Anxiety medication

[Biddy47]

Hi everyone, does anyone have anything positive to say about anxiety medication. Which ones have the least side effects and also are they addictive? Thanks.

[Hidden]

We are all different so what suits one will not suit another, it is up to your GP to suggest the pathway that wants you to take.

Sometimes medications may not be prescribed, or you will be given a course of CBT and they will consider the best way to go with your concerns, Anxiety or Depression

BOB

[Biddy47 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks borderriever. My GP offered medication to me some months ago and I declined hoping that I could cope with it myself but I'm afraid I'm not doing very well and might have to accept his offer. I just don't know anything about medication.

[Hidden in reply to Biddy47]

Your Doctor will asses your needs and consider the best medication for you

Allow 5/6 weeks for the medication to work, there may be side affects over the intial period. Is your GP considering a course of CBT ?

If you know why you are suffering your condition make a list of what is going on and any reasons for your concerns

BOB

[BrainFog-Ninja in reply to Biddy47]

Biddy47,

I did the same several times. Most recently my Dr wanted to increase my dosage..and I declined, hoping to be able to maintain, and make up the difference without more meds. That was over a year ago, so will see. Lol.

Sometimes I think we fight against taking meds longer than we should. And I’ve known others that seem to jump to meds too quickly. You will find what works for you. You can do it! Be persistent. Be patient.

If your Dr is worth his salt he will explain meds and answer all your questions. There should be a discussion about what YOU want before an RX is written.

If he suggests a particular med, ask him why he thinks that one is for you? Are there any others he considering for you, etc. This usually leads to a side-effect discussion, and making a choice to try one over another. And sometimes a back-up plan, in case the 1st choice isn’t great, insurance coverage, etc.

I have found it helpful to ask:

-What type of med, how does it actually work in the body?

-How long until I should feel it working?

-What to look out for that it isn’t working, and should check back with Dr on?

-Side effects, interactions w/other meds you may be taking?

-Any OTC, alcohol, interactions, etc?

-Is it going to hurt anything you feel worse, or bad, to just stop taking it.

Meds take time to try and then modify, but when you find the right ones it can help tremendously. 🍄 🌸 🌞

[BrainFog-Ninja]

Hi Biddy47,

I agree with Borderriever’s words everybody is different, and your Dr can give you guidance in which types of meds may be helpful in your situation.

Same with side effects, not all people have the same ones, or intensity, etc. I’m on Venlefaxine (Effexor XR) which is fairly well know for being quite difficult to come off of...especially at higher doses. Yet, about years ago I quit taking it cold-turkey without much issue at all. After which, I learned that is never a good idea, and I should have tapered-down.

It did take me quite a while to overcome some of the annoying side affects, headache, hot flash sweating, etc. I didn’t really have them until my Dr increased my dose, but I did have to “hang in there” for quite a while for them to subside. But have been on it (this time) for a several years now. It works very well for me, and I won’t be changing it any time soon. Lol.

As far as overall info about anxiety meds, so that you know a little bit about them when talking to your Dr, you might do some research online for the different kinds, and their uses, etc.

My daughter has had great success with Buspirone for anxiety. I took Wellbutrin for a while, and it didn’t agree with me at all. I’ve also had RX’s for Diazapam, and Alprazolam, for anxiety / panic attacks related to grief when my mom died. Those work well, but seem more of an immediate release kind of thing, instead of a maintenance med. idk.

There are just so many variables, and needs, and individual differences it is a hard question to respond to, and even harder to put much stock into which are working, or not working for another person.

As far as the addictive question, I am always confused by this bc when I find something that works for my symptoms....and keep taking it bc I will be worse off if I don’t—doesn’t that make me addicted to it? I think that refers to physically addicted to a medication maybe? I’m sure it’s just me, but can’t help you with that type of info. Hope you find what works for you.🍄 🌸 🌞

[Biddy47 in reply to BrainFog-Ninja]

Thank for reply and for the thorough explanation BrainFog-Ninja.

[NeuronerdDoaty]

I love my klonopin. More import those around me like it. Word warning : my research mates and kids call it my ‘don’t cut a b$$ch’ meds. So what if I’m addicted to it? I’ve had multiple TBIs. Anxiety is not going to be cured. I’m addicted to my heart meds too if you want to classify it as life or death to me or others. Anything to get through this world that’s legal and safe.

[Biddy47 in reply to NeuronerdDoaty]

Thanks for that Neuronerd. I guess I have a lot to discuss with my Doctor.

[Want2BHappy3]

I've tried several different kinds, the one that I felt helped me was Mirtazapine, no side effects at all. But my doctor took me off it because I gained weight. Remember Medication affect people differently?

[Biddy47 in reply to Want2BHappy3]

I wouldn't mind weight gain, I have lost much weight with anxiety. Thanks.

[car103]

Have you tried CBD (without the THC)?

[Biddy47 in reply to car103]

Thanks car103. Yes I have tried it, afraid it didn't help.

[Trishwiggins]

I take xanax and have for many years. I don't take more than what I am prescribed. However I have run out before because I did not call my doctor's office on Friday. I felt just terrible. I believe all benzodiazepines are addictive. So be careful, be sure to discuss it with your docter. Also, one more thing, my best friend stopped taking Klonopin and was put on Buspar. She said that it does work but not as a PRN. I guess you have to take for a few weeks before you notice a reduction of anxiety. I have general anxiety and panic attacks, so I need something that works quickly.

[Biddy47 in reply to Trishwiggins]

Thanks Trishwiggis. My GP won't prescribe benzodiazepines. I had a short course of diazepam, but that's it.

[sallyw_12]

I tried an anti anxiety medicine several years ago and had very unpleasant side effects so didn’t stay on it. Recently my therapist encouraged me to take a gene test that is supposed to tell my doctor which medicines which work best for me from a physiological standpoint. I’m waiting on the results right now. I’m pretty sensitive to medicine and don’t want to do trial and error with anxiety meds. Just something to think about. Good luck!

[Biddy47 in reply to sallyw_12]

Thanks sallyw

[jmeyer406]

Hi Biddy,

I have been struggling with depression and severe anxiety for 20+ years and have tried every medication under the sun. The one that seems to help me the most is called Buspirone (may have spelled wrong, don’t have bottle in front of me) The only side effect I have experienced is slight excitability for roughly an hour or so after taking each dose. I take 7.5 milligrams twice a day along with 100 milligrams of Zoloft daily. I used to take Zanax(which is highly addictive) 1,5 milligrams multiple times a day in order to keep my anxiety under control. I still keep Zanax around for emergency situations but the reasoning is more like an ex-smoker who keeps a pack of cigarettes in their glove box, back pack, or freezer. Just knowing it’s there if needed bid comforting. I do apologize if I went way off topic. 😀. This is the first time I have every posted on this site.

[Mellowme73 in reply to jmeyer406]

I found Buspar to work well in the a.m.

[jmeyer406 in reply to Mellowme73]

I absolutely agree.

[Biddy47 in reply to jmeyer406]

Thanks jmeyer

[Biddy47 in reply to jmeyer406]

Should have replied here. Thanks jmeyer.

[Rob7]

I have taken several types over the years for anxiety. In my experience I had trouble with the SNRI’s and the withdrawal was awful. Paxil worked the best but my wife said it turned me into a zombie. Since then I have found Mirtazapine and Lexapro as the most effective. My advice would be to try a SSRI first to see if that works - if not then move onto Mirtazapine or an SNRI. Those affect norepinephrine as well as serotonin levels - so they are more potent.

[Biddy47 in reply to Rob7]

Thank for the advice Rob7

[Philjc]

I've tried different anxiety meds and sertraline suits me best, but weirdly they make me feel I'm not experiencing nice things either, so I cut down periodically, I don't want to be numb, so sometimes the anxiety is welcome as long as I can be at home. I don't like anxiety while I'm out because I feel people notice.

[Biddy47 in reply to Philjc]

Thanks Philjic. Nothing's easy or simple is it?

[Lilmem7]

After 20 years of varying antidepressants and anxiety meds from my GP, I talked to a therapist who thinks I may have bipolar 2 so they’re trying mood stabilizers. The first couple of weeks weren’t fun, but overall I do seem like the anxiety is much lower now than before. Biggest side effect is I’m hungry all the time.

[Biddy47 in reply to Lilmem7]

Thanks for replying. That's interesting, I hope they work for you.

[Eddie83]

Never found any BigPharma anxiety med that worked for me. My problem was rooted in gluten enteropathy-caused thyroid collapse. Once I did thyroid replacement with levothyroxine and liothyronine, everything was great. Unfortunately, MDs have a blind spot when it comes to hormone and/or nutritional insufficiency.

[Biddy47 in reply to Eddie83]

Glad you found something that worked Eddie.

[Buginmybrain]

Hello! It honestly depends on the person. I've taken Prozac for years...it's helped me with my OCD and anxiety...but it certainly doesn't eliminate it. It's best to talk to your doc!

[Biddy47 in reply to Buginmybrain]

Thanks Buginmyrain I have an appointment with my Doc. this afternoon to discuss things.

[Claysha_L]

As others have commented, it’s different for everyone. I haven’t heard of any being addictive necessarily, but if you suddenly stop taking them without easing off you can have withdrawal symptoms. I’ve been taking Sertraline for 6+ years and haven’t noticed any side effects besides my hands being a little shaky when I up my dose. I’m also on buspirone, and the only side effect I’ve had with that is some dizziness but it’s not bad. Hope this helps!

[Biddy47 in reply to Claysha_L]

Thanks Claudia for replying and information.

[ColoradoSunshine]

Hi Biddy, I am currently on Cymbalta 60 mg and Wellbutrin 150 mg. These both work really well for me for my anxiety and depression. I was on just cymbalta for quite some time and it was the only medication that helped my anxiety-ever. The only side effect is that I sweat at night.

In the past I have tried Zoloft, Effexor and Lexapro. While these medications made the world feel less stark to me, they did not take away the physical manifestations of anxiety - such as heat in my body, adrenaline rush, feeling like I’m being dunked in ice water etc. only cymbalta helped with this. It was such a relief to not have to deal with the physical aspect of the anxiety which tends to stick with you even after the thoughts have faded.

While Cymbalta helped my anxiety, during a time where I was in a moderate to major depression I still felt like I did not want to get up in the morning and face the world. I wondered why I was even alive. I even thought the same about my family, which was really frightening. I had intrusive thoughts and was ruminating and beating myself up for even thinking that way.

My doctor asked if I wanted to increase the Cymbalta but because of the night sweats I did not want to increase it anymore. The night sweating wasn’t so bad that I would stop taking Cymbalta but I did not want to increase it. We then added Wellbutrin and went up to 300 mg. That helped me to live my life again and move past the intrusive thoughts.

I also did meditation, went to church, went for many walks and went to counseling. I really feel like getting out of a place of crippling anxiety and or depression requires approaching it from many fronts. It took months but the effect of these things were cumulative and helped me to heal. I do struggle with maintaining exercise, meditation and eating right. Physical and emotional well-being maintenance is my weak spot.

After about one year I started to notice my emotions were blunted and I was mean. We cut the Wellbutrin down to 150 mg.

60 mg of Cymbalta and 150 mg of Wellbutrin have been the perfect mix for me. Sometimes more than one medication ends up being effective for people while one or the other alone is not. So I would encourage you to be open-minded and try different things.

The long acting and cumulative medications such as the ones I’ve mentioned so far I would not say are addictive, however you will exhibit discontinuation syndrome if you’d suddenly stop taking them. You may experience feeling dizzy, nauseated, panicked, irritated, etc.

Some of the short acting anxiety medications can be addictive, such as Xanax. I only take Xanax a few times a year when I have a major panic attack or when I am flying on an airplane (without a meeting the same day). A bottle of 30 will last me years, I even have to throw them away and get a new bottle because they turn into powder and breakdown. You should not drink while taking Xanax. I can see why it is addictive because if I have a glass of wine when I’ve taken it, I feel really good - and that’s NOT a path one should go down. I realize there are some people that manage their anxiety with short acting medication and if they feel that this is working for them and their doctor supports it, they should do what works best for them.

I hope this was somewhat helpful and that you find a medication that will help you live your best life!

[Biddy47 in reply to ColoradoSunshine]

Thank you so much for your information and advice Colorad.

[OneMoreLight4u]

I've been on about 4 types or medication over the last 3-4 years and the best thing I've found that helps my anxiety and depression the best is CBD. It mellows me out and allows me to think clearly. A lot of the meds out there fogs you up and slows you down throughout your day because to really help your condition, they have to give you higher doses of certain meds. Just my opinion, but CBD is better for you.

[Biddy47 in reply to OneMoreLight4u]

Thanks for that

What type and strength do you have?

[Plato38]

I had a genetic test done to see what meds I would respond to the best. Takes the guess work out of it. Like for me, I found out I would not have a high response to SSRI'S which is why i still experience anxiety. I will be switching to something that is on my list of meds that I would respond to. It's very helpful.

[Biddy47 in reply to Plato38]

Thanks Plato that's very interesting.

[Hidden]

Pregabalin (Lyrica) works very well a the beginning but fades after a few weeks.

Side effects are severe constipation and drowsiness. Like a drunk feeling and blurry vision.

These side effects wane with the positive effects of the medication.

There is no decent long term anxiety medication yet.

Chronic anxiety (GAD) is very difficult to control as it is ongoing all the time.

[Biddy47]

Thanks for your response Wally.

[Cathy63]

I take CBD.