What is your experience with meds for Anxiety?

[avocado]

Hey guys,

I have mild GAD (mostly just health anxiety about developing more serious mental illnesses). I've been managing but its still been a struggle every day. I do not like the idea of being on meds because I've heard a lot of horror stories. I just wanted to know what your experience have been on meds, both good and not so good!

Thanks!

 

[Cuchculan]

I enjoy what I take. If it helps improve your lifestyle, why suffer any longer? There may be a few side effects. They never last long. But every sort of medication, from antibiotics to anxiety medication could give you side effects. Would you refuse to take antibiotics? If you were told you needed them to get rid of something. There is always a list of side effects with everything. That does not mean it will effect you. Some people never get any side effects at all. They have to write all those side effects for legal reasons.

 

[avocado]

I enjoy what I take. If it helps improve your lifestyle, why suffer any longer? There may be a few side effects. They never last long. But every sort of medication, from antibiotics to anxiety medication could give you side effects. Would you refuse to take antibiotics? If you were told you needed them to get rid of something. There is always a list of side effects with everything. That does not mean it will effect you. Some people never get any side effects at all. They have to write all those side effects for legal reasons.

I don't think you can compare them to antibiotics. Meds such as Prozac only have around 63% effectiveness when compared to a placebo- also the long term and short term effects of SSRIs on the brain is still unclear. Antibiotics have a much better track record.

 

[Cuchculan]

But both have side effects. That was my whole point. My mother always ends up sick when she takes certain antibiotics. But she also takes Xanax and has no problems with them. Medication for anxiety can make you feel better. Some feel great on certain types. Others feel bad on the same ones. We all differ. What works for me might not work for you. I love the ones I am on. Never had any trouble with them at all. They do help me. Have to try these things out and make your own mind up.

 

[triceps]

Hi avocado. Like @Cuchculan I have been very pleased with the minimal side effects I've had with SSRI's and Benzos. The benefits have far outweighed the side effects for me. If you don't try them, you'll have no idea what your tolerance will be to them and will just have to accept your current level of anxiety.

 

[solaine]

I would be cautious about benzos, mostly because it's very easy to develop tolerance and need higher dose all the time. But apart from that, I think it's better to try the meds than suffer. If the side effects are not manageable, you can always discontinue.

I have really good experience with Buspirone, which has a similar effect on me as benzos and I haven't noticed many side effects. I do get a little drowsy, especially when my anxiety isn't high but that's about it. I've also been on Mirtazapine for 11 years and the only side effect was a slight weight gain (4-6 kg over those years).

 

[avocado]

Ah got it, thanks for the information! I'm just hesitant right now because I'm at school and I don't want to experience any negative side affects that might harm my academics. I also don't have severe anxiety, it's just mild anxiety throughout the day. Does anyone here have that too?