Can we talk about anti-anxiety meds?

Ok, so here's the story: I hate to ask this because I like to think I can handle a lot, but my son and husband are both in the midst of serious medical situations (seizure disorder and cancer, respectively) and my work is insanely stressful right now. I swing between being totally stressed out and then completely exhausted and going to bed at about 8 pm to try to escape from it all. Then I wake up in the middle of the night with panic attacks.

I'm beginning to think I might need something to help me through this time. Exercise helps a lot but only for a limited time and it's not possible every day with the way things are right now. I've tried all the meditation, deep breathing, yadda, yadda, yadda, but again those only help when I'm doing them but I freak out again when I get back to work.

So, anyone know anything about anti-anxiety meds? Do they work? Do they have bad side effects? Any input or suggestions for me? You girls are always such a great help. so HELP!

First off, Major hugs for you! You are dealing with more stress than anyone should have to handle--ever! Let alone at one time! Please take care of youself. If you are having the 'wake up in the middle of the night' anxiety only at night, maybe try a Rx sleeping pill first? If you are having anxiety all the time(justifiably so!), then maybe try the anti-anxiety medication. I know of even kids on anti-anxiety medication--like zoloft and it makes a world of difference for them. I know of a lot of people on anti-anxiety medication for short periods of time--like maybe a couple of months or a year, but not forever--to help them get through a bad patch and it seems to help. Good luck with this and sorry that you are going through so much right now.

I do....my ex husband is a psychologist and a doctor of pharmaceuticals...pm me or email me at [email protected]

You know. . . i was totally against going on anything when i was diagnosed with cancer, but after talking to my doctors and my father-in-law, who is a Pharmicist, I agreed. It really helped me to be able to process dealing with Traumatic Stress Disorder and I got over the whole idea of taking something to help me with that.

I took Celexa, just 10mg and I didn't notice any side effects. . .that said, I was taking lots of other things to! It's not addictive and you can cut back by taking 1/2 a pill a day when you decide you don't need as much any more.

I'm sorry to hear that you are dealing with so much right now! {{hugs}} and I hope that you are able to figure out what will be best for you!

Wow, Dawn, you're really going through a lot right now! I'm sorry to hear of your son and husband's medical conditions. That's a lot for one person to deal with.

Have you talked with your physician about your symptoms? There are several medications that could be helpful, but some can only be used for short-term relief because they can be addictive. Xanax is one that's very effective for short-term anxiety (panic attacks), like you're describing, but it is habit-forming.

I hope you find some relief soon.

Dawn, I'm so sorry you're going through so much. That seems so overwhelming to me, and a stressful job on top of that is unimaginable!

I would definitely call your general practitioner and talk to them about your symptoms and thoughts and such. Everyone reacts to different meds differently, but I hope you can find some sort of relief soon.

((((((Dawn)))))))!!

I suffer from anxiety attacks on a regular basis, which is why I don't leave the house a lot. I take Xanax .5mg. I usually break it in half because a full one will put me to sleep still after being on this med for 5 years. Works for me too. (((((((((Hugs))))))))) to you and I will pray for your situation. Hang in their kiddo you have a lot of friends here who have you in their thoughts and prayers.

I took Celexa during a rough patch where there was alot of family drama going on while I was in college. It really did help a lot and it didn't have any crazy side effects.
I definitely think you should talk to your doctor and maybe see someone as well to help and give you some emotional support. I'm sure that it is something that you don't want to burden your hubby with and you probably hold a lot of stuff in because you feel like he needs you to be strong. But you are only human and there is no shame in seeking support, even if it means taking some medicine. If it helps you to cope with what you are going through now it can only be a good thing!
I hope you get some help and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers!

{{{HUGS}}} Dawn! Sorry you are having to deal with so much right now! I would definitely talk to your doctor. I was on Fluxotene for a couple of years and it helped me a lot!!

That is a LOT on your plate at one time - don't be scared of getting help for yourself, you are worth it!!!

I was having anxiety - depression and panic issues and zero self confidence a while back and went to a psychiatrist who specializes in NOT using medication when not necesssary - she actually just let me talk for an hour each appointment, I went every other week for a while (cover by OHIP in canada) and gave me some coping strategies - I think cognitive behaviour therapy - that helped a LOT. It mostly helped me to see that the things I was dealing with and trying to carry on my own (wacko family - not my husband but my parents and brothers) it was okay to feel the way I was feeling about them. And it was important for me to gain confidene in getting to know people, talking to people, because I had been so hurt by past issues that I was scared to leave my house, or talk to anyone.
For me, I probably would have just been put on meds by anyone else, and not really delt with stuff, so it was very good. I think for your situation, you need to be well to get through what you're going through, but it might be very good to find a 'talking doctor' if you can, or a therapist of some kind to just talk to (in addition to meds, if you think you need them). That will give you longange coping strategies and a good perspective.

((hugs)) Dawn! I am so sorry you have to deal with all of this! I can certainly be extremely stressful and overwhelming. I would totally talk to your doctor and see what route you should take. I was on xanax and ambien for a period there (but I am sooo scared of taking pills etc I only took them when I totally felt I had too) after my first husband had a severe stroke (very bad brain bleed). We were stuck in Florida (happened while we were on vacation) for a month until he was able to be moved back to Illinois. He was moved by air ambulance and went straight from icu to icu. I eventually had to go back to work because the bills were piling up (I was a correctional officer at the time). Between going through all the many trials with him (very long story in itself), working 16 hours plus some days, and trying to care for our then 3 year old son, sometimes I would just breakdown for no reason. That is when my doctor said I should take these until I get through it all.

I hope everything gets better for you hon! Life can be so unpleasant at times!! ((hugs))

(((((((((dawn)))))))))) I'm so sorry you're going through all that hon. I was on Paxil for a while and it really helped. I've also been on Zoloft, and prozac.

Thanks so much girls! It really helps to know that there are options out there. I'm gonna call my doctor and see what the best plan is -- whether medication or otherwise. Thanks for your support and sharing your stories with me -- it really helps.

I suffer from depression and panic attacks and take Effexor for the depression and Xanax for the panic.

i have depression and anxiety and i take lexapro.when i was preggo i took celexa and both are great for me. the only thing ihave noticed and hope this isn't too personal was the one side effect i had was low sex drive! lol... mix that with being totallyed exhausted anyways from my son and work.. poor hubby! lol
but they work great for me and i am happier better person.

I'm so sorry you are dealing with all of that right now Dawn!!! I don't know about meds because the 2 that I've tried never really worked for me and I don't have the money to keep trying. But I hope that you get it all figured out!

I don't have any advice, I just wanted to give you a big hug! Sorry you and your family are going through a rough time.

((((Hugs)))))

Big hugs, Dawn! Hang in there! Yes, there are side effects, but if it helps you get through day to day, IMHO they are mitigated. It may take a while to find the right balance. And hopefully, your stressors will get more under control and you can taper off. I look at medication as reinforcement for the mental relaxation and focus exercises when you simply do not have the energy to go through them. Give yourself a break, Dawn, you are worth it.