taking medication

[weightless]

i've made a few posts here about my anxiety, but one thing that's holding me back from going to the doctors is if i will have to take medication. I know that i wont necessarily have to, but if i do, could anyone tell me about the different medications you can go on, and what the side effects are, just incase?
one thing im extremely concerned about is weight gain, i wouldnt be able to handle that

[Once A Fallen Angel]

For anxiety/depression/self harm I am on;
Venlafaxine-- had no side effects
Pregabalin-- really, really good for the anxiety probs and no side effects, am on this x2 a day
Olanzapine-- admittedly put a LOT of weight on with this, but everyone is different
Lorazepam PRN-- no side effects.

It really is worth talking to your doctor and if he reccomends meds tell him you are worried about weight gain. xxx

[~Grace~]

i too am on Pregabalin. I find it really good for anxiety, but i have gained some weight with it/ But everyone reacts differently. Id go with an open mind and see what your doctor advices x

[Imperfect.Star]

Common ones to start with are SSRIs (like citalopram and fluoxetine).
I think beta blockers are still used for anxiety (although if you have an ED and your heart rate is slow then probably not).
For acute episodes you can use benzodiazepines (like diazepam, lorazepam) but where possible it's better not to use these regularly/long term because they can be quite addictive.
I don't think that any of these meds are particularly associated with weight gain.

[not_so_insig]

Just because weight gain is listed as a side effect doesnt mean you will gain dramatically or gain at all. I know that is no comfort, but it's a reality. I am on a drug that has weight gain as a side effect, and I have not gained any weight due to it.

Antipsychotics are the worse drugs mh wise for weight gain, antidepressants are not. Diazapam and other benzodiazapines are not associated with weight gain either.

[Jetforce]

Anxiety and depression go hand in hand in most situations and generally the doc's will start with modern anti-depressants first (SSRI's class brand). The side effects are different with each person but generally you might experience nausea/vomiting, consiptation/diarrhoea and maybe weight gain. Hope that helps a bit and doesn't change your mind to go see your GP!

[Pretty.Reckless]

I'm on Fluoxetine for depression, can be used for anxiety too. The side effects are the worsening of your condition within the first two weeks before the medication starts kicking in.....drowsiness is the main one i suffered from...constantly tired.