What is your experience with medications? (For those who've found medication is right for them)

[Byelka]

For those of you out there who have found medication really helped you, what was your experience? How many medications did you try before you found the right one/combination? What about the medication(s) that work for you made the difference? When did you realize it was helping, how did that present itself? I've been thinking about medications for a while now, but I've been hesitant because I have a hard time imagining how they could actually help. I think I'm so used to my current way of processing/thinking it's difficult to see that it could be different. I also go down the thought process of "I get by and function well enough without so why add medication to the mix?" That along with some fear that either they wont work or could make me feel worse/dependent. Lately, though, I've been finding that even though I am outwardly successful/functioning, internally I'm exhausted by the constant negative thoughts and feelings. Even though I've learned a lot of coping mechanisms with my therapist, it's still so tiring constantly fighting with these thoughts/emotions. I think I might need more. All feedback appreciated.

[Hidden]

Byelka

Drugs are only a small part of the pathway you may need to take, Your GP will try and help you look at various options that would help your condition. You may also have to consider the options you need to take in your own right We all need to put something into our cure therefore You will need to understand cause and effect of this illness. A CPN may be just a small part of your treatment pathway, so with a CPN Help your GP will choose a medication for you. We are all very different what suits one may not suit another with the same problem. When you are given a medication, if that is the pathway they take you will need to understand Rome was not built in a day so you will need to give your medications upwards of five weeks before you consider how you are getting on.

I take Citalopram for the last twenty years, they work for me, however they may no good for you, many things may need to be taken into consideration

BOB

[Byelka in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your comment. I'm not really seeking advice on the types of medications. I just want to hear peoples experienced with finding the medication that worked for them, what that process was like and how it felt. Know that I do plan on talking with my therapist and GP. I just wanted to hear from others with experience too.

[maslater]

I needed both medication and therapy. I took Xanax at first while I was waiting for the Lexapro to kick in. I’ve been on Lexapro for 5-6 years.

[Byelka in reply to maslater]

How long were you on lexapro before you felt it was helping? What kind of therapy do you receive in addition?

[maslater in reply to Byelka]

It took about two weeks to start working. I was seeing a therapist once a week doing cognitive behavioral therapy.

[RiderontheStorm]

Neither Lexipro, buspar, Prozac nor Effexor worked for me. I admit I had not stayed on any long enough to get thru the many many side effects i suffer being very sensitive to SSRI and SNRI's - but between counseling and Ativan in my pocket for emergencies I make it thru. learn self soothing and stop listening to the worst thoughts that come to mind. It's proven meds don't work on at least 50% of those that take it. *Just because you think it does not make it true. Good luck.

[Wislaw in reply to RiderontheStorm]

Thank you for your post. I've tried the SSRIs and the side effects are too severe. Most make me feel super sick and cause vomiting. I'm super sensitive to meds (all meds), and trying the different meds (I've tried 4 of them now) was just too much. Every SSRI I took made me super sick. Yet all the docs keep telling me I will not be able to make it through this without the meds, so it is frustrating. I'm also worried about getting on the med train. Looks like once a person gets on it, it is really difficult to get off of it. And I don't want that. The book "The Power of Now" has really helped me with the ruminating thoughts. I also exercise, do Yoga, mindfulness meditation, and of late my doctor wants me to try acupuncture. I'm encouraged to hear that someone else is making it through without the meds!

[Hidden]

Hi Byelka,

As I have said on several occasions, meds changed my life. Within the first 24 hours of taking a very low dose of medication, there was this wonderful feeling. I can only describe it by saying it felt as if someone put Vicks VapoRub all over the top of my brain lol. I knew that I had made the right decision. It took a couple of weeks to really start stabilizing my mood. The anxiety that was off the charts was finally now under control ( an added bonus)

I had one side effect for about a month...tingling in the fingers. I noticed that the medication slowed everything down, including my metabolism. I never felt hungry but I knew I needed to eat, so I ate. That part wasn't working out for me because I started putting on pounds. I started an amazing fat burning diet and after a couple of weeks I felt better than ever. I am feeling so much better that I have even reduced my medication dosage and I'm still feeling like I'm on top of the world.

This is a very good question. I'm sure you will receive lots of advice. Don't worry my friend....you will find something that works for you.

Blessings!

[Hidden]

Hey there Byelka, I am currently taking Prozac & let me tell you - it has helped my mood swings tremendously, but I broke out in hives two weeks ago from having a very severe panic attack & I still feel like my skin is crawling sometimes. It’s not as severe as it was, but it’s enough that it makes me want to throw these pills in the trash. I wish that pills didn’t come with side effects. It would be so much better, wouldn’t it???? I’m also in therapy, & that has helped me a lot. Being able to just talk to someone who sits & listens is a beautiful thing that I don’t really have in my real life, because everyone wants to constantly nitpick & give me advice. I hope that you find something that will work for you. Stay strong, my friend. <3

[Hidden]

Byelka

You see with many on site the number of variants people take and recommend. That is why it is so difficult to advise on a drunk that will work. Your GP knows you and any other problems you may have.

So the main advice I can give is allow time for the medications to work before saying the side effects are bad or the medication is not working. Five weeks is a good period of time to allow some positive ?, results.

Understand, yes there are quite a few different AD medications. The problem is the list is not never ending, also if you keep taking different types and asking for change it may take longer to get a good result. Also you keep changing you will given time miss out on the drug that works and your GP will begin to run out of alternatives

Give the medication time to work.

When introduced to a drug your doctor may introduce a lower dose then increase the dosage after several weeks. This is normal

BOB

[Byelka in reply to Hidden]

thanks bob

[guynfl2chat]

I have tried Zoloft and Prozac and they did not work for me

You have to give antidepressants atleast 4-6 weeks to see if they will work. My GP decided over the last 3 years to just prescribe xanax as needed. I take it sometimes in low dosage for a week and then dont need it. I am always worried about dependency but my doctor is prescribing this rx and knows me for over 20 years. The pills last a while and I control when and if I take them.