Intro and a question about meds

[Deleted]

Hi everyone! I'm so glad to have found this board. I've suffered with anxiety since I was a child and have occasionally seen therapists, but I'm thinking medication may be helpful in my case. I'm just not sure where to start. Do I start with my family doctor? I've tried to find psychiatrists in my area, however, everyone seems to have bad reviews online and no one seems to be a good fit.

Also, I was wondering if anti-anxiety medications are something I would need to be on for the rest of my life, or for periods of time. I'm assuming if they work, and I stop using them, my anxiety returns.

I appreciate your help and I'm looking forward to being a part of your community! 

[Deleted]

I've never trusted online reviews for therapists or psychiatrists. My advice would be to see who is covered by your insurance, then check out their websites. Most will give a blurb about what they specialize in and what type of treatment methods they provide.

[flcl]

Welcome Agree with @wallflwr926 about checking out someone who your insurance covers. You can also ask your family doctor for recs. If you're looking for meds, you will want to work with a psychiatrist. While I do really like my psychiatrist, I don't spend the same amount of time talking to him about what's going as I do my therapist.

[helloamanda]

Hello! Sorry to hear you are struggling with anxiety. I also have anxiety, and I take Ativan as needed for it. I'm also on Cymbalta twice a day for my depression. You could start with your family doctor, but they will probably refer you to a psych. My family doctor is the first one who prescribed Ativan for me so they may be able to give you something until you can see a psych. Take Care!

[icequeen]

Welcome! Just wanted to echo what the other ladies said about speaking to your family doctor and getting a referral to see a psychiatrist in your network. they can much better guide you with medication. I am sure you can find a good combination of medication that will work for you. It may take a couple tries to get it right so don't get discouraged. We're here for you if need any additional support!

[Deleted]

Thank you so much, everyone!

[dee]

Welcome! I'm currently on Wellbutrin, Effexor, and as-needed Xanax for anxiety. I've been on and off various anti-anxiety medications since college. Your doctor will help decide whether you need to stay on them for an extended period, or whether you can eventually wean off them. I've started weaning off of them because we plan to TTC in August, I'm kind of terrified of what that will be like (I've been on them about four years).

Ditto PPs suggesting to ask for a referral from your PCP. This is a really great, supportive board, hope to hear some good news from you!

[Deleted]

Welcome!

[Deleted]

Feb 21, 2015 8:28:59 GMT -5 @gussie said:

Hi everyone! I'm so glad to have found this board. I've suffered with anxiety since I was a child and have occasionally seen therapists, but I'm thinking medication may be helpful in my case. I'm just not sure where to start. Do I start with my family doctor? I've tried to find psychiatrists in my area, however, everyone seems to have bad reviews online and no one seems to be a good fit.

Also, I was wondering if anti-anxiety medications are something I would need to be on for the rest of my life, or for periods of time. I'm assuming if they work, and I stop using them, my anxiety returns.

I appreciate your help and I'm looking forward to being a part of your community! 

So I somehow missed the part of your post where you asked about needing to be on anti-anxiety medication for the rest of your life. The answer is that everyone is different and some people will need medications for a short and others may require extended use. I've suffered from severe social anxiety for as long as I can remember. I've had panic attacks and episodes of agoraphobia over the years. I spent a semester of college at a community college because the dorm environment was too stressful.
Over the years, ive been prescribed several different medications which all helped for a short while (Paxil, klonopin, Ativan). My situation is a little different than others due to the fact that I have Narcolepsy, because for me there appears to be a direct correlation between the quality of my sleep and the amount of anxiety I can tolerate. My current medication regimen of Lithium, Nuvigil and Ambien has been working really well. I no longer take any anti-anxiety medications; I have not had a panic attack in over a year and it's amazing. There are times that I still get anxious, like when I have to meet new people or if someone says they need to talk to me about something (I really wish my boss would stop doing this, I swear my heart skips a beat every time); but it's getting better each time.
Basically, what I'm trying to explain is that yes, the medications will help but there is no guarantee the anxiety will completely disappear. Part of your treatment goal should be to work with a therapist to identify what triggers your anxiety and develop appropriate coping skills. By identifying your triggers, you can find ways to work through them. You and your psych/therapist will determine what methods are most appropriate; whether it's breathing techniques, long-term prep, or exposure therapy.
Just remember you are in control of your anxiety, your anxiety does not control you.

[kmmd]

Im in a very similar situation. I've suffered with anxiety for most of my life. My family doctor does have psych specialties so I've gotten my medications from her but I've used her as a great resource to find therapists so maybe yours could help you to find someone to work with.

You don't need to be on medication for life IF you go to therapy and work on what is causing your anxiety. I've done meds only and when I stopped taking them the anxiety comes back just as bad or worse than before.

It is a really long process, but it is important to find a medication and a therapist that work for you. I've made huge strides lately with my new therapist. And while I'm on medication still now, I can see myself coming off of them one day and not having anxiety every waking second.

Good luck!

[runnergirl812]

For me, I started with my PCP who made recommendations for a psychologist. Instead of using the list she provided, I waited. And it got worse. I finally found a therapist after attending a church women's retreat, where my now psychologist was doing a session on mental wellness and stress management. I am so thankful for that retreat!

My therapist (specializes in cognitive behavior therapy) is awesome and she referred me to a psychiatrist for meds. In the last month, I've been attending therapy and start taking klonopin and Prozac last week. Klonopin at night to help me sleep and wake up with less anxiety - also to help me get on top of the anxiety while the Prozac kicks in. And Prozac once a day (morning with food) for the time being. I'm being monitored for the next couple weeks to see how I do. And the therapy is really to help me long term and be able to (eventually hopefully) wean off the Prozac.

So far, my biggest side effect is drowsiness. I'm really sleepy. But the good thing is that I'm sleeping like a baby at night. Hopefully some of my anxiety symptoms will lesson.