Unsure about taking meds for anxiety

[Manz]

Hi,      I'm new to this site. I've jad anxiety for a while mostly social anxiety but stresses in my life lately have made it worse and I've sought treatment. I'm really scared of taking the meds though because I've been told they will make me more anxious at first and I don't know if I can cope with that right now. I can't go on anything else as the others cause weight gain. I'm 28 and have 4 children and I'm scared what I'll feel like. It might be ok but id like some advice/personal experiences (please not horror stories!). Thanks 

[HA1]

Hi Manz

welcome to BB and thank you for posting your question.  Firstly though, I am sorry it has taken a little while to reply to your post.

It is a good start that you have sought treatment.  I suffer social anxiety as well as other mental illnesses.  Can't say how I would feel without medication, just know that I was in a very dark place without it.  I have side effects from my medication, but we are still working our way through them to confirm it is the meds and not something else.  It can be very easy to wrongly attribute changes in feelings etc, to the medication.  Having said that, I am pretty sure that it is the meds that are causing a feeling of dullness in me, a feeling of lacking emotions and being flat generally.  It becomes very tiring feeling the way I do, but I guess it  is miles better than how I felt before.

However I am sure others can offer more useful insight that I have been able to. So stay tuned and you'll find others also replying.

take care

k

[Doolhof]

Hi Manz,

Welcome to Beyond Blue and the community here. Am I right in thinking you have been prescribed the medication by a Dr or a psychologist and they have told you the medication can/may cause you to be more anxious at first? Did they explain this reaction may not happen to everyone taking the medication?

Have you looked the medication up on the internet? You could find out more information there or go back to the chemist where you bought the medication and ask them to explain the possible side effects to you. They also should have an information sheet about the medication they can give you.

Have you tried other things for your anxiety, like mindfulness, trying to change your way of thinking, meditating, or anything else? You may find helpful information here on the Beyond Blue site to assist you with understanding your anxiety more.

I'm wondering how old your children are? If you do decide to take the medication are they able to look after themselves to a certain extent if you have a couple of off days? Are they old enough to understand you may be crook for a while but will soon be feeling heaps better? Do you have someone there who can help you and assist with the family for a couple of days if you need a bit of a break?

Don't you just love the medication that causes weight gain! NOT! I was on an anti depressant that made me loose 10 kilos in about 6 weeks, only problem was it made me feel really aggressive, so that wasn't that one for me! Another friend took the same medication and she was as calm and happy as a puppy. Not all meds do the same thing for everyone!

Wishing you well in all of this. The more you learn about anxiety, the easier your journey will be. Cheers for now from Mrs. Dools

[Newbie77]

Hi Hun,

i am day 14 of medication and yes I have had heightened anxiety and depression but it is worth it in the end.   In 2011 I was hit with anxiety after having my baby and I honestly never thought I would be back to myself ... It took around 3 weeks and I was back the old happy me.  I stayed on meds for 12 months and came off no problems.  I have has a huge 3 months and unfortunately it crept back and got me again but I absolutely did not hesitate going back in meds.   Hopefully this week I will be back to myself.   The dr does generally prescribe another med to counter the heightened anxiety which I did use when needed but not often and certainly didnt become dependent at all... 

 Good luck with your decision .. Ever want to chat I'm here 

Nat

[geoff]

dear Manz, anxiety and antidepressant medication hasa different way of affecting people, so what you have been given or suggested to take can have no affect on you whereas the person next to you it could make them more anxious, so there's only one way to find out is by trying it, sounds a bit harsh.

There are lots of people taking an AD which I was given, but I hated it, and the side-effects were horrible, yet for them it does wonders. Geoff.

[Manz]

Hey, Thanks for your reply. I am now on day 5. Day 2 I had to go back to the doctor as it was making me have panic attacks. Got prescribed something to counter this. Doing okay now feeling really overwelmed that I need to do this to feel normal. I also just found out another one of my children has a disability so very overwelmed.

[Manz]

Hey, thanks for your reply. My children are aged 3-10 and I do have my husband at home. Other family not really. My 10 year old has autism/aspbergers, 8yr old has an interlectual disability and we just moved to get him in a special class. Today I'M found out my 3 1/2yr old either has autism or brain damage from when he was born (lost 2 mins oxygen). I have started taking the meds, am on day 5. Had to go back to doctors on day 2 due to meds making me panic. Got something to take to counter side effects. Thanks for replying 

[Newbie77]

Omg manz no wonder you are overwhelmed that is just so much for you to be taking in .... You will get through it and once the medication kicks in it will help to process things with less anxiety.  I am day 19 today and starting to see some glimmers of happy times and less knots in the tummy .. Keep us posted and I am glad dr gave you something to counter the heightened anxiety ... I find I need them for a few weeks to help sleep and then never again .. Big hugs and stay strong xx