd like to preface my response with pointing out that both Croix and Blondguy have hit the nail on the head: Everyone responds differently to medications, and to keep an open and frank dialogue with your mental health physician, whether they be a Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or GP.

I have bipolar and agoraphobia, and after trying many, many different meds, to find the right combo for me, I can say that taking both a mood stabiliser and SSRI has grounded me.

The best way I can describe what it's like having a mood stabiliser is this: I'm on a boat out in the middle of the ocean, in one hand I have a kite and in the other, an anchor. The kite represents my manic episodes, the anchor represents the depression; both are usually playing tug of war, with me in the middle. The mood stabiliser represents that boat. It keeps me afloat, prevents the kite or anchor from winning that tug of war.

I won't sugar coat it, and again I can't stress how different it is for everyone, but most times the mood stabiliser makes me feel less creative, less passionate about things I'm usually passionate about; I feel as though I'm just coasting by. Weighing up the alternatives, however, I would definitely take the stabiliser.

I'd like to conclude by saying that meds aren't a cure-all panacea. We need to work hard with our doctors using CBT/DBT techniques as well; Meds complement these treatments.

I wish you the very best!

[Greg61]

Hi Bluecity,

sorry for the late reply. I'm on a daily med for my depression. I started with SSRIs and found a fairly good one without too many side effects after trying 3 or 4. Current med isn't an SSRI and its been OK for about 4 or 5 years but I'm beginning to think it may be time to look at another type - (they are NOT all the same!).

but back to your question, yes I do also take another med for anxiety. When I was first diagnosed - 10 years or so ago now, I took them regularly (daily) but I became worried that I was using them too much and that maybe I didn't really need to. So I gradually weaned back until I didn't use them at all. I generally coped, and while I still had anxiety, I could deal with it.

last couple of years though, I've had some really savage anxiety attacks - enough to frighten me- so I got a script and started using them again when I really need them (as I feel an attack starting). Usually I only need half a tab and I'm ok. 1 script of 25-30 tabs (I think) lasts me literally months. When do I need them? Difficult work clients or situations, using public transport, or the biggest one - preparing for my 6monthly cancer check procedure - that one needs a full tab, and it still only takes the edge off.

I consider myself extremely lucky that I have been able to get to this point, and I accept that although maybe this is as good as it gets for me, others suffer way more than I do.

Most times I can roll with the punches, sometimes they knock me out.

so, do I take stabilisers? Damn right I do.

Youre never alone, my friend.