To medicate or not to medicate?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 38
To medicate or not to medicate?
I am having some horrible problems with anxiety (as I'm sure most of us are) and I was wondering how you all feel about anxiety medication? I was previously on a low dose of ativan but my AH decided to take all of them and I never went back to get more, as I knew this would happen again. Well, now he is in jail and I have no idea when he will be coming home. I am seeing a therapist, but my anxiety is through the roof every single day. I cannot focus on ANYTHING. I feel like I have ADD or something because my mind jumps so often. I know this is caused by the enormous amount of stress I am under and I am just struggling with whether or not I should seek out medical assistance for the problem. How do you all feel about this subject? I obviously have a big fear of addictive substances thanks to AH, but I am finding it impossible to maintain daily life right now. I can't even read right now and that was my go to stress reliever. Help!
Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: The Jungle
Posts: 5,435
Personally, I found relief from my anxiety in Nar-Anon. I wasn't willing to take medications (been there done that though). I found tools to quiet my brain. I used exercise as an outlet for that anxious energy. There are lots of ways to quiet anxiety but many people are looking for a quick and easy fix (including me in the past). There's no doubt about it....drugs work and they're easy. And to learn the coping skills to control anxiety takes a lot of work.
Depends on you......are you willing to work really hard to control the anxiety? Then it can be done without meds. The biggest difference between the two methods......if I feel anxious now......I can't just walk to the medicine cabinet.....I have to pull out some books, call a friend in the program, go out for a long walk, talk to my sponsor, get to a therapist, or jump on an elliptical. And I know that when anxiety crops up......it will pass.
Since I've done both (medication and non-medication) methods, I do not judge anyone's choice. But personally, I so abhor potentially addictive medications (and I'm one stubborn lady) that I'd do anything to avoid them. I've witnessed what addictive drugs do to people and their loved ones......I don't want to participate.
There are times and situations when prescription medications are needed and that can only be decided by you and your physician.
Just my two cents......
gentle hugs
ke
Depends on you......are you willing to work really hard to control the anxiety? Then it can be done without meds. The biggest difference between the two methods......if I feel anxious now......I can't just walk to the medicine cabinet.....I have to pull out some books, call a friend in the program, go out for a long walk, talk to my sponsor, get to a therapist, or jump on an elliptical. And I know that when anxiety crops up......it will pass.
Since I've done both (medication and non-medication) methods, I do not judge anyone's choice. But personally, I so abhor potentially addictive medications (and I'm one stubborn lady) that I'd do anything to avoid them. I've witnessed what addictive drugs do to people and their loved ones......I don't want to participate.
There are times and situations when prescription medications are needed and that can only be decided by you and your physician.
Just my two cents......
gentle hugs
ke
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 74
Anxiety is a real medical problem, and may need medication to control it. I would talk to your doctor about this, because it's important that you receive treatment you need.
I can't advise you, because it would be medical advise, but there is no shame in needing help for this kind of issue. Anxiety medications generally are not addictive, they don't really affect you the way benzos or pain meds do. Yes, they can be abused, but usually it takes an addict to try. Talk to your doctor, share your concerns about addictions, but talk. Don't suffer in silence.
I can't advise you, because it would be medical advise, but there is no shame in needing help for this kind of issue. Anxiety medications generally are not addictive, they don't really affect you the way benzos or pain meds do. Yes, they can be abused, but usually it takes an addict to try. Talk to your doctor, share your concerns about addictions, but talk. Don't suffer in silence.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 38
Thanks guys. I have been trying to deal with the stress without the help of medication for quite some time and I feel like I am definitely not winning that battle. I have made an appointment with my doctor (I hate going to the doctor, btw) and will discuss all my options with him. I appreciate your insights.
Nature Girl
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: By The Lake
Posts: 60,328
My doctor put me on anxiety medications twice, different medications and different times in my life. They helped a little but had side effects that were not acceptable to me.
Like Kindeyes, I found my anxiety release and peace at my meetings. Learning to work the 12-steps in all areas of my life helped me so much that today there just isn't much that can rile me, and if it does, it's not for long because I have tools from my program to help me work through the stress.
Yoga has helped many too or even just putting time aside each morning and each evening to find quiet time to meditate and relax.
I suggest that whatever you do, do it with your doctor's blessing.
I hope you find your peace, it is well worth the search.
Hugs
Like Kindeyes, I found my anxiety release and peace at my meetings. Learning to work the 12-steps in all areas of my life helped me so much that today there just isn't much that can rile me, and if it does, it's not for long because I have tools from my program to help me work through the stress.
Yoga has helped many too or even just putting time aside each morning and each evening to find quiet time to meditate and relax.
I suggest that whatever you do, do it with your doctor's blessing.
I hope you find your peace, it is well worth the search.
Hugs
Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In a good place
Posts: 4,482
Anxiety meds don't have to be narcotics but unfortunately that's what everyone reaches for first, including most doctors. I'm of the personal opinion that doctors should be specialists to prescribe them.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: TX
Posts: 731
Anxiety medications can be additive.....they are the benzo's (Valium, Xanax, Klonipin, etc).....
In fact if you take them on a daily basis they can be dangerous to abruptly get off of them.
Yes, there are plenty of natural ways to lessen anxiety-but like the other poster mentioned....you need to be willing to follow through on a consistent basis.
Either way...educate yourself and ask questions. Only you can decide what's best.
In fact if you take them on a daily basis they can be dangerous to abruptly get off of them.
Yes, there are plenty of natural ways to lessen anxiety-but like the other poster mentioned....you need to be willing to follow through on a consistent basis.
Either way...educate yourself and ask questions. Only you can decide what's best.
Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 188
Anxiety in my opinion is a response to stress that I harder to let go of the longer the stress continued. Its like every single nerve ending in your body is on overdrive keeping viligence constantly. If you speak to your doctor about your concerns for addiction, and make it clear you won't take anything that could be addictive, you can possible arrive to some therapy that works for what you want and need. I also found, and I don't know why this is exactly, that chriopractic done correctly, worked really well for me as well. But, of course it isn't for everyone.
I also found a great deal of help at Nar-Anon family groups. I would suggest you check those out. They have a book called "SESH" (Sharing expereinces....) that is like the just for today book from AA. It is amazing. As is their other literature as well. You can learn to work the 12 steps w/ a good NAR Anon family group and get a sponsor yourself as well as build a network of family group friends who know exactly what you are going through. I would highly suggest you check this out. There is no need to suffer alone, be ashamed or suffer in silence. There is help out there for the family affected by addiction. You deserve help and support. And more than that - you have so much to live for...
I also found a great deal of help at Nar-Anon family groups. I would suggest you check those out. They have a book called "SESH" (Sharing expereinces....) that is like the just for today book from AA. It is amazing. As is their other literature as well. You can learn to work the 12 steps w/ a good NAR Anon family group and get a sponsor yourself as well as build a network of family group friends who know exactly what you are going through. I would highly suggest you check this out. There is no need to suffer alone, be ashamed or suffer in silence. There is help out there for the family affected by addiction. You deserve help and support. And more than that - you have so much to live for...
Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 21
I have a problem with anxiety as well. I intentionally sought a therapist who did not approve of medications of any kind. Hello?? My husband is a prescription drug abusers.
After three visits to the hospital because I thought I was having a heart attack, she finally said enough. They thought that eventually I WOULD have a heart attack or a stroke because I was allowing my anxiety and panic attacks to go out of control.
I have been taking a low dose of celexa. It is an anti-anxiety drug as well as an anti depressant. I have to say that I have not had a panic attack (full blown) since I started taking it. I view it as a temporary solution to a very serious problem. I do have a plan in place for getting off the drug after the new year.
There is no shame in seeking help in this way. Life is hard.
After three visits to the hospital because I thought I was having a heart attack, she finally said enough. They thought that eventually I WOULD have a heart attack or a stroke because I was allowing my anxiety and panic attacks to go out of control.
I have been taking a low dose of celexa. It is an anti-anxiety drug as well as an anti depressant. I have to say that I have not had a panic attack (full blown) since I started taking it. I view it as a temporary solution to a very serious problem. I do have a plan in place for getting off the drug after the new year.
There is no shame in seeking help in this way. Life is hard.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 48
I grew up in a home with addiction, have addictive tendencies, and recently broke up with an addict. I also work an insane amount of hours and can't get my mind to shut off at night. When I was with my ex, life was insane and yes, I had anxiety.
So I was honest with my doctor. Since he sees my parents as well, he is aware of the fact that I have addiction concerns. We discussed my possible ADD as well as anxiety. He prescribed a low dose of klonopiin with no refills and gave me a referral for a psychiatrist to discuss possible ADD.
For me, I saw an ADD diagnosis ending in the prescription of legal speed so I never went for the talk or evaluation. I'm more apt to get hooked on uppers right now more than anytime in my life because of work so I'm not even going down that road.
As for the klonopin, I get a refill of 45 pills (.5 mg) every 3 months or so. If I find myself brain fried and about to lose my mind, I take half of one during the day or a whole if its night. While I'm fine and life is flowing, I forget that I even have them.
I think what will work for you depends on you, individually. You have to consider your own personal tendencies, needs, possible addictions and really do a cost benefit analysis when it comes to getting something prescribed. Especially when you may have to hide the fact that you are in possession of them around an addict. In the short term, it may be a solution. But if you are like me, I'm weary of taking anything that I may like a little too much. Plus, sometimes a cup of hot tea at night has the same effect as a pill.
So I was honest with my doctor. Since he sees my parents as well, he is aware of the fact that I have addiction concerns. We discussed my possible ADD as well as anxiety. He prescribed a low dose of klonopiin with no refills and gave me a referral for a psychiatrist to discuss possible ADD.
For me, I saw an ADD diagnosis ending in the prescription of legal speed so I never went for the talk or evaluation. I'm more apt to get hooked on uppers right now more than anytime in my life because of work so I'm not even going down that road.
As for the klonopin, I get a refill of 45 pills (.5 mg) every 3 months or so. If I find myself brain fried and about to lose my mind, I take half of one during the day or a whole if its night. While I'm fine and life is flowing, I forget that I even have them.
I think what will work for you depends on you, individually. You have to consider your own personal tendencies, needs, possible addictions and really do a cost benefit analysis when it comes to getting something prescribed. Especially when you may have to hide the fact that you are in possession of them around an addict. In the short term, it may be a solution. But if you are like me, I'm weary of taking anything that I may like a little too much. Plus, sometimes a cup of hot tea at night has the same effect as a pill.
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