Anyone taking medication for anxiety? Does it work? What are side effects?
115572
Go to www.panicsurvivor.com    You will find everything you need about meds. and then some.
294892
Unfortunately yes and I hate it ....anxiety SUCKS!!!
1121041
hey.. im on lexapro now too...20 mg/day.  i dont know if it really works for social anxiety... i dont think any medication really does. lexapro (as i understand) just decreases your sensitivity to things around you... including people. it doesn't help you deal or talk with people, tho. i was on klonopin, but that did nothing for me. i'm on risperdal now which is a mild anti-psychotic.. i feel the effects of it right away; it is very calming and relieves my anxiety so i can leave my house. The price for that is feeling kind of zoned out and a little tired.. which is fine if i don't have to feel like everyone is stalking me. exchanging alcohol for actual medicine can be difficult.. but do NOT drink while on this stuff... trust me. hopefully medication is all just temporary.\n\nas for actually dealing with social anxiety rather than masking it with medication, i've also heard of these tapes and audio books ect. i found that there is a lot of this stuff available online since most people with genuine social anxiety (myself included) have a really hard time with things like talking to total strangers about your most personal problems. in my search, i found this site: http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/\nthere are some testimonials on there from some people who got good results; unfortunately i dont have $300.00, so i dont get to find out the secret to these people's success. i am on the mailing list of this group, however, and i keep reading about how wonderful this particular programme is.\n\ni see a shrink once a week. we occasionally touch on cognitive stuff; i have found that introspection is something i already do a lot of, since i am constantly worrying that there is something wrong with me personally. its important to beable to reflect on your introspection... i find it helpful when my shrink points out how irrational my fears are. sometimes i need to be reminded that everyone else is fine... and i am just one of them. he has also tried to help me figure out why i am messed up; i find this helpful, and sort of fun. today he reminded me that it takes will power to do anything at all. that seems kind of obvious... but it reminded me that every person is on zer own level. im scared to take a walk around the block because someone might see me... but its a step further when i just do it, and i feel better afterwards.. just like i am just going to send this really long "answer" even though im scared someone will actually read it.  it just takes practice!\nfeel free to contact me\ngood luck
176565
Depends.  If you have generalized anxiety...like just being worried all the time, therapy should help...and you won't need medication. \nIf you have what I have, which is anxiety disorder w/panic attacks...see a psyc who can give you meds in conjunction with therapy.  I've always been a worry wart...but over the past year I've had quite a few actual panic attacks...that are very scary when you first have them.  I can be sitting, doing absolutely nothing...not worrying about anything..and withing 5 mins be shaking, feel like I can't breath, lightheaded, dizzy, a absolutely terrified...for No reason.  That's a true panic attack.  Of course, stressful situations don't help...but usually I don't even have attacks in those situations.  At this point...I can feel when one is coming on, know I'm not dying, and pop 1/2 a xanax.  It's so helpful when you have the true attacks.  If I didn't have meds, I would sometimes pass out from the fear of the attack itself.  Get some help accordingly :)  Good luck!
1115294
The meds may not be what's best for you and honestly with the side effects, the cure may be the poison. So many of these drugs have been known to cause thyroid disease, diabetes, liver damage, etc.\n\nI would suggest trying alternative therapies and learn how to control your stress through healthy outlets. I know for a fact that taking fish oil helps, there are legitimate reports, all positive, including from Harvard who has clinical studies that show it greatly reduces anxiety and mania in bipolar people.\n\nExcercise vigorously, that also helps reduce stress. I can understand where your anxiety comes from, with a little one and a hubby at war, my heart goes out to you and I really hope you have a good support system in place. If not, you might consider a good therapist to help you work through the stress. They can also help you find a support group, so you can meet others in your situation. \n\nAgain, I really hope you steer clear of the pills, they can make you very sick and end up causing all sorts of problems. \n\nGood luck and God Bless your family for the sacrifice you are all making.
881388
dont worry so much.  everyone reacts differently to different medications.  and a lot of depression/anxiety medications tend to make us have suicidal thoughts?  go figure.  it may take a while to figure out which one is right for you.  sometimes it takes weeks to even get the full effect of a drug in your system.\n\na while ago my dr. prescribed effexor xr.  it really helped me alot.  i started feeling better, and didnt really have any side effects.  in the beginning its normal to suffer from some side effects.  its just your body getting used to the medication.  but they really shouldnt last.  talk to your dr. about effexor xr.  it may work for you too.
984905
My doctor has me on Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Lamictal and Adderall. A lot of drugs, I know. I even have Xanax in case I really lose it. I don't think that medicine is the only answer. Consider speaking with a psychologist, who can help you get down to the root of your anxiety. I know that exercise and a better diet would improve my attitude, if I were ever to get motivated.  Also getting in touch with your spiritual side, such as going to a worship service or meditating, can help alleviate the stress that causes anxiety. I hope to someday chose the path outside of medicine. I wish you luck with dealing with this struggle, and also Happy Holidays!
158244
I had anxiety problems once in awhile and I just told a doctor. He gave me medication for any time the feeling accured. I also learned that when I had anxiety attacks, which wasnt often, to breathe in a paper bag for awhile. The carbon dioxide you breathe in, with less oxyagen in you system calms you down. Hope I helped you out. advise, see a doctor for sure.
1058025
Unfortunately, there is no absolute best. Each person metabolizes medication differently, and reacts to medication differently. Prozac might be the absolute best thing for one person, but another person is allergic to it or it doesn't do anything for them. Trial and error is still the best way to find an anxiety medication that works.
128203
I have social anxiety and have had it all my life.  It's really hard for me to do anything that involves a lot of people, or being the center of attention, or dealing with people of power, going on interviews or being judged by anyone. I never found a way to deal with it without medication. And most medicine didnt help me either. But the only thing that has helped at all is Effexor.  I used to be scared to go through a drive through or say hello to anyone or go through a checkout, but the Effexor has really helped that.  I highly recommend it.  I still have a lot of problems to overcome, but I am well on my way.  So maybe I'm not the best person to help you since I'm not completely cured.  But I also suggest therapy.  I haven't been courageous enough to do that yet, but I know I have to, because it's the only step thats left lol.  \nIt really helps to talk to someone, but not someone in your every day life because they cant really be objective.  I have always wanted to talk to someone that has social anxiety, so you might consider that as well. \nThere is also a book I read that may be of some help to you.  It's called Beyond Shyness: How to Conquer Social Anxieties by Jonathan Berent, ACSW.  It's a very informative book and very easy to read and understand.  It gives you little quizzes that helps you set your goals to overcoming social anxiey.  It's great at helping you determine your specific problems. And it gives you advice on how to overcome your fears.  \nI hope some of this has helped you! If you need anyone to talk to feel free to email me :)  Good luck!
937866
I've had GAD for probably my whole life, but had it clinically diagnosed about two years ago.  It's really tough.  I get anxious about things "normal" people wouldn't, and vice versa - for instance, I can speak in front of hundreds with no problem, but am sometimes scared to death to go out to dinner because I'm afraid I'll get sick while I'm there.  Crazy, isn't it?  But that's GAD - and it's different for everyone.  \n\nI was first put on Lexapro to help with the GAD, and it was wonderful for over a year.  My doctor saw the improvement, and we decided to take me off any drugs for a while.  I was okay for several months, but the anxiety came creeping back until it had returned in full force.  I am now on Paxil daily and Xanax for situational anxiety (such as days I have to travel, etc.)  I am feeling so much better - these meds help me a lot and so does keeping a positive attitude!\n\nBest of luck to you - fight those monsters!
904149
Yes, there are medications and many different types of therapy.  I'm sorry for what you went through.  I can only imagine what it must have been like with the lack of social grace and kindness of most adolescents.  That you make it on stage at all is quite remarkable with the level of anxiety you are experiencing.  And the meds available are far better at reducing anxiety than alcohol so maybe you can give that up.  Start with your family doc or a psychiatrist or even a therapist (many people overcome this without any meds at all.)  Best of luck.
530287
There's prozac for depression which is what paxil is for. If no physical illness is found, you may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist, mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Treatment for GAD most often includes a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy.\n\nMedication: Medicines are available to treat GAD and may be especially helpful for people whose anxiety is interfering with daily functioning. The medications most often used to treat GAD are from a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. These medications are sometimes referred to as "tranquilizers," because they leave you feeling calm and relaxed. They work by decreasing the physical symptoms of GAD, such as muscle tension and restlessness. Common benzodiazepines include Xanax, Librium, Valium and Ativan. Another medicine, BuSpar, also may be used to treat chronic anxiety. BuSpar works by affecting the activity of certain neurotransmitters, including serotonin. Unlike the benzodiazepines, BuSpar does not cause sedation (sleepiness) or lead to dependency. Antidepressants, such as Paxil and Effexor, are also being used to treat GAD. Best of Luck to you & God Speed!
474657
This question is tough because everyone reacts to different drugs in different ways. For anxiety, I actually take the anti-depressant Zoloft. It's been the only one that hasn't made me too jittery or too numb. I can still feel emotions, but I'm better at handling stress...the anxiety just kind of goes away and life comes out feeling alright. I would talk to your doctor and you might have to try a few different ones before you find the one that works the best for you.
618990
There are some prescription medications (Paxil, for one) on the market for social anxiety disorder, if it's really serious. You should consult your doctor or a psychiatrist if you think you have a serious, chronic problem with anxiety. If you have situational anxiety - stage fright, for instance - there's a medication called Inderal (sp?) that works extremely well without affecting performance. \n\nI'm not a doctor, don't know anything about your medical history, and wouldn't presume for a minute to give you advice about how to treat anxiety. I just wanted to pass along some of the medical treatments I've heard about.\n\nFor less serious bouts of anxiety, there are many possibilities, including exercise, psychotherapy, and peer-to-peer counseling.
709901
I have both generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as obsessive cumpulsive disorder (OCD). It's really difficult to cope with at times because I feel helpless and I get pretty severe panic attacks.  I take both medication and I go to therapy which are both helpful. I take Lexapro daily to help me with the anxiety, Neurontin is something I take when I feel a little anxious and need help so I don't have a panic attack. But when I get super overwhelmed and I have a panic attack I take either Xanax or Ativan. I have a really hard time sleeping sometimes because I wake up in the middle of the night anxious and worried. \n\n\nThere are things such as alternative medicine, would you do them?\nYou can do acupuncture, aromatherapy, theres something called the emotional freedom technique, flower essence therapy, and hypnosis hypnotherapy. These thing may sound stange, but deep breathing exercises are good things to do. Daily exercise is really important and helps sooo much. Avoid alcohol and carbonated soft drinks. Eat bananas, broccoli, brown rice, dried fruits, figs, fish, garlic, soy products, yogurt. Try eating small meals rather than three meals a say. Magnesium supplements are useful. Limit your intake of animal protein. \n\nAromatherapy can help try carrying a bottle with you to sprink on a handkercheif and inhale when your having a hard time. Use lavender, rosemary, and valerian. \n\nSometimes affirmations can help. Tell yourself to repeat that you are alright things will be alright etc. If you cant to that daily, record a tape you can listlen to ful lof affirmations. \n\nColor therapy can help with radiating the colors blue indigo and green. \n\nValerian tea can ease anxiety as well. \n\nHypnosis may not be something you want to do , but it can help. \n\nYoga, mediation, and biofeedback can help reduce anxiety as well. \n\n\nIts great you are sick of it controlling your life and seeking help. Maybe you can go with someone to talk to a docotor. Ativan comes in liquid form, a concentrate, that you can put in juice or applesauce, maybe that would be good lots of things come like that if you feel medication may work. \n\nYou can email me if you i want I have a bunch more suggestions. \nGood Luck
694418
Sounds like anxiety perhaps some depression also , the drug paxil works for me and have had no problems since I began taking it along with zanax . It is prescribed for anxiety,depression and obsessive compulsive difficulties. There are other drugs available also. Get checked out you'll be glad you did . It could be from a chemical imbalance in your body and these drugs stimulate your body to produce more which then helps the problem. Good luck there are solutions so no need to continue putting up with it.