I took an SSRI years ago and had a very bad reaction. This year my new GP immediately prescribed an SSRI for anxiety. I told her I did well on benzos and just want something to cut the anxiety short-term - so I could calm down and interview for jobs. She insisted I try the SSRI. I had an even worse reaction to this SSRI even though it was not the same one I had tried earlier. It brought my anxiety to an extreme level that stayed elevated even after I discontinued the SSRI, which my GP said I was allergic to. Also, my hair started to fall out. She refused to prescribe a benzo or anything for my sleep, telling me to take a Benadryl! Because I didn't want the SSRI my GP has basically refused to give me any other medications, telling me to "exercise" - that's about it. Because of my insurance I can't change doctors. I can't believe this GP is refusing to give me anything to reduce my anxiety --- and I have been in this position since July, 2015.
I am going it alone, and am determined to recover.