Medication for GAD and Health anxiety

[Idannb]

Hello,

Yesterday I spoke to a doctor about my generalised anxiety and health anxiety. I have suffered with them for around 7 years and have managed them both really well up until my nan passed away in May this year, I have been rather reluctant to try any medication for my anxieties, however after speaking to the doctor he has prescribed me with Sertraline 50mg tablets. I haven’t picked up the tablets yet as I’m still very very very weary/anxious about taking medication without proper support. The doctor told me and had referred me to counselling but, he told me that the chances of getting seen or being spoken too are very slim due to the nature of the mental health services under the NHS.

Has anyone got any advice or experiences with being on this medication or any medication that can help me?

Thank you,

Daniel.

[carrieprice1998]

Lexapro 10mg helped me a lot, made me where I didn't care, didn't effect my heart rate or make me panic. You gave to start slowly or else you will feel like a zombie. I hope you can get some relief very soon.

[Sweetsoul36]

I am a fan of meds. Sometimes u need that extra push to get you completely out of the hole we find ourselves in. I am taking 30mg Cymbalta for about a month. It takes time to adjust so my advice would be to be patient. Take it a day at a time, keep yourself busy in the meantime.

[Doug1847]

I just got prescribed this medicine as well. Never taken any meds before. I'm going to start taking them tomorrow. Let's hope they help us.

[lady_peaseblossom]

It's good that you're placing so much importance on counseling. Medication is an excellent safety net, but unfortunately it often doesn't address the root of the problem. I would say take the medication with a clear conscience. You've obviously taken the steps to try and get counseling, and that doesn't seem to be an option at the moment, so there's no point in punishing yourself when you could be feeling worlds better.

Like I said in a previous reply to you, Sertraline is a long-term drug, so it works more slowly. It's not habit-forming like a sedative, and it merely tells your brain to produce more of what you already have in your system, that being serotonin. Try the medication for a month and see what happens. If nothing else, it may keep you stable and in control until the time when you can see a therapist.

Good luck! Let us know how it works out.