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[mattiewheels]

If so, to what degree did they help you? And what kinds?

My doc told me I have 'generalized anxiety disorder', and I've been taking Zoloft for the past two-and-a-half weeks. It only seems to make me more anxious. I might have blown a job interview today because I was so damn shaky. I'm just wondering whether I need to give it more time to kick in, or just try to deal with the problem without drugs...

 

[marko]

Ask the doctor for some xanax during majorly stressful situations (like job interview).

As for Zoloft, well, it is an SSRI, so I think typically one type of SSRI might work better than others. I was put on effexor once, man, that crap was horrible. But paxil wasn't nearly as bad (except certain side effects). Personally, if you think you can conquer a problem without drugs, go for it, it is probably better that way.

 

[way more]

How about seaching the forums, this topic comes up everyweek.

My usual reply is that drugs without proper therapy will do nothing.

 

[MrAngryFace]

st johns wort. Not a med but it works to some degree.

 

[White Man]

I'm the big forum anti-psychiatrist, and I usually appear against all meds, but depending on the anxiety, I'm all for issuing barbituates.

I haven't been able to afford to get it filled for two months (fuck you US prescription prices) and it's not for anxiety, but I have a prescription to Klonopin. It really takes the edge off, and I really think it's saved my mind a few times.

EDIT: But an SSRI for anxiety? They tried that on me as a teenager, and things got ugly fast. All those stories you hear about anti-depresents actually causing depression in teenagers? I think that happened to me. Went off the deep end until things changed.

 

[mattiewheels]

I'm doing therapy, too. I just feel like my anxiety is such a physical thing, that it crops up even when I KNOW things are gonna be perfectly okay, which led me to think that a pill might help. Most situations I'm fine, but some I'm just hopeless. I usually avoid so many things because of anxiety fears.

MAF, how bad was your anxiety before the St. Johns?

 

[Fifty]

EDIT: But an SSRI for anxiety? They tried that on me as a teenager, and things got ugly fast. All those stories you hear about anti-depresents actually causing depression in teenagers? I think that happened to me. Went off the deep end until things changed.

Same here...stay away from that shit. It's too much of a risk.

 

[Wendo]

If so, to what degree did they help you? And what kinds?

My doc told me I have 'generalized anxiety disorder', and I've been taking Zoloft for the past two-and-a-half weeks. It only seems to make me more anxious. I might have blown a job interview today because I was so damn shaky. I'm just wondering whether I need to give it more time to kick in, or just try to deal with the problem without drugs...

Is this a psychiatrist, or is it just a regular family doctor prescribing the meds? Zoloft seems like an odd choice to be the first medication to start you out on. Often regular family doctors will go with the big brand name drugs like Prozac or Zoloft instead of the lesser known medications. If it is a family doc, I'd strongly suggest that you get in to see a psychiatrist.

I'd also suggest asking your doctor about BuSpar- it's much more specialized to your condition than Zoloft (which is supposedly good for treating a variety of disorders). The side effects aren't as nasty, and it's non habit forming. If that doesn't work out for you, you could try a benzodiazepine like Xanax or Valium.

 

[adam20]

How about seaching the forums, this topic comes up everyweek.

My usual reply is that drugs without proper therapy will do nothing.

uh therapy does nothing except for those with esteem issues. nothing. only if you have the mildest case would it do anything at all.

 

[adam20]

I'm doing therapy, too. I just feel like my anxiety is such a physical thing, that it crops up even when I KNOW things are gonna be perfectly okay, which led me to think that a pill might help. Most situations I'm fine, but some I'm just hopeless. I usually avoid so many things because of anxiety fears.

MAF, how bad was your anxiety before the St. Johns?

paxil is supposed to specialize mainly in anxiety. But you should seek a real psychiatrist. no family doc nonsense. Your health is important and this is a big issue for you. So go seek a professional. I studied some of this stuff in the past. Something more mild like Ativan could work well for you. It is made specifically for anxiety as such so are various benzodiazapams (spelling). Ask your doctor about non SSRI options and if those dont work try an SSRI. SSRIS work in 3-6 weeks time. While benzos and other such non ssri meds can work right away. That is why I suggest something like ativan. But you need to see a pdoc. Get to it sunny

 

[White Man]

I've been prescribed to every drug mentioned in this thread. Except St. John's Wort. Doctor's don't prescribe placebos (often).

 

[Minotauro]

Am I the only one laughing at a diagnosis of "generalized anxiety disorder"? I mean, honestly, what is wrong with this country?

 

[White Man]

uh therapy does nothing except for those with esteem issues. nothing. only if you have the mildest case would it do anything at all.

This is the sound of credibility being flushed down the toilet.

Yes, only drugs could save us now, my friend.

 

[way more]

Am I the only one laughing at a diagnosis of "generalized anxiety disorder"? I mean, honestly, what is wrong with this country?

In the next DSM revision they really ought to change that name.

uh therapy does nothing except for those with esteem issues. nothing. only if you have the mildest case would it do anything at all.

Because therapy is only for the crazies and nebbish New York people.

 

[Ryo]

Ate fontex for a year and a half. Saved my life.