[Silent_tsol]

Or maybe it is. I don't know what I expect. I first started with ativan .5mg because I was so afraid of any meds this was last december. I was actually too afraid to take it so I warmed up to the idea of a daily ssri (as dr had originally suggested). By may I worked up the courage to tell dr it wasn't working so I started cipralex 10mg. Horrible side effects for the first 4 days. Went through a really good period for about 2 weeks then kind of dropped from there. In june?july? We increased the dose to 20mg when my anxiety wasn't really down to a reasonable level. Then we brought back the ativan as needed.

I'm also on a birth control that limits me to 4 periods a year. The last one was horrendous -in october (first one since latest med switch). I was swinging from anxious to feeling hopeless and eternally sad. I've never really had any problems with depression but it was during that week. I was crying over everything and mad and felt like I was losing it (also haven't really ever had any pms- mood problems in the past). Since then (about a month now) it's like a funk I haven't come out of. Not as bad but glimpses of all of those feelings.

I'm scared of drs (needle phobia) and I hate asking for new/increased meds. I don't even know how. I'm also afraid of withdrawals and getting addicted to them and going through the side effects. I'm so passive when I go to the dr, I go into lockdown mode which is so tightly sealed I don't even think my anxiety is seen externally. I don't even know what to say. I just don't feel any better. I have a lot of foo issues regarding psych med abuse so I'm always afraid dr is going to suspect that's why I say the meds aren't working. But maybe they are and my expectations are to high. I know they can't cure me and I do have a t to learn how to deal with stuff -although it's a slow process but what can I expect?



Oh dear!!!! I'm sorry for the ramble, my thumbs just took over. If anyone made it through, do you have any advice or suggestions?

[Umbral_Seraph]

If a medication is not working for you need to tell your doctor, and just because it's not working doesn't mean the doctor will assume you're abusing. Most people do not get better on the first medication they try and many people are just flat out resistant to all medications. I myself am very difficult to medicate; almost every medicine that I have taken has given me no effect, even past the maximum normal therupedic dosage.

Remember that the doctor works for you; if you don't talk with him you're just wasting money.

[rockgal]

Originally Posted by Silent_tsol

Or maybe it is. I don't know what I expect. I first started with ativan .5mg because I was so afraid of any meds this was last december. I was actually too afraid to take it so I warmed up to the idea of a daily ssri (as dr had originally suggested). By may I worked up the courage to tell dr it wasn't working so I started cipralex 10mg. Horrible side effects for the first 4 days. Went through a really good period for about 2 weeks then kind of dropped from there. In june?july? We increased the dose to 20mg when my anxiety wasn't really down to a reasonable level. Then we brought back the ativan as needed.

I'm also on a birth control that limits me to 4 periods a year. The last one was horrendous -in october (first one since latest med switch). I was swinging from anxious to feeling hopeless and eternally sad. I've never really had any problems with depression but it was during that week. I was crying over everything and mad and felt like I was losing it (also haven't really ever had any pms- mood problems in the past). Since then (about a month now) it's like a funk I haven't come out of. Not as bad but glimpses of all of those feelings.

I'm scared of drs (needle phobia) and I hate asking for new/increased meds. I don't even know how. I'm also afraid of withdrawals and getting addicted to them and going through the side effects. I'm so passive when I go to the dr, I go into lockdown mode which is so tightly sealed I don't even think my anxiety is seen externally. I don't even know what to say. I just don't feel any better. I have a lot of foo issues regarding psych med abuse so I'm always afraid dr is going to suspect that's why I say the meds aren't working. But maybe they are and my expectations are to high. I know they can't cure me and I do have a t to learn how to deal with stuff -although it's a slow process but what can I expect?



Oh dear!!!! I'm sorry for the ramble, my thumbs just took over. If anyone made it through, do you have any advice or suggestions?

Your anxiety is seriously interfering with your ability to treat the anxiety. Have you tried writing down some notes to bring with you and present to the doctor? That might be helpful if you are unable to express yourself verbally. Also, are you working with a therapist? She or he might be able to help you find ways to break through your anxiety enough to communicate better with your doctor.

Your doctor is not going to think a failed drug trial equals abuse. It's quite common to go through trial and error in treating anxiety and depression.

As far as what to expect? The relief I've gotten for my anxiety, with Paxil, benzos, and other meds has been tremendous. It sounds as if you haven't yet hit on an effective treatment. Good luck.