St. John's wort or Pristiq?

[Knightmares]

Hi y'all,

I'm still way too nervous to take the Pristiq my doctor gave me, I have a fear of taking any medication. I have severe anxiety and agoraphobia, BUT I seem to be getting better. I love Fall so my doc thinks it's lifting my mood, I'm pushing myself to get out and I'm going to try to go back to work this week. If I walk Into a building I still panic and need to go outside so I know I still have a lot of work to do, but I am feeling miles above where I was a few Months back.

I actually have been too anxious to see my doctor so my husband has been going for me, relaying the info. My doc wants me to take pristiq but he said if I can manage to take St John's wort that's a step in the right direction. I've had this prescription for 3 months now and I now it's time to take action, I want my life back.

If any of you can pass on your POSITIVE experiences it may help to push me to finally take something, as I don't know anyone who has taken either. Only positive experiences though, I don't want to frighten myself anymore. Thanks I really need a hand with this, xo

[maggie91]

I have not taken pristiq but if your Dr feels it will help, why not take it. Some meds take over a month to get in your system and you may get side affects but keep taking til side effects go away and you start feeling better. Make sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions. Along with meds, stay active, eat healthy , drink water, exercise and get a good night's sleep. Do not focus on you. Hard to do but it will help. I know because I did it. When anxious do anything to take your mind off it. Cook, clean, laundry, take lots of walks. My anxiety disorder was severe and started 4 years ago and today when I feel it, I eat something, and get active and it goes away. I took .5mg lorazepam in morning and have never had to go to higher dosage. I wish you the best.

[Sparklew1]

I felt the same way for a long time. I did the Hormon Injections for 4 years, took herbs like St Johns Wort, DHEA, Sam-E, etc. ( middle age hormonal imbalance) I finally gave in and have been taking Prestiq for 2-3 years now. Quit it, just because I didn’t want to take an antidepressant, but started back after realizing I don’t like feeling emotional all the time. I could cry at the drop of a hat. Now I am back to normal me and have spoken to many Medical Professionals, and have been assured I’m perfectly normal. A happy, good state of mind is important to me. I hope this helps in some way, even though everyone’s chemical make up is different.