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Wondering why you fear ssri's would increase anxiety...I think the opposite.

Wondering how your friends feel being different on the meds...

IMHO you should cut back on the drinking... a glass of wine or maybe 2 at meal is actually healthy... and some bottles of wine only hold 4 1/2 glasses so that wouldn't be a huge cut. If you do this, it will still chill you out for the evening, but you might not have any hung over effect the next day...

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Hi SkyBdark,

Well, I think you have hit on my 'skeleton'. I'll own up, I am absolutely terrified of medication, to the point that I think I would endure almost anything rather than swallow the pills.

There you are, the truth's out.

Why is this? Well, my father was addicted to tranquilisers and I watched the process in detail. It was a nightmare. So that's reason 1.

Reason 2 is that I am afraid of the possible side effects. I am able to cope with the panic attacks that I get, using psychological techniques that I have learned, but I don't think I would want any more attacks than I get at the moment. I have read reports that SSRI's can trigger long term anxiety in some unfortunate individuals. I have always been unlucky, so I don't want to chance my arm if I can help it.

Reason 3 is that I have had two friends who went on to prozac, with increasing doses over time, and I just didn't recognise them any more. In the end they came off again, and returned to what I thought was their normal selves.

These are only my feelings though. I know that meds are really good for most people. It's just my own 'skeleton'.
It's irrational, but that's how feelings are.

I feel better for admitting it.

Good luck,

Myzen