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holly
USA
243 Posts |
 Posted - 12/06/2004 : 05:40:33
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| I was always proud to think that somehow I go thru life without resorting to being on some kind of meds. But I am starting to wonder. Maybe I should start taking something to help deal with my constant anxiety/worry. The thought of going on some of this stuff daily scares me because once your on what is going to happen when you go off? You really can't just "go off" these drugs without ramifications. Who really knows the long term effects either?. The funny thing was that one orthopedist actually prescribed a combo of vioxx and some "antidepressant" for my toe problem and it made me soooo irritable I threw the whole bottle in the garbage after 2 days. (He wasn't giving it to me for being depressed by the way. It was suppose to help my toe problem some how) I am not depressed but I am always worrying about one thing and then when I finish I move on to worrying/anxiety about the the next thing. It is especially bad when I wake up, still in bed. My mind just keeps going & going. Once I am up it isn't as bad and I start my day. So...back to the medication issue. How many of my fellow TMS friends have had any positive experience w/medication? What about just taking something here and there (not constant)as needed for anxiety just to calm down once in awhile? I don't like any "drowsy feeling" either as I am tired enough! Anyone ?? |
Edited by - holly on 12/06/2004 05:45:53 |
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plainchant
41 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 06:03:05
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A doctor had prescribed anti-anxiety medication for me when I went to him for my mysterious (at the time) pain. I never took it and am glad I did not. If I had taken it I would have never discovered about TMS. As many TMSers know, Dr. Claire Weekes' "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" provides effective anti-anxiety advice (which helped me beyond Dr. Sarno's teaching). And why drop a nuclear bomb on an ant hill with hardcore meds when you can drink herbal teas containing chamomile such as Tazo's "Calm" and those from Celestial Seasoning? Those should mellow you out. And what about some yoga? Most anxiety can be arrested with exercise and proper breathing techniques.
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Suzanne
USA
66 Posts |
Posted - 12/06/2004 : 09:11:02
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Since the anti-anxiety/anti-depressants have to be taken daily, or you'll surely be messed up, my TMS psychologist said to ask about a temporary solution for when the anxiety is so bad I cannot get it to go down myself. The reason being is that I was having sporadic anxiety attacks, and felt like I was racing, short of breath and and couldn't stop the worry or whatever it was, my mind just kept going and going no matter what. I tried relaxation techniques and suggestions from Claire Week's book, and numerous other relaxation methods. When none would work, and the anxiety kept raging, I got desperate. My doctor prescribed the lowest dose of Klonopin, which I only take now and then, when the worst is going on. Strangly, I don't get sleepy, but my heart stops racing and I calm down enough to take a deep breath. I don't take it daily. I try anything else first. Without the anti-anxiety drug, I'd have gone nuts after my car accident three weeks ago, and during other serious incidents where I was all wound up and felt so anxious that I would explode. I haven't taken one in a week now.
As for doctors giving antidepressants or antipsychotics for the pain, I've been there. I was given Risperdal, and told it would slow down the pain signals. Within a short time, I was 20 pounds heavier, and so tired all the time I could barely function. The pain level really was the same, but now I was overweight and sluggish. Then I found out the medication was an antipsychotic, caused massive weight gain, and would be a doozy to wean off of. It's for Bipolar mania and Schizophrenia. Can you imagine what it was doing to my mind? Once missed 2 days of it and felt like I really had those disorders. BAD stuff. I'll stick to my own non-medication methods and the Clonazepam (Klonopin) when needed. |
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n/a
374 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2004 : 02:05:54
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Hi Holly
I took low dose valium for around seven months - I was extremely anxious - panic attacks etc around the time I found out about TMS. The pain in my lower back was pretty unbearable at that time. I think that it helped get me in the proper frame of mind to begin the work (which has been very successful), using Dr Sarno's methods, that was needed to help me recover. I weaned off them and have never taken them, or wanted to take them since.
I'm not saying that I would recommend them to anyone. I know many people have great trouble getting off them, but they seemed to work well for me.
Prior to prescribing valium, my doctor advised me to take an SSRI - celexa, in my case. I had a dreadful experience with them - hallucinations, suicidal thoughts - they were truly awful - I took the for around six weeks. I started on the valium right after that.
By the way, I agree with Plainchant about Dr Weekes' books - they are great! I'd certainly recommend them. Camomile tea is pretty good as well.
Best wishes
Anne |
Edited by - n/a on 12/07/2004 02:08:32 |
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JoeC
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - 12/08/2004 : 01:18:46
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I take low dose Atavan. It is a "benzo" drug similar to valium. I have been on it for several years with no problems at all and it is very effective. I find it works better than valium and doesn't give me that "high" feeling or make me sleepy. I don't feel anything from it, it just takes the edge off.
My girlfriend took one once, however, and it really knocked her out, so it doesn't have the same effect on everyone. The three main benzo-diazapams are valium, zanax, and atavan and different individuals get different results from each one. The pharmacology of Atavan shows it stays in the blood stream the longest of the three, so it is better as a preventative. I understand the others may work a little quicker and may be better in a crisis. If you can sort of "see it comin" atavan may be for you.
From what I know they are relatively safe and the main problem is dependence/addiction. I do not have that problem (I don't crave them, or "crash" without them, nor do I need a higher dose as time goes on) but you may so be careful. My doctor told me there is no evidence long term use is harmful physically (i.e. cancer, liver problems).
Joe |
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Colleen
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2005 : 09:03:36
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Holly,
Found this post of yours and had to respond. I have taken a very low dosage of an anti-anxiety medication for years. The Doctors wanted to increase it when my Mom died and when I had my hysterectomy which THREW me into menopause!! I resisted and stayed on the same small amount. I would like to get off of it, but that is not so easy to do.
Colleen
Colleen H. Mazzola |
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Carol
91 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2005 : 11:12:31
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When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, had major surgery, and our lives were in a turmoil, his doctor have him a prescription for Xanax. He was advised to take half a pill (don't remember the dosage), only when he really couldn't deal with the anxiety. It was a lifesaver for both of us! We still have some left, that is how rarely we took it, but it really helped so much! That was 5 years ago. It is addictive, but if you have the kind of temperment that can take it only when you really can't cope, it is a great drug!
Carol |
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Ginag
51 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2005 : 14:49:22
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Holly- About a year ago, my doctor prescribed Xanax 5 mg for when I'm really in a rage over something and my dizziness symptons kick in. Since then, I find it definitely calms me down and helps me have a good night's sleep. And even more important, the next day I don't suffer from the extreme dizziness that use to manifest itself the day after an enraging incident. I only need it a couple of times per month and am not worried about addiction at that rate. If you feel you have the willpower to control how often you will indulge, you might want to try its effectiveness.
Gina |
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Colleen
USA
138 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2005 : 15:10:56
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Holly,
What I take is a very small dosage (half a pill) of klonopin. It is like Xanax, but longer lasting.
Colleen H. Mazzola |
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MikeC
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2005 : 15:13:22
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Holly,
My doctor put me on Buspirone 10 mg/2x day. It is an anti-anxiety med that is suppose to help with pain. I think it has made me a less anxious to the point that I can sleep through the night. Before, I would wake up in the middle of the night and stare at the ceiling wondering if I was going to make it through another day. I would spend the three-fours hours thinking EVERY worst-case scenario in the world. My TMS doc calls it "catastrophising" (sp?). I call it "life". No one can tell you what the best thing to do is but you may want to try something. I know some people with psychological issues in which they felt that the medication made a huge difference.
Good luck,
Mike C |
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Louise
USA
68 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2005 : 16:18:10
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Before discovering Dr. Sarno, I was in a really bad place with sciatic pain that had resumed about a year after having had back surgery. My Neurosurgeon gave me a prescription for Zoloft. I took them for about 2 1/2 months & didn't like the way it made me feel, so I tapered off the medication, and said good riddance.
However, I do have my GP give me a prescription for 30 Xanax, which I fill about 2x per year. I take 1/2 a pill (I believe that they're 5 mg) when I'm feeling anxious, or am having one of those episodes where I can't "let go" of something that's bothering me. I tend to replay things over & over in my mind, like it's on a loop of tape or film. I know that people say that Xanax is addictive, but I just don't see it myself. With me, Xanax makes me feel "normal" - not high or fuzzy or whatever. It just allows me to let go of what I'm anxious about.  |
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lobstershack
Australia
250 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2005 : 20:15:09
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I have posted previously about my medication situation, but here goes: I have been taking the combo of Wellbutrin SR and Lexapro for the past year and a half or so. When I first say my psychiatrist I was desperate, depressed, suicidal, a mess to say the least. The medications helped a lot with the suicidal thoughts, OCD, and overall anxiety, but not markedly; just enough so as to facilitate me taking charge of my own recovery through therapy, and now, Sarno.
I must say, though, please make sure the doctor you are seeing is very well versed in psychopharmacology. Not only did I have to "shop around", but when I found my doctor, I had to experiment for a few months before I found the combination that worked for me.
If you are going to take this route, be patient, and remind yourself that the medications are being taken in order to speed the healing of your TMS--which is, when all is said and done,the underlying cause.
Seth |
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Carolyn
184 Posts |
Posted - 03/02/2005 : 21:43:06
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I was also very hesitant about taking drugs- thought I should be stronger than that but after my 3rd of 7 surgeries, I had a full-blown depression and a friend convinced me I needed some help. I went on Paxil which was truely a lifesaver. It was very hard to get on -it made me so sleepy for about 2 weeks I didn't feel safe driving but then all of a sudden at about 2-3 weeks on it, I felt completely happy and normal again. I took it for about 5 months, then weened off with no problems at all. Several years later, still plagued by the unrelenting pain, I asked my doctor to try zoloft- I was not actually depressed this time but I just wanted to be happy again. I found this very easy to get on but didn't feel it made me feel that different. I stayed on it about a year and then had a very difficult time getting off of this drug.
Now, I just have a prescription for Xanax which was actually prescribed for me to help stop muscle spasms. I take it only very occassionally. It is great for helping you get a good night sleep as long as you don't use it too often and for me it does seem to help break the cycle of muscle spasms and pain that I still get occassionally.
Bottom line, is that I would save the SSRIs for a real depression but it's good just to know you have a bottle of Xanax around if you need it occassionally.
Carolyn |
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Hilary
United Kingdom
191 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 02:30:11
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Holly, I found your post interesting because it reflects this often-held opinion that there's something inherently weak about people who take medication. Unfortunately there is still a huge stigma around taking medication for problems connected with the mind. Equally unfortunately, there are no prizes in life for being determined to stay away from meds while letting anxiety rule your life.
Your questions are completely normal, and you should talk to a good psychiatrist about your concerns. I can assure you that people DO come off meds without lasting ramifications, and that meds makelife a hell of a lot easier for many, many people.
plainchant, with all due respect, drinking camomile tea and doing yoga simply doesn't work for everyone. And you can still work on breathing and relaxation techniques while taking medication! If anything, meds return you to a sense of your "true" self, underneath all this anxiety / depression crap, and allow you to explore different methods of relaxation.
I was on Zoloft for depression and Klonopin for anxiety for quite a long time. Now I've tapered off the Zoloft and I'm still taking a small amount of Klonopin for anxiety.
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Fredarm57
USA
72 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 07:36:00
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| After my relapse in 2000, I was put on Klonopin and Zoloft. I tapered off the Klonopin after a few months (it can be habit-forming for some people and I didn't want to take the chance) and have been on Zoloft for the past 5 years or so. I suspect that my trying to taper off Zoloft the past few months may have contributed to my latest TMS episode. Some of us just need a little help with our brain chemistry--no shame in that. |
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MikeC
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 07:45:02
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Hilary and Fred,
Thanks for the support on taking medication. I was adverse to all meds but when I was at my lowest in December, my friends suggested that I try something. My TMS doc suggested Buspirone for anxiety. Nothing yet for depression but I think on my next appointment, I am going to ask for something. It seems that Zoloft worked well for the two of you so I am going to suggest that when I see him. Hilary, you are exactly right when you say that the prize for no medication is to have your life ruined by anxiety or depression while we go through this.
Thanks,
Mike C |
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Hilary
United Kingdom
191 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2005 : 13:03:42
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Mike, if there's any question in your mind that you may be depressed, don't hesitate to go to a good psycho-pharmacologist and get a full workup. You're doing exactly the right thing in trying different approaches to help yourself - especially if you suspect you may be depressed. Depression is a serious condition, and it needs to be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
There is nothing "strong" about refusing a medication that may make life easier and happier! It's the oldest argument in the book, but if depression was another illness - say, diabetes - we wouldn't hesitate to take medication. I wish society could be more forgiving and understanding of depression and anxiety.
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Edited by - Hilary on 03/05/2005 04:34:26 |
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Laura
USA
655 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2005 : 20:46:03
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Holly,
Have you ever heard of Bach Flower Remedies? You get it in health food stores and I bought some recently and used it. It is not a drug nor does it work like a drug. However, the effects are very subtle. We have a pharmacy that has a Wellness Center next door to it. I went there when I was having bad stomach problems. They recommended Acidophilus (spelling?) and the Bach Flower Rescue Remedy to help calm me down. I use it every time I'm feeling stressed and anxious and it just takes the edge off but not in a drugged up way. You may give it a try and see what you think. You can probably read about it on-line. This stuff was created by Dr. Edward Bach, a British physician, bacteriologist, and immunologist back in the 1930's. Just thought I'd give you something else to think about. Good luck!
Laura
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jinkajone
4 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2008 : 01:22:38
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Anxiety medication helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety. They do not completely cure anxiety and every person responds individually to the medication.
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sborthwick
87 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2008 : 08:53:19
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I wanted to know for those who have taken Zoloft if you
a. had any side affects like weight gain and carb cravings on them or
b. had difficulty and if so, what were the symptoms, coming off it?
I have only been taking 12.5 mg every night but wanted to come off it because it makes me crave carbs and feel very bloated. I am down to 5 mg every other night and will do that over 2 weeks.
Any info would be great.... |
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Littlebird
USA
391 Posts |
Posted - 05/05/2008 : 10:16:41
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When I tried Zoloft I felt ravenously hungry and was eating every hour and a half. I gained weight, so I quit taking it. I didn't have any problems stopping. I don't remember the dose, only that it was low.
My DIL also gained a lot of weight on Zoloft and had to stop taking it. I don't think she had any trouble coming off.
Since you're tapering the dose, I would think you're not that likely to experience any problems when you stop. |
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Anyone taking medication for anxiety?
