New to Anxiety Zone

[Wiggy]

I have had anxiety and depression my whole adult life.  I am now 38.  I have been on and off different anti depressants for various reasons.  Lately my anxiety has been thru the roof.  More than ever before.  I am terribly frightened that I will not be able to get a handle on it ever.  I have been taking Zoloft for months now but it just does not seem to do the trick.  It is funny because I have been on it before and it worked that time but obviously not now.  I am also taking a small dose of Xanax twice a day.  It helps some but It makes me lazey and a bit brain dead and also I do not want to become addicted.  I would love to hear what other people are taking to control their anxiety.
Wiggy

[sixpack]

Hi and welcome to the ZONE

I'm sorry the meds aren't working for you now.  Sometimes meds dosage needs to be increased or sometimes you need to change the med all together.  Sometimes meds alone won't do the trick and people need to add therapy to the mix.  Some folks do well with immersing themselves in hobbies etc.  Some folks need a combo of all of the above.

One thing for sure, I would talk to the doctor about zoloft not helping anymore or atleast not as it had.  I think that is the best first step. 

[cubmanben]

Hello Wiggy and welcome to The Zone! As sixpack correctly pointed out, if your meds aren't working, you really need to talk with your doctor and decide on a new course of action sooner than later so you can start to get back on your feet again. I understand your fears about not being able to control things and feel as though you're losing control, I've been there. The important thing for you is to get your meds going right so you can slow that negative thinking down and start to focus more on the moment that you're in and not have to worry about your thoughts racing off to irrational conclusions that we've all been through a time or two ourselves. You're wise to be concerned about the Xanax. At small doses, I'm sure you'll be fine, but being aware of the potency is a good thing for you to be aware of. I hope things get straightened out for you soon and again, welcome!!

[Wiggy]

Thanks  very much for all your advice.

[Zenmaster]

Wiggy,

I've also been dealing with anxiety/depression since I was a kid - I'm now 35 and it's worse than ever. My doc convinced me to get off my meds, because he thought I could handle life without medication, but I'm in a tough place right now. I'm both in withdrawal from medication and suffering from anxiety...

I really want to get back on meds, to be honest. I was great on meds, once they started to work. I noticed you said that the Xanax was making you feel lazy/sleepy - but that will clear up. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about becoming dependant - I mean, what's worse? Being dependent on a medication that might aid you or suffering? I know which choice I want to make...

-Zen-

[vietmom]

Is anyone seeing a psychiatrist regularly.  That's what finally changed things for me and it still took about 3 years to find the right combo of meds.  I take 3-4 meds to keep myself "sane".  Good luck all!

[pauly j]

Hello Wiggy, 

Welcome to Anxiety Zone! 

I am sorry to hear that you are going through a rough patch in life right now!  Unfortantely, sometimes we take the same medication that once worked and no longer works for us now!  This is sometimes the case for some!  You might want to see if the dosage needs to be adjusted or possibly changing meds altogether!  You can find some solutions from others here that can relate to what it is that you are going through!  Glad you are here!

pauly j

[tigerpaw]

I know you will find lots of support here. Let me remind you you can access the Chat Room, after a minimum amount of posts and talk live to some of us here!  A great resource for you.

Also you can post your favorite picture in the Members Gallery.

Check out an introductory post on, "When you think no one understands ....read this."........Link: http://www.anxietyzone.com/index.php/topic,9100.0.html

Lots to do here~

 

[hjolee]

My name is Heather and I too suffer from anxiety, as well as hypochondria. There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not convinced I'm going to die that day. It is horrible and has really ruined my life. I can't enjoy anything anymore, not even my husband and daughter. I'm also currently pregnant, so that's not helping matters either.I always feel so alone and like I'm drowning. This website is going to be a godsend, I can tell. It always makes you feel a little less crazy and alone to read that other people deal with the same thing as you.

[mikey09290]