Afraid of meds

[shdwfx989899]

Hi all I'm new. I have had depression for some 20 years and have been on Pristiq for a very long time. It was working ok but I was still struggling to find any happiness so my doc had me try Abilify. Started on 5 mgs and after a slight initial boost, it didn't do anything. Doc said to try 10 mgs and if it didn't help we would stop. Well about a week in I had a very bad reaction resulting in extreme anxiety. All I could think about was getting old and dying, something bad happening to my husband or other loved ones. It was horrible. I went off the Abilify and it got slightly better after about a week but I've never gotten back to 'normal'. I've not had a full blown panic attack but the anxiety is constant. I know I should go back to my doc before my next appointment (July) but after the Abilify I'm terrified that he will give me something else for the anxiety but it will backfire. I'll have to do something because I don't want to feel like this the rest of my life. I can't take it.

[Anne1221]

Abilify is supposed to help your antidepressant work better, but clearly that is not for you. I've been on almost all of the antidepressants so please don't be afraid if he switches you to another one that might work better than Pristiq.

[Anne1221]

I am afraid of meds too, so I really understand. One of my doctors has wanted me to add Wellbutrin to my Lexapro and I have been afraid to even try it. But after a full year, and spending hours reading about it, I'm finally going to give it a try. I think it boils down to what's worse...feeling depressed or anxious or trying a new med.

[oban]

I'm afraid to start cymbalta. I'm trying everything to convince myself that I don't have anxiety or ADHD.

[shdwfx989899]

Well I have to do something because I spent yesterday mostly on the couch and that's all I want to do again today. I wake up worrying and it doesn't stop. It's crazy. Is this what it's like for everyone else, just worrying about anything and everything that could possibly go wrong and no ability to enjoy living in the moment?

[Anne1221]

It sounds to me like you've got to do something, make some change, because what you're going through is really bad! Spending all day on the couch is not good. Some of us, unfortunately, just need the medication. In March of this year, I decided to go off my medication. It was HORRIBLE! I had no will to live and I was so anxious I couldn't function. I started taking it again, and I'm so much better now.

[Anne1221]

Oban, you're got to talk to your doctor and explain to him/her that you are very concerned about possible side effects and you need some help for your anxiety but it would be awful for you if you have the sexual side effects. Then maybe he/she can find the best help for you without the side effect your dread most.