Have spent so much money on supplements for anxiety.....almost headed to get some meds... - Page 2

[Mummoth]

Originally Posted by la mamita 

Originally Posted by Oubliette8 

Medications for anxiety do work, but they should not be taken long term. And they do not cure your anxiety- you'll be doing nothing to treat the underlying problem. Taken long term, anti-anxiety meds can actually cause an increase in anxiety and panic. And they can be VERY addictive. Its best to use them for a short time, and only when needed- not long term, or as a daily med that you take the same time every day.

Advice like this, on a message board with no sources whatsoever, should be taken with a huge grain of salt. My research of the brain and how anti-anxiety medicines work in the brain do not support all of these statements---these are really things to be discussed with a trained psychiatrist...

I think the confusion here is about the type of anti-anxiety medication... things like valium and ativan are addictive and can make depression/anxiety worse over time if they are abused (they are narcotics) Medications that are intended for daily use, the ones that are also used in treating depression, are not associated with these risks.

OP, to get through the next few days, do you have any hobbies that could help keep your mind occupied? I have crocheted/done counted cross-stitch to help cope... I think the repetitive motions help somehow, I don't know... what have your mother and sister done to treat their anxiety? If they've taken medications, get the list of what didn't work/what worked for them, it may help the doctor narrow down the right medication for you.

[babygrant]

Originally Posted by Mummoth 

Originally Posted by la mamita 

Originally Posted by Oubliette8 

Medications for anxiety do work, but they should not be taken long term. And they do not cure your anxiety- you'll be doing nothing to treat the underlying problem. Taken long term, anti-anxiety meds can actually cause an increase in anxiety and panic. And they can be VERY addictive. Its best to use them for a short time, and only when needed- not long term, or as a daily med that you take the same time every day.

Advice like this, on a message board with no sources whatsoever, should be taken with a huge grain of salt. My research of the brain and how anti-anxiety medicines work in the brain do not support all of these statements---these are really things to be discussed with a trained psychiatrist...

I think the confusion here is about the type of anti-anxiety medication... things like valium and ativan are addictive and can make depression/anxiety worse over time if they are abused (they are narcotics) Medications that are intended for daily use, the ones that are also used in treating depression, are not associated with these risks.

OP, to get through the next few days, do you have any hobbies that could help keep your mind occupied? I have crocheted/done counted cross-stitch to help cope... I think the repetitive motions help somehow, I don't know... what have your mother and sister done to treat their anxiety? If they've taken medications, get the list of what didn't work/what worked for them, it may help the doctor narrow down the right medication for you.

I actually bought crochet needles and started to make wash cloths....didn't help.  

My sister has very very mild anxiety.  Doesn't even phase her really.  She just says she worries obsessivly about her kids. 

My mom is anti-doctor, anti-medication, anti-supplement.  She doesn't do anything about hers.  She doesn't get it often, just says her heart races sometimes, but that's to the extent of what she told me.

Back when I had the major depression I was on prozac, and I don't remember any side effects, and I even went off of it cold turkey when I was about 6 weeks pregnant (dumb, I know!) but had no withdrawl even though I'd been on it for about four or five years.  

I just popped on my mp3 player and listened to the panic attack segment on The Linden Method program, and there's one part of it where Charles says "you do not need medication, don't think to go ask your doctor for medication.  YOU have created this panic, there is nothing wrong with you, YOU need to break the cycle".  There are actually quite a few sections of his program that say medication is bad, you need to wean off medication, don't go ask for medication.  

[Oubliette8]

Originally Posted by la mamita 

Originally Posted by Oubliette8 

Medications for anxiety do work, but they should not be taken long term. And they do not cure your anxiety- you'll be doing nothing to treat the underlying problem. Taken long term, anti-anxiety meds can actually cause an increase in anxiety and panic. And they can be VERY addictive. Its best to use them for a short time, and only when needed- not long term, or as a daily med that you take the same time every day.

Advice like this, on a message board with no sources whatsoever, should be taken with a huge grain of salt. My research of the brain and how anti-anxiety medicines work in the brain do not support all of these statements---these are really things to be discussed with a trained psychiatrist...

I wrote that late last night, and thought it was pretty well established that benzodiazepines cause such issues. SSRIs are less generally thought of as anxiety meds since they are known as antidepressants. I was speaking of Benzo's, not SSRIs, although both have their issues. Since you want a citation, this website has numerous full text studies showing links to benzos and addiction as well as rebound anxiety. http://madinamerica.com/madinamerica.com/Anxiety.html Numerous books on the market also point this out, my favorite of which is Robert Whitaker's Anatomy of an Epidemic.

[crunchy_mommy]

Originally Posted by babygrant 

I just popped on my mp3 player and listened to the panic attack segment on The Linden Method program, and there's one part of it where Charles says "you do not need medication, don't think to go ask your doctor for medication.  YOU have created this panic, there is nothing wrong with you, YOU need to break the cycle".  There are actually quite a few sections of his program that say medication is bad, you need to wean off medication, don't go ask for medication.  

I know nothing about the Linden method (and not very impressed by their website) but perhaps he is referring to the fact that you're not about to die??? Because many (maybe even most) people think that they are having a heart attack, or are going to die, etc. so no, there's nothing "wrong" with you in that sense... don't know if reframing it like that helps at all... Medication is not bad though. I personally do not believe it should always be the first & only resort, but there's nothing inherently wrong with treating a problem with a pill known to help with it!!! Only you know if medication is a good next step for you... certainly not some guy on a recording...

Anyway... while you're waiting 'til Tues.... try doing something physical. Seriously, just try it -- run around the block, hit the gym, do a bunch of sit-ups & jumping jacks while listening to great music... whatever. Fit in a long workout session if you can, but either way, also do a lot of 5-minute segments throughout the day. I really do believe that it can help. I could never sit & knit or something when I'm feeling anxious... and I don't always want to do something physical, but when I do, I don't regret it!!!

[APToddlerMama]

Originally Posted by Oubliette8 

Originally Posted by la mamita 

Originally Posted by Oubliette8 

Medications for anxiety do work, but they should not be taken long term. And they do not cure your anxiety- you'll be doing nothing to treat the underlying problem. Taken long term, anti-anxiety meds can actually cause an increase in anxiety and panic. And they can be VERY addictive. Its best to use them for a short time, and only when needed- not long term, or as a daily med that you take the same time every day.

Advice like this, on a message board with no sources whatsoever, should be taken with a huge grain of salt. My research of the brain and how anti-anxiety medicines work in the brain do not support all of these statements---these are really things to be discussed with a trained psychiatrist...

I wrote that late last night, and thought it was pretty well established that benzodiazepines cause such issues. SSRIs are less generally thought of as anxiety meds since they are known as antidepressants. I was speaking of Benzo's, not SSRIs, although both have their issues. Since you want a citation, this website has numerous full text studies showing links to benzos and addiction as well as rebound anxiety. http://madinamerica.com/madinamerica.com/Anxiety.html Numerous books on the market also point this out, my favorite of which is Robert Whitaker's Anatomy of an Epidemic.

SSRI's are also anxiety meds.  OP--I would definitely stay away from benzodiazepines, because PP is correct about these being addictive and causing greater anxiety.  The same is not true about SSRIs.  I spent about 3 years on Lexapro, and I would do it again in a heart beat if I felt I needed it.  Prior to that, I did all the things you're talking about, and they didn't help.  I worked out, went to therapy, relaxation courses, yoga, mindfulness, acupuncture, etc.  My one and only caution was that I weaned off way too fast and I was a cranky, anxious mess having done so.  My sister weaned off slowly and had no issues.  There is nothing wrong with using medication for your anxiety.  Give your kids the mom you want to be, however you have to do that.  And give yourself some peace of mind too.  You deserve that.  I never have understood why we don't shy away from medicating for other illnesses, but are somehow weak if we use meds for mental health issues.  Any medication can have side effects, but it sounds like you're at the point where it is worth giving it a try.  Best of luck to you. 

[Autumn Breeze]

I know that sucks! A few years ago I went on medication when my symptoms just became too much to deal with.I was depressed, and I thought a little anxious. I wasn't really inters ted in medication, in fact my goal was to get off the medication as soon as I could. It's been almost 5 years since my first prescription and while I'd like to tell you "I have it all under control" I don't. I still get anxious, I still panic, I still lose sleep. But, I have learned to cope. I have learned ways to help myself. I have been off medication, and then back on, then off again. I've been "manic" I've been depressed. And then after a while someone suggested it was PMDD. SO I looked into it, and about 2 months ago I started the "alternative medicine" with several supplements a day, exercises, outdoors (or sunshine if it's too cold) and my coping techniques.I feel a lot better now than I did a year ago. I feel a million times better than I did when I started medication.

I think, that with being aware or even a little afraid of the addictiveness of things like Ativan, then you learn really quickly when you ACTUALLY NEED to take it. I started on .5mg and progressed to a 1 mg dose, but I was taking it far less often when I made that switch. I had let the doctor know I was concerned with addiction. With the help of the medication, I was able to figure out what my triggers were, and how to avoid or cope with them. Which meant I had less of a need for the ativan.

I hope you can figure out what is best for you. I know it sucks.

[babygrant]

I got my books today!!!!  YIPEE.  The Mood Cure and The Diet Cure.  Now that I'm past ovulation, I should have about a week of minimal anxiety and then if things continue how they have for the past few months, I'll be smacked with a week of horrid anxiety right before my period.  But I'm glad today I'm in the right frame of mind to get my head into the books and see if there's something that jumps out at me!

[Hoopin' Mama]

There is no shame about trying meds. I was where you are, with the same feelings of "failure", and I got a 30 day supply from my Dr. I only took one, because then I realized that it was easier to get counseling then I thought, so I'm trying CBT first. But what I have learned is a new compassion for the need of these medications and how so many of us struggle. I hope your books work for you and that you feel better soon. But if you need meds, I think you'll find a lot of support.

[mom0810]

If your anxiety is interfering with you ability to have a normal life, which it sounds like it is, medication would be the best thing you could do for yourself.  It sounds like getting on an ssri would help you get back to your daily life, and in the meantime, something like xanax for the panic attacks, as needed, would be helpful.  

I am currently going through the same thing you are... my anxiety and panic and depression have been slowly creeping back up on me over the last year and a half (I went off meds over 2 years ago).  I am also in therapy for PTSD, PPD, and OCD.  I had some anxiety/depression before I had kids, but after they were born, it got much worse.

I can tell you that medication AND therapy are your best bet.  For me, therapy has kind of ground to a halt because I don't have the strength to work my therapy because my anxiety is so bad now.  It's time to go back to medication but I am afraid of it.  I've tried supplements, but as you say they are expensive and kind of hit or miss.  The problem also is, when I am not on meds, I am so hopeless that I don't take/forget to take the supplements or I think "why bother?"  So medication certainly does have its place but I would highly recommend finding a good therapist, also.  

[babygrant]

Well the past two days I've felt wonderful.  Now that I'm past ovulation.  Yesterday I started impelmenting the diet techniques from The Mood Cure and I had ZERO swings in my blood sugar, and only a few bouts of mild anxiety.  Today I started taking the supplements and I had a bit of anxiety first thing in the morning after I took the l-tyrosine, because I was afraid I'd have an allergic reaction to it and die.  But I got over that quickly and I feel pretty good!  I'll be taking a 5-HTP this afternoon and I'm hoping it doesn't upset my stomach like last time.  But DH and I are both aware that if this doesn't work then I have no issues with starting medication.  

[*clementine*]

Tried to pm u but I'm on my iPad with twins on my lap.....didn't work out.

[ghannit]

I have not read all the way through this thread, but I just wanted to mention what worked for me after years of anxiety attacks and a few (failed) attempts at medication.

Magnesium (250 mg) twice a day, and a good fish oil supplement 3 times a day. 

The magnesium was the key for me, and I wish I was aware of it's power sooner.

That stated, if this has been tried by the OP and it did not work, I see nothing wrong with seeking out medication.

[babygrant]

Originally Posted by *clementine* 

Tried to pm u but I'm on my iPad with twins on my lap.....didn't work out.

What's up?

[babygrant]

Originally Posted by ghannit 

I have not read all the way through this thread, but I just wanted to mention what worked for me after years of anxiety attacks and a few (failed) attempts at medication.

Magnesium (250 mg) twice a day, and a good fish oil supplement 3 times a day. 

The magnesium was the key for me, and I wish I was aware of it's power sooner.

That stated, if this has been tried by the OP and it did not work, I see nothing wrong with seeking out medication.

On the supplement routine I'm on right now, as outlined in The Mood Cure, I'm doing 250 mg of calcium twice a day, and 1 fish oil capsule a day.  I'm supposed to do 3 a day, but I have a blood clotting disorder and dont want to go having to much around with vitamin K supplements to make sure I don't get a bleed from too much fish oil.  So I'm just doing one right now.

But with the current supplements, I'm feeling great so far.  A couple days with a few seconds of very mild anxiety, that's it.  No panic attacks.....so far so good!

What I'm currently on:

Upon waking: 500 mg l-tyrosine, 1 fish oil capsule.

Breakfast: 1,000 mg vitamin c, 1 multivitamin, 250 mg magnesium, 1 ml sublingual b complex, 2,000 iu vitamin D

Dinner: 1,000 mg vitamin c, 250 mg magnesium, 1 ml sublingual B complex, 500  mg calcium

Before bed: 25 mg 5-HTP (can't go any higher because it gives me bad nausea if I take the full 50 mg)

[babygrant]

Well last night DH and I went to the movies.  I was in a state of panic the whole time.  Yesterday I was anxious on and off throughout the day already.  I went to bed when we got home and woke up around midnight with heart palps and the chest tightness.  Woke up this morning bauling my eyes out and just feeling like absolute garbage.  Low and behold, AF arrived.  :(  Called my doctors office and can't get in till next Friday.  I could go to the emergency room, but will probably have to wait a couple of hours, or go to a walk in clinic, but I hate the doctor there (he's a total pill pusher, will perscribe anything anyone wants and he just creeps me out).  I will try and hold off till tommorow and go to the saturday walk in clinic when the good doctors will be there.  But if things get bad today, I'll go to emerg and hopefully they can get me in faster because I'm not sure how long I can sit in a sardine packed waiting room.  Blah, this sucks.

[crunchy_mommy]

Have you gotten your hormone levels tested? (I shouldn't be asking this because I've had a lab slip sitting on my desk for 3 months now!!) I have different symptoms (mainly, crippling fatigue) but it happens like clockwork for the first 2 weeks of my cycle and then I have a good week or so before it gets bad again. Might be some kind of hormonal imbalance that is making this more unbearable for you? Good luck with the clinic if you go tomorrow -- it certainly sounds like a good 'next step' for you!

[babygrant]

Originally Posted by crunchy_mommy 

Have you gotten your hormone levels tested? (I shouldn't be asking this because I've had a lab slip sitting on my desk for 3 months now!!) I have different symptoms (mainly, crippling fatigue) but it happens like clockwork for the first 2 weeks of my cycle and then I have a good week or so before it gets bad again. Might be some kind of hormonal imbalance that is making this more unbearable for you? Good luck with the clinic if you go tomorrow -- it certainly sounds like a good 'next step' for you!

My doctor won't test me for it since I'm "only 29".  Only way for me to do hormone testing is go through a private clinic and I'd have to pay out of pocket and right now we just can't swing that.

[californiajenn]

What did you eat when the day of or 1 day before the anxiety hit? My DH greatly reduced grains and sugar from his diet and his anxiety is 90% under control. 8 of my friends have reported similar results. I would highly recommend you check out Primal/paleo blogs. They are very similar to The Mood Cure dietary recommendations.

[crunchy_mommy]

Originally Posted by babygrant 

My doctor won't test me for it since I'm "only 29".  Only way for me to do hormone testing is go through a private clinic and I'd have to pay out of pocket and right now we just can't swing that.

Yikes! I'm 28 & my doc didn't even hesitate to test me... (I have a huge deductible though & DH is unemployed, which is why the lab slip is still sitting there on the desk!!) That is really annoying, that your doc won't even consider testing you....

[babygrant]

I went to the walk in clinic on saturday but had to leave because it was too busy and I obviously wasn't going to get in before it closed.  I had a really rough weekend, and today I woke up with a full blown panic attack and was bauling all morning.  DH called from work and said "enough is enough honey" so I went to the emergency room.  So as soon as I brought my little guy to the bus stop I went to emerg and got in really fast.  The doctor was excellent.  He was telling me that I was not a bad person, there was nothing wrong with needing help, some supplements work for people and not for others.  He was great.  He perscribed 5 mg cipralex for 10 days, then 10 mg cipralex for 10 days, and then i have to go see my doctor to discuss with her about another increase and how I'm doing.  He also gave me a perscription for 1 mg ativan to use as needed.

I'm still upset that I need to take medication, and I'm scared to take it.....but I'm not in a happy place, so I know it's needed.  Thanks so much for all the help ladies.