Afraid to take medicine...

[Brianic09]

I have severe anxiety and I've had it for years... along with that I've had a fear of taking medicines. Any medicine. I have anxiety meds, that I need to take. I'm so afraid to take it... not from the side effects but because I'm afraid I'll have an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and then die. I need these meds though. I know they will help and it will help get some much further with therapy too. Anyone have ideas to help me? Does anyone understand this at all?

[Getting-it-together]

I do...I have the exact same problem and fear. It's so good to hear that I am not alone in this...hopefully it will be for you as well...I wish I could help you master this, but I am still trying to figure it out as well. But, you have given me hope...I hope I have done the same for you.

[Brianic09 in reply to Getting-it-together]

Never alone for sure! There are so many people who have mental illness and are scared to talk about it or don't know the avenues to take to get help. We can all be here for each other though.

[Hidden]

Hi I don't think any of the side effects are dangerous enough to cause death! If you were very unlucky you might get one of the rarer and more nasty side effects. But if you did you would immediately stop taking it and tell your doctor. There are many different ones to try. You won't know unless you try will you? Is putting up with your anxiety better?

Have you thought of trying counselling? Or there is the self help method ie mindfulness and so on.

[Brianic09 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply. It's always good to hear from others. I am actually in therapy now. Have been for about a year. I definitely need the medicine if I'm going to get better. It's not so much of the side effects that I am afraid, but more an anaphalactic reaction.

[Hidden in reply to Brianic09]

Is there any reason why you should have an anaphalactic reaction? I have never heard of anyone having a reaction like that to any of these meds. They are safe to take otherwise they wouldn't have been licenced.

Why not take one just before your therapy? Any reaction will show quite quickly and at least you won't be alone will you? That would seem to be a perfect chance to test it.

[Brianic09 in reply to Hidden]

I think it's because I work in the medical field aND I know too much. Anyone can have an anaphalactic to any medication. My therapist said she would meet me on a weekend day at an ER parking lot, do some relaxation exercises so I can take it... then if I have an allergic reaction, I'm right there at the ER and they can get me right in.

[Hidden in reply to Brianic09]

Good idea.

[Kobojunkie]

i think it all depends on the quality of life you want and how you measure your quality of life.

It seems your symptoms are not as severe for you as they had been for me so your concern over medication sits atop priority-wise.

I had the same fears about medication but eventually anxiety and depression debilitated my life to the point that i preferred death to continuing to living the way i did. And by that point, i went into demand my doctor prescribe opium or heroin for me - stating that by law i had the right to request what i please and do what i wanted with my body.

When he instead sent me to see a psychologist and prescribed me anti-depressants for my condition. My first reaction when the medications effect kicked in was " i am clear, it is a miracle". I later read up on each medication and learned of the many side effects. I then considered where i had come from and decided i would rather stay on the meds than go back to where i used to be. I would rather live a great life( able to live well, socialize, learn, be productive, contribute effectively to the lives of those around me, achieve so much and go as far as i am capable) even if a shortened one, than choose to continue existence in the previous state, even if for 100 .

[WIP2011]

Hi, I can relate to the anxiety disorder but not directly to the fear of meds. I more hate that I've had to take it and be so dependent on it for the past 7 years. Just an idea - Maybe you can create a 'safe space' for you when you take it? For example, be surrounded by close friends or family or even in a hospital or clinic; in front of the doctor that prescribed you the meds. Allergic reactions happen within max of 2 hours after taking it. So you will know for sure in case something does happen(most likely will not) you've got immediate help to deal with it if at all required. Another way is possibly to disguise the meds? Grind he pills and put it in food or just water? Or even might I suggest some hypno therapy to get you through the fear? Don't skip the meds as it really does help. This coming from someone who hates being dependent on pills :/ many hugs and hope you get better soon.

[Txaps]

Omg this sounds like me...I'm too afraid to take a multivitamin.