My therapist recommended I talk to my psychiatrist about going on an antipsychotic medication. She said they can sometimes help with extreme cases of anxiety like mine. Im so so scared of this idea. But if it could help me function again should I just try it? Right now I have been paralyzed with fear for months to the point where I can barely leave the couch let alone my house. I am on the highest dose of Xanax I have ever been on, but each pill only helps for maybe an hour and it is now my only relief ever from the anxiety besides sleep. I dont know why it got so bad. i dont even want to be on medication at all. What do you guys think I should do?
Don't know what to do.: My therapist... - Anxiety Support
Don't know what to do.
I'm on one
Had no choice couldn't function. Some people don't believe in meds and that's fine.
For me it's whatever I need to function in society.
Its not that I dont believe in meds, its just that I've been on soooo many SSRIs and SNRIs and they've never worked or given me scary side effects. If it works for you that makes me feel a little better. maybe i will try it
someone, at this point you have nothing to lose in trying an anti psychotic med.
It may be a break through for you. Under the close supervision of your psychiatrist,
it may be just what you need at this time. Breaking that cycle of fear. I wish that
for you. xx
Oh I wasn't making a negative statement about some not wanting to take meds. I respect people for making there own choices
I've been on them all just like you. Believe me finding the right med for some of us must be a psychiatrist nightmare.
It's great to get advice just like you are doing. See what others have to day. That's why we are all her
I agree with Agora, at this point I think it’s a good idea. It you can break that cycle, then you can eventually come off of the medication, and use cognitive behavioral therapy and meditation, and whatever else brings you joy to manage it. Keep us updated
I think it might be Quetiapine that the psychiatrist will suggest? It may very well be worth a try for you and for anxiety, it is a low dose. ❤❤❤
Gosh, just reading that sent chill's through me😖 that's So Scary. How about getting a second opinion? If they come to the Same conclusion? I'd ask questions about the medication, if it's addictive, etc. I would try it on a temporary basis. Maybe it can put you on track?
As an anxious/panicked person, similar to you, it's worth a shot. I tried one which was Abilify. The first and most important part of this is to not be afraid of the class name. You aren't psychotic just like some anxious people aren't depressed yet use antidepressants. Many classes of medication from beta blockers to nerve pain medications have been used off-label for use with anxiety. It's worth the recommendation and it's ultimately up to your psychiatrist to see if this is an idea fit for you. If it helps, great! Regardless, it's another medicine to pencil in the "Tried It" column. In my case, it really felt fairly similar to a SSRI. I would also avoid Googling too much into them...you likely won't be put on a hefty dose. One side effect was drooling....so I was afraid my doctor was going to turn me into a lobotomy patient without the stitches on my forehead. The drooling never happened....well....at least not from the medication. Tacos on the other hand, were the source. Best of luck in trying it; perhaps this ends up being an answer for you
Totally agree Veritas. I am on abilify now.
Have gained two pounds not happy about that.
Not drooling yet. But haven't had any tacos haha
I take an antipsychotic for depression it’s called Abilify, maybe it will help your anxiety. It calms you and helps you think more clearly.
The original poster is already on an addictive medicine (xanax). Psychiatrists often prescribe antipsychotics "off label" to treat anxiety. Zyprexa is currently helping me manage my anxiety. I'm also on abilify for my depression, and lorazepam (ativan) for my anxiety. That last one is a benzodiazepine and it is addictive. I think you should take the advice of your therapist and psychiatrist.
What you have started up now ???
Nothing so far. Still weaning off effexor and buspar, and on xanax. I want to get off the effexor at least before i start an antipsychotic.
Ok but your Xanax how much you must taken
And is it the relaise ?
I chould try the anti psychotic
I have also too but still I am scared I gone talk with my local doc about it
But I use to have crippling anxiety, and now I don’t.🙂. I never took medication. What is anxiety but an influx of unwanted thoughts, the word of God is a mind regulator.
Happy for u 👍but it wasnt god😉
I am in no means advocating not taking medicine if it will help you. I did not believe it really helped me. It did not rid me of anxiety, at best it made me tired. It just did not work for me but I avoid medication whenever I can no matter what the reason for it. I just know it should not be a long term, forever, solution. You need a cure, these medicines were created to treat, not cure.
I've taken a lot of meds over the years for anxiety.
I'm now taking gabapentin for anxiety and it works very well. It works better than any benzo and it's not addicting in that way.
I take a very small (25mg) dose of seroquel at night, along with lamictal.
I'm feeling very well on this combo.
Don't be afraid to try medication. It will help make you feel so much better so you can get back to life.
Go to your doc and get a physical. Check yr thyroid levels. Caffiene may be causing anxiety ect. Lack of sleep.