meds or not?

[**whenwillthisend**]

hi everyone, just a quick question, ive had anxiety and panic attacks for 8 months and so far am battling on without the help of any meds, except for rescue remedy, quiet life tabs and so on...just wondered how many of us are going this alone or think that meds have definately helped ease the horrible symptoms. I have had a horrible few weeks with palpitations and chest tightness and am tempted to try the meds..im doing CBT but not sure its helping

[Southern_Belle]

Hi,

I personally am taking medication for anxiety and ocd. I did try to go off but the ocd symptoms came back more so than the anxiety and had to go back on them. I think for everyone it is a personal decision whether to go on and for how long to stay on them. It was not easy for me to find the correct medicine for me but once I did the difference was amazing.

Bel

"Our thoughts are our reality"

[twiglet]

Hi ya,
i dont take meds personally. i try and get through it without. i think its up to each individual what they feel comfortable with. im determened to battle it without. i get bad days ( or weeks sometimes) but also good ones. so if i can do it without meds thats what im gonna do.
take care
love twiglet xxx

[Juliamidlands]

I don't personally take meds so can't really say...I prefer to try to work through things and take them as they come...I really don't want to become dependant on them. Plus I always worry about side effects. x

'Never be afraid to try- remember, amateurs buit the Ark...professionals built the Titanic'

[hayles]

I was on Meds but am now finished.
To be honest not sure if they helped.
I am a lot better then i was, but is that Meds, or just help from
everything else? I have had councelling, Hypnotherapy, Meds and of course this site.

To be honest things didnt really turn around for me until i found this site!

So not really sure if the Meds did help or not!!!!

I know that doesnt really help......sorry!

Hay x

[polly daydream]

Hi, only been on meds a short while but feel a little calmer already. As others have said, it is the individual's decision whether or not to try them.

Take care,

Polly

[ren]

I take my hat off to everyone who copes without meds. I suppose I'm looking for the miracle medicine that will "cure" me. Not sure if they help but sometimes they're the only thing that clears my mind enough to cope.

ren

[noomsie]

Im on Paroxotine at the moment. I re started around a month ago after a break of around 9 months. I feel like they just take the edge off for me, and make the panic easier to cope with when everything seems too overwhelming. It's not a miracle cure by any means, but it's been a life saver for me.

I dont think its the path to take for everyone, but certainly helped me to "see the wood from the trees"

[gail30]

hi there, i suffered from really bad panic attacks/anxiety due to stress at work almost 2 years ago and i didnt want to take meds after hearing all sorts of stories. eventually i gave in and spoke to my doctor about it and i will admit through i had to try a couple of kinds before i found one that suited me. it really sorted me out, gave me time to get my head together and realise i must sort out this problem before it ruins my life. i was on them for 8 months before we starting reducing them. at first i felt ashamed that i gave in, beat myself up thinking i was a weakling. but now i praise myself for at least trying and i havnt been on them now for 8 months although it hasnt been easy, the anxiety comes and goes but i just tell myself ' ive been through worse'

ever need a chat, just say

keep your chin up, there are lots of people around to help you, please dont do it alone

gail

[kazzie]

Hi there, felt i had to reply to this i was on paroxitine for 2 years and whilst it helped with the panic trying to come off it was hell and i ended up in the local psyciatric hospital as a result. I really think that you should try to avoid them if you can but i am not a doctor i just know what i went through!!! Best Wishes kaz

[lizmarshall]

I've been having P & A since x-mas 2005 and have so far managed to stay off meds except stelazine which i only take as and when i need them, i'm so scared of side affects that it puts me right off!!!

Liz

[marie ross]

Hi,

I'm currently on beta-blockers which i find has helped me a lot with the 'racing heart symtom'. My doctor does'nt want me to go on any other meds because i've managed to avoid them for over 2 years now, i'm waiting to see a CBT counsellor now. Although to be honest i would'nt want to go on any other meds as i think it masks a lot of problems - but like a lot of people here it really is up to the individual.

Take care.

Marie XXX

[seraone]

I was on Paxil for 2 months. It didn't agree with me one bit. I had terrible side effects from it. It took about 2 weeks to taper off before I could stop completely. It gave me terrible withdrawals, I would never do it again! More recently I have been taking a low dose of Ativan as needed when I feel the symptoms begin. However, I am going through CBT and trying to discontinue the ativan as well. It really helps me in a tough situation, and it doesn't give the effect of an SSRI. I hear that they can be addicting, like Xanax, but I have not had a problem, as I have never had an addictive personality. If you feel you would like to try meds, there is nothing wrong with that, but it may take multiple attempts to get the medication and dosage right. Don't get discouraged, I've known people who have been very successful on meds. Good luck!

[Phill2]

I went 2 yrs without meds before I gave in and went on em. wish I had done it at the start. They make life so much better
Phill

Don't believe everything you think.