Does anyone else feel panicky about trying meds or is it just me?

[autie]

Well, my anxiety is through the roof nowdays; the physical symptoms are the worst - muscle tension & pain, gastro issues & racy thoughts, etc.  I know I need meds, but i'm soo afraid of taking them; i'm always thinking about the what ifs . . .i've checked all the side effects and just thinking about them makes go into a panic .  Anyone else out there like me?

[katmar]

The thought of meds can be very scary, but if you have a dr. who is willing to work with you in finding the right ones, then there is nothing to be afraid of. I was totally anxious about it until I found a dr. who is willing to do what it takes to help me. Now, I am not afraid of them, and see them as one of many solutions to recovery.
Good Luck.

[constantmover]

Well, my anxiety is through the roof nowadays; the physical symptoms are the worst - muscle tension & pain, gastro issues & racy thoughts, etc.  I know I need meds, but i'm soo afraid of taking them; i'm always thinking about the what ifs . . .i've checked all the side effects and just thinking about them makes go into a panic .  Anyone else out there like me?

I think most of us have been afraid to go on medication.  It kind of goes hand in hand with our disorder.  As much as I feel it is important to be an informed consumer, sometimes we have to step away from Google and remember that not all people are alike in how they react to medication.  Percentage wise, you are more likely to have a good result than a bad one if diagnosed properly by your doctor who knows your physical and mental makeup.  This is where you have to have trust and try to think positively.  Go into this with the mindset that this is going to work and that will make all the difference in the world.  Don't over analyze or look for side effects that may not be there but you bring on because of worry and having read somewhere that could happen.  Of course, if you are having difficulty with a medication, then you should talk to your doctor but don't go in with the attitude it will not work because I guarantee you it won't if you expect that it won't.  Even if this medication doesn't do it for you, there are so many out there that you will find one that will work.  Start with what your doctor suggests and see how it goes.

If your anxiety is through the roof, the relief you will get from medication will be like a wonderful gift if you go into it with a positive attitude.

[tigerpaw]

May i simply say, "When I was initially going through the horrors of anxiety as yourself, after all the Drs. visits, it was left as the only path available, ""to try meds"", at that point i just gave in and didn't care about side effects but a 'cure'.

I am happy to say it was the best decision of my life.

[GreenThumb]

I was the exact same way - absolutely terrified to take meds, terrified of the side effects, terrified of being permanently "changed". Happy to say that once I accepted the fact that the meds are there to HELP people, not hurt them, everything changed for me. I started taking Zoloft and went into it with a very positive attitude, doing my best to observe and then move-on whenever a side effect cropped up. If you don't let the side effects get to you, it should be smooth sailing. Most of my side effects went away within the month. The key is to just observe but not react, knowing that if your body doesn't like a specific med, you have the support of your doctor to help you move in a more positive direction.

I had hit rock bottom before I started taking Zoloft, and now things have completely changed - I feel like I have my life back again.

Good luck, don't be scared, we're all here to help you through it if you decide to start taking something! 

[RPM]

YES ! I hate the thought of meds. I am going through this again now - meds or not? . I tried Cymbalta awhile back after waiting a week before I could take the first pill - I was paranoid to take it, fearing the worse. I went 2 or 3 days and my normal poor sleep went to hardly any sleep - it hyped me more than I already am! So I stopped.
I watched my mother go through years of alcohol and medication abuse and have a fear of pills. Then I look at all the side effects, read (to many) opinions and horror stories about meds, and add to my own confusion.
Thing is I work on all I can do, keep in shape, learn all about anxiety and depression, practice cognitive strategies, yet I can't seem to shake many symptoms and fall back into depression(s) and vicious cycles.
So I am in indecision right now - I can generally make it through the hard times. My main concern is am I damaging myself by not taking meds - the memory and cognative decline have me very worried, adding anxiety.
I am hoping to get some insight on here about how others do with meds.

[autie]

Thanks for the replies everyone.  I made an appointment with behavioral health 0213 my clinic two weeks from now (couldn't get anything sooner).  I'm trying to think positive ;  my quality of life is at stakes here and I got to do what I can to improve it. 

RPM, the constant brain fog and muscle tension have me so worried too. I'm exercising, eating healthy and I've even tried nutritional supplements like fish oil but i'm still anxious.  I've been avoiding meds for years but it's  time I give meds a try.  I can't continue to  live like this.

[lynnie68]

I was worried about taking medication as well.  I felt that medication was a crutch, that I just needed to tough it out.  My doctor told me that you need to look at it like any other disease.  I have been on Lexapro for 4 days now, and I am having some of the typical side effects.  I did go online and went on a "user review" about the drug.  I about threw out the sample packs my doctor gave me and told her to forget about it, but then I got a grip and realized that each person was different and that I will be different too.  I just have to remember to take it day by day and to breathe