So I have a review on the 19th May, I'm currently only taking Mirtazapine for depression & anxiety.
For the past few months my anxiety/panic has become crippling to the point that every couple of hours I'm in tears, terrified. I've broached the subject on many occasions with my CPN/OT, & I'm thinking of asking for some meds to help contain my panic as its stopping me going out etc.
I was wondering what, if any, has worked for you? Obviously everyone is different & I'll listen to my team, but is taking anti anxiety medication useful, and is it addictive?
I'm so sorry your anxiety and panic attacks are causing your such distress; I understand just how scary they can be.
Medical professionals tend to prefer prescribing anti-depressants like Mirtazapine/Sertraline etc to help manage anxiety symptoms, due to the fact they aren't addictive.
Benzodiazepines are only often prescribed for short term use, due to their addictive nature, psychologically and physiologically. I find diazepam very helpful, although I understand that this isn't a long term solution and many doctor's are reluctant to prescribe and if they do agree to prescribe, they often only give you a small quantity.
Have you tried another anti-depressant? Sertraline can be very effective for anxiety. I don't know how you feel about herbal medicine, but have you tried rescue remedy? Are you receiving any therapy? Remember medication will only mask symptoms.
I understand just how distressing panic attacks can be and how anti anxiety medicines can seem like the only answer, however they can often cause further problems, like addiction and dependency.
I was prescribed Diazapem for 2 weeks about a week ago, & that helped alot, but obviously its not a long term thing.
I've been on sertraline & that didn't help either, eugh.
I guess I'm just asking 'cause I'm not sleeping due to fearing I'm not going to wake up etc. & when I don't sleep, the irrational side of me gets worse, so its like a vicious cycle...
Just started Propranolol myself and it is useful for the physical symptoms of anxiety. I am also on seroquel for moods and it helps calm me down as well. I take my seroquel at night so it eases me into sleep.
I understand the need for medication as a circuit breaker because of such a sense of anxiety. You deserve a break from this, it sounds horrendous for you so I hope they can suggest something.
Also is there any way you can speak to someone about medication or even a bit of Valium before May 19? Even if just a brief solution before the full review
Its like my body is in constant anxiety/panic mode, even if I don't feel anxious... Like, I'll have chills & sweats all day & I'll feel dizzy & my hands will shake, even if I'm not thinking 'I'm anxious' in my brain... its like my body just DOES it? Is that possible?
Oh one thing is that propranolol and other beta blockers lower heart rates and blood pressure so if that is already being reduced by your ED then it may be but advisable.
And yes unfortunately that can happen even if you're not thinking you're anxious.
Okay, I'm going to call my CPN after easter because despite not feeling anxious my body is like on fight or flight mode constantly & it fuels my anxiety. bah!
I am in a similar situation to you in that my anxiety is really bad and I see my psych on tuesday to ask for something to help.
I've done some research and found that pregabalin (Lyrica) is approved for anxiety and is in the NICE guidelines and is helping a lot of people with their anxiety.
Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back, everything is different…
you once called your brain a hard drive, well say hello to the virus.
Just to say propranolol is a beta blocker and will lower blood pressure, its probably unsafe in someone that faints and was a reason I came off it.
Pregablin and buspirone might be worth discussing, obviously ask about propranolol but it did make my BP drop further. SSRI's don't work for some people but there are a few other classes of medications out there to try. SNRI's work slightly differently also [venlafaxine, duoloxetine].
I hope you get some respite from the anxiety soon x
I'm on Citalopram (like Celexa) and it doesn't seem to help me much. My insomnia is worse, I've been shaky and twitchy since, grinding my teeth, nightmares, etc. my best friend used to take it as well and same thing, so I dont recommend it. I am at loss as to if I should just quit it all or try something else. I dont have a family doctor anymote, nor psychologist but I am taking notes on what you guys mentionned.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
I'm taking pregabalin and it works for me.. I used to feel a bit like you do, constantly in flight or fight mode, shaking with adrenalin for no reason, with burning chills all over my skin, but that has all gone now.
Definitely one to ask about :)
It's definately worth asking your care team for help. Do you do any other things for your anxiety like relaxation or mindfulness?
When we lose twenty pounds... we may be losing the twenty best pounds we have! We may be losing the pounds that contain our genius, our humanity, our love and honesty. ~Woody Allen
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