Hi I'm new and after support

[lelebe]

Hi for a brief history 5 years ago i had my first panic attack and was put on medication that didn't agree with me so i got scared of trying anything else i am diagnosed with Anxiety and Panic Disorder. I thought i was coping well until recently and the anxiety has flared up again I have the choice to medicate but I'm scared because my life is so busy that it can't be put on hold.

I joined this forum for support for people maybe going through the same thing and can offer any advice.

Thanks so much Lee

[Zeal]

Hi Lee,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry to hear that you had a negative experience with medication side-effects. Have you been to your doctor about your worsening anxiety recently? There are some meds that are less likely to cause problematic side effects, but as each individual is different, it is challenging for doctors to know which medication will suit you.

If you would like to access interactive resources on anxiety and panic attacks, I highly recommend these: http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=44 (panic attacks) and http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=46 (anxiety).

I've had OCD since I was 13 (so for 11 years), and I remember being concerned about taking SSRI's (a class of antidepressants) in my later teens. When I started taking an SSRI at 19, I was lucky to experience few side effects. I have been on the same SSRI for 5 years, and gradually increased the dose to maximum over time. My body thankfully tolerates the meds well.

Hopefully talking to your doctor will help you feel more informed and involved in your treatment, whether it involves medication or not.

It would be great to hear back from you 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[Zeal]

Hi Lee,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry to hear that you had a negative experience with medication side-effects. Have you been to your doctor about your worsening anxiety lately? There are some meds that are less likely to cause problematic side effects, but as each individual is different, it is sometimes hard for doctors to know which medication will suit you.

If you would like to access interactive resources on anxiety and panic attacks, I highly recommend these:
http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=44
http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/infopax.cfm?Info_ID=46

I've had OCD since I was 13, and I remember being concerned about taking SSRI's (antidepressants) in my later teens. When I started taking an SSRI at 19, I was lucky to experience few side effects. I have been on the same SSRI for 5 years now, and gradually increased the dose to maximum over time. My body thankfully tolerates the meds well.

Hopefully talking to your doctor will help you feel more informed and involved in your treatment, whether it involves medication or not.

It would be great to hear back from you 🙂


Best wishes,

Zeal

[lelebe]

Hi Zeal,

thanks so much for your reply. Yes i've been to see my doctor who has suggested doing a mental health plan and trying a different medication. I have a benzodiazapine but i know that's only a bandaid soulution, so was wanting something to help more in the long term...i've just developed so much fear towards medications.

I tried an SSRI but my anxiety attacks and nausea were too much to take. If someone told me take this and you'll feel better with no side effects i would 100% do it haha but that's not the way it is. Are all SSRI's the same? Not sure if anyone can help me with that question.

sorry to go on I'm just confused 😕

Thanks so much for responding to my post 🙂