Author Topic: How do I get anxiety medication?  (Read 11429 times)

mozar

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How do I get anxiety medication?
« on: October 22, 2015, 10:55:29 AM »
My doctor has left the practice I go to so I will have to get a new doctor to write a prescription (if I need that). I find the process of getting meds really stressful (calling to make an appointment, talking to a doctor, going to a store) so I'm hoping talking it out will help.

Another thing my last doctor said is that anxiety meds will make you constipated for a month. That sounds horrible and is a factor in me putting this off.

I asked her about off brand/ generics and she recommended the following:

Zoloft
Buspar
Cymbalta

Does anyone have experience with these? She said that I can get buspar for 4 dollars at target but there is no target near me.

Does that mean I can't get buspar? There is a small pharmacy near my house and I would rather go there. Do I still need a prescription for generic meds? I also don't have insurance. I was laid off a month a go and I don't think paying a ton of $ for cobra is worth it.

2dogs0kids

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2015, 12:34:21 PM »
Try using goodrx.com to look up your drugs and dosages!  Great resource for pricing things out.  Includes online options as well as local stores.

Did your doctor give you prescriptions before she left the practice / you lost your insurance, or do you need the paper prescriptions as well as the actual medications?  Getting a doctor's visit for chronic prescriptions like that at low cost will be challenging, if that is what you need...

2dogs0kids

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2015, 12:35:29 PM »
http://www.goodrx.com/buspar

(many $4 options, not just Target)

mozar

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2015, 12:37:21 PM »
I need a prescription and the medication. Last time I called my clinic they said I would only need to come in for a few minutes to get a prescription as I am already a client there. Hopefully that would cost less than a regular doctors visit.

Gone Fishing

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2015, 12:39:47 PM »
Walmart also has a discounted generics program. And yes, you will need a prescription for most (if not all) anti-anxiety medication.   Is this just your GP, or a psychiatrist?  While mild cases of anxiety might be treated just fine by a GP, it might save some trial and error to step up to a specialist.  Never had to use them myself, but from what I heard from friends & family, the psychotropic medications seem to take a bit of tweaking to get just right. Hope everything goes well!

NextTime

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #5 on: October 22, 2015, 01:29:10 PM »
I also suffer from anxiety and have tried a few different medications.

Zoloft is an anti-depressant (SSRI) with too many side effects. I wouldn't take it for anxiety if you aren't suffering from depression (my non-medical opinion). It will destroy your stomach for the first few weeks you take it.

I tried Buspar for a month or so but it always made me dizzy so I stopped taking it. YMMV.

Personally, Clonazepam or Klonopin work the best for me. I normally just try to deal with the anxiety with mindfulness of breathing and exercise, so I rarely take them. But they come in handy when that doesn't work or it's preventing me from sleeping. Some doctors are afraid to prescribe them because they are addictive, but mine can see that I don't abuse them since I rarely seek a refill before my yearly well exam.

Allison

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #6 on: October 22, 2015, 02:33:57 PM »
I am currently on Cymbalta (generic version, obvs) and it is not cheap.  GoodRX brings the price down to $38.42 in my area when cash price was $211.  It has been super effective with me and my non typical severe anxiety and depression.

Wellbutrin and citalopram are two other drugs I have tried and are very cost effective.  Both prescriptions were $15 per month. 

The psych clinic I go does have a sliding scale for cash payments and full price appointment with a psychiatrist is $165.

I consider my treatments just as important as treating diabetes and factor the costs in when doing my budgets.

use2betrix

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #7 on: October 22, 2015, 03:26:44 PM »
Are you in the US? If you haven't been prescribed it before, it may be tough for a new doctor to just hand out a script as some anxiety mess are controlled substances and people abuse them.

TheBuddha

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #8 on: October 22, 2015, 04:14:49 PM »
Yeah those SSRI medications are a nightmare, there are so many horror stories. MOD EDIT I'd avoid those if possible. The vast majority of school shooters are on SSRIs.  Nope, see below.

I'd ask the doc about a beta blocker first (e.g. propranolol), then a benzo as second choice (e.g. clonazepam). Possibly both together. Benzos are addictive though and can cause as much psychotic behavior as SSRIs.
« Last Edit: October 23, 2015, 07:41:52 PM by FrugalToque »

NoraLenderbee

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #9 on: October 22, 2015, 04:32:22 PM »
Yes, you need a prescription for generic drugs.

Have you already been taking a drug for anxiety, or not yet? It doesn't sound like the doctor has given you much guidance. The drugs mentioned are all antidepressants, but not specifically anti-anxiety medications (but they could still be appropriate). They are the kind of medication that you take every day. Benzodiazapines (Ativan, Clonazepam) are typically prescribed to be taken as needed, short term, i.e., for a few days a a time.


Quote
Another thing my last doctor said is that anxiety meds will make you constipated for a month.

Benzos are slightly constipating because they slow everything down. But not for a month.

It sounds like you need to see another doctor (sorry) who knows more about mood issues and will help you find the right meds for your situation. It's stressful, I know.

Yeah those SSRI medications are a nightmare, there are so many horror stories. I'd avoid those if possible. The vast majority of school shooters are on SSRIs.

Let's not spread FUD. The vast majority of school shooters wore sneakers and ate ice cream. The vast majority of SSRI users never hurt anyone.

flamingo25

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #10 on: October 22, 2015, 04:42:56 PM »
I take Zoloft and it had been life-changing (in a good way). I only need a low dose to help. I still get some anxiety but it takes the edge off and prevents panic attacks. I did have an upset stomach for a week or two but nothing awful.

You might have to try a few meds before you find one that works for you.

Also, in response to a previous poster: I've never shot anyone and don't ever intend to.

Bellatrix

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #11 on: October 22, 2015, 04:45:53 PM »
Besides a regular primary care doctor, you could consider seeing a psychiatrist. Not all PCPs will prescribe anti-anxiety meds or the anti-depressants used for anxiety. 

LeRainDrop

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #12 on: October 22, 2015, 07:59:58 PM »
Yeah those SSRI medications are a nightmare, there are so many horror stories. I'd avoid those if possible. The vast majority of school shooters are on SSRIs.

Let's not spread FUD. The vast majority of school shooters wore sneakers and ate ice cream. The vast majority of SSRI users never hurt anyone.

Yeah, don't listen to TheBuddha on that one.  I've been on Prozac (which is an SSRI) for anxiety for close to two years now, and I also have Xanax on hand for when I have a panic attack  -- those stopped a little while ago after the yelling bully/mean girl/partner in my office finally left the firm.  I don't remember ever experiencing any side effects when I started taking the medication.  Actually, the first week or 10 days, I think, my doctor had me take half doses before going full dose, so maybe that helped.

OP, you may ask whether it's possible to get the prescription by seeing a nurse practitioner rather than a doctor because those visits can be less costly.

goatmom

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #13 on: October 22, 2015, 09:02:56 PM »
If you are suffering from anxiety, I would go see a psychiatrist.  You might not even need meds - or an SSRI or a benzo might be appropriate.  We don't know your other history - family history, substance use, etc to be making reccs. You might be suffering from thyroid or a vitamin deficiency.  Go to the expert.  Will save money in the long run.  You can get on the right med and feel better.  Worth the money.  Nurse practitioners don't have the training the psychiatrist has.  No offense to NPs.  Best of luck!

mozar

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #14 on: October 22, 2015, 09:38:09 PM »
See a psychiatrist! Oy oy oy. I'll think about it. Thanks for the advice.

NextTime

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #15 on: October 23, 2015, 03:26:16 PM »
I also experienced sexual side effects with Zoloft. Didn't cause impotence, but decreased sensation. That didn't fly with me.


justajane

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #16 on: October 23, 2015, 03:42:45 PM »
I also experienced sexual side effects with Zoloft. Didn't cause impotence, but decreased sensation. That didn't fly with me.

Yeah, both Prozac and Zooloft were awful in that respect. I haven't been on antidepressants for over a decade because of the side effects. I have pretty severe depression sometimes, though, and probably should be on something. I loved Clonipin the few times I took it, but I could definitely see how it could be addictive. It really took the edge of life in a good way.  In general, I'm just hesitant to go on an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medicine for fear I would never be able to wean off one.

Several people have mentioned the book Feeling Good on here. A psychiatrist recommended it a long time ago, and I believe I read it. Perhaps I should revisit it, because I would love something to help me deal with the anxiety and depression when it inevitably comes.

Sailor Sam

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #17 on: October 23, 2015, 04:22:44 PM »
I find the process of getting meds really stressful (calling to make an appointment, talking to a doctor, going to a store) so I'm hoping talking it out will help.

My sympathies. It really is incredibly stressful and upsetting to get started on psych drugs. You're (collective you) already freaked out and living on the floor/ceiling, and not really sane. Then you have to coordinate all this adult stuff without hurting anyone or yourself, and deal with peoples' reactions, and scrape yourself off the floor/ceiling long enough to actually go to the doctor. It's a trial.

Advice, real good for free! You might want to start with a psychologist psychiatrist instead of an MD if you're trying psych drugs for the first time. MD's can prescribe, but they don't always have the depth of practice you'll need to get steadied out. Once you get stabilized, you can switch to a MD. Most seem willing to keep prescribing a drug a psychiatrist has initially prescribed.

I also recommend the site Crazymeds. A huge repository of drugs, treatment methods, long term things, and a good forum. Good luck, fellow human.
« Last Edit: October 23, 2015, 06:19:54 PM by Sailor Sam »

cdttmm

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #18 on: October 23, 2015, 04:27:25 PM »
The vast majority of school shooters are on SSRIs.

Really? Want to provide a citation to back up that statement?

TheBuddha

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #19 on: October 23, 2015, 04:42:25 PM »
The vast majority of school shooters are on SSRIs.

Really? Want to provide a citation to back up that statement?

Nope. You're one web search away from finding all the info you want, I'm not going to do it for you. Nor do I give the slightest fuck about your opinion on the subject.

[MOD EDIT:  That's not how it's done.  You make the claim.  You back it up]
« Last Edit: October 23, 2015, 07:42:37 PM by FrugalToque »

iamlindoro

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #20 on: October 23, 2015, 04:56:04 PM »
Nope. You're one web search away from finding all the info you want, I'm not going to do it for you. Nor do I give the slightest fuck about your opinion on the subject.

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/forum-information-faqs/forum-rules/

Rules #1, #2, #4, and #6.  Your attitude is not acceptable here.

Even if what you state were true, and we haven't established that since there's been to evidence provided to do so, correlation does not prove causation.  SSRIs and other medications are common treatments for all spectrums of mental illness.  Their incredibly limited venn diagram crossover with perpetrators of mass shootings proves exactly nothing, aside from potentially calling attention to the fact that mass shooters probably have a statistically higher chance of being mentally ill.
« Last Edit: October 23, 2015, 05:00:47 PM by iamlindoro »

LeRainDrop

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #21 on: October 23, 2015, 05:32:27 PM »
The vast majority of school shooters are on SSRIs.

Really? Want to provide a citation to back up that statement?

Nope. You're one web search away from finding all the info you want, I'm not going to do it for you.

Since The Buddha would like everyone to draw false conclusions from his assertions, here's the dish on why SSRIs may actually reduce a propensity for violence:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoxetine#Violence
« Last Edit: October 23, 2015, 05:35:33 PM by LeRainDrop »

goatmom

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #22 on: October 23, 2015, 05:52:20 PM »
I find the process of getting meds really stressful (calling to make an appointment, talking to a doctor, going to a store) so I'm hoping talking it out will help.

Advice, real good for free! You might want to start with a psychologist instead of an MD if you're trying psych drugs for the first time. MD's can prescribe, but they don't always have the depth of practice you'll need to get steadied out. Once you get stabilized, you can switch to a MD. Most seem willing to keep prescribing a drug a psychologist has initially prescribed.

I also recommend the site Crazymeds. A huge repository of drugs, treatment methods, long term things, and a good forum. Good luck, fellow human.


Psychologists can't prescribe meds (at least in the US).  Psychiatrists are MDs that specialize in mental health.  Yes, your family doc is willing to keep prescribing but doesnt really have the training/knowledge. There are also some great Apps out there for CBP and Mindfulness that you can use to do some self directed therapy - they actually work really well.

Sailor Sam

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #23 on: October 23, 2015, 06:21:37 PM »
Psychologists can't prescribe meds (at least in the US).  Psychiatrists are MDs that specialize in mental health.

Thanks, fixed my post. I'm extra sheepish, because I actually knew that, and still managed to type the wrong thing. 

Yankuba

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #24 on: October 23, 2015, 07:15:56 PM »
Re: school shooters and suicides while on anti-depressants

My cousin is a psychiatrist. He says some folks are lower than suicidal. On a one to ten scale of happiness they are zeroes. Suicides happen when people are higher than zero. Putting the zeroes on meds slowly brings them up to a one, two, three, etc. It's when a person moves from not being able to get out of bed to a little bit better that you sometimes get suicides and school shootings. The pills are doing what they are supposed to do but by getting people out of a comatose state they sometimes give people enough energy and drive to kill themselves or shoot up a school. Based on news reports it does seem that most of these young men that shoot up public places are suffering from mental illness so it wouldn't be surprising if they were on SSRIs.
« Last Edit: October 23, 2015, 07:20:22 PM by Yankuba »

justajane

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #25 on: October 23, 2015, 07:30:11 PM »
Re: school shooters and suicides while on anti-depressants

My cousin is a psychiatrist. He says some folks are lower than suicidal. On a one to ten scale of happiness they are zeroes. Suicides happen when people are higher than zero. Putting the zeroes on meds slowly brings them up to a one, two, three, etc. It's when a person moves from not being able to get out of bed to a little bit better that you sometimes get suicides and school shootings. The pills are doing what they are supposed to do but by getting people out of a comatose state they sometimes give people enough energy and drive to kill themselves or shoot up a school. Based on news reports it does seem that most of these young men that shoot up public places are suffering from mental illness so it wouldn't be surprising if they were on SSRIs.

This is interesting, although suicide and homicide are such different things and come from such different places within a person that it's hard for me to want to discuss them together. But yes, point taken from you and others that it only stands to reason that someone who is in such an altered state that they can shoot up a public place is likely to have sought out mental help at some point and have been put on SSRIs.

Yankuba

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #26 on: October 23, 2015, 07:35:32 PM »
Re: school shooters and suicides while on anti-depressants

My cousin is a psychiatrist. He says some folks are lower than suicidal. On a one to ten scale of happiness they are zeroes. Suicides happen when people are higher than zero. Putting the zeroes on meds slowly brings them up to a one, two, three, etc. It's when a person moves from not being able to get out of bed to a little bit better that you sometimes get suicides and school shootings. The pills are doing what they are supposed to do but by getting people out of a comatose state they sometimes give people enough energy and drive to kill themselves or shoot up a school. Based on news reports it does seem that most of these young men that shoot up public places are suffering from mental illness so it wouldn't be surprising if they were on SSRIs.

This is interesting, although suicide and homicide are such different things and come from such different places within a person that it's hard for me to want to discuss them together. But yes, point taken from you and others that it only stands to reason that someone who is in such an altered state that they can shoot up a public place is likely to have sought out mental help at some point and have been put on SSRIs.

I don't know. These people that shoot up the public places always kill themselves in the end. I feel they're depressed and suicidal but they blame society or school or their boss or women for their depression and then go on the rampage before taking their own life.

justajane

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #27 on: October 23, 2015, 07:48:27 PM »
Re: school shooters and suicides while on anti-depressants

My cousin is a psychiatrist. He says some folks are lower than suicidal. On a one to ten scale of happiness they are zeroes. Suicides happen when people are higher than zero. Putting the zeroes on meds slowly brings them up to a one, two, three, etc. It's when a person moves from not being able to get out of bed to a little bit better that you sometimes get suicides and school shootings. The pills are doing what they are supposed to do but by getting people out of a comatose state they sometimes give people enough energy and drive to kill themselves or shoot up a school. Based on news reports it does seem that most of these young men that shoot up public places are suffering from mental illness so it wouldn't be surprising if they were on SSRIs.

This is interesting, although suicide and homicide are such different things and come from such different places within a person that it's hard for me to want to discuss them together. But yes, point taken from you and others that it only stands to reason that someone who is in such an altered state that they can shoot up a public place is likely to have sought out mental help at some point and have been put on SSRIs.

I don't know. These people that shoot up the public places always kill themselves in the end. I feel they're depressed and suicidal but they blame society or school or their boss or women for their depression and then go on the rampage before taking their own life.

Maybe, but I always interpreted this as an act of intense regret or a desire to avoid jail time and the expected consequences of their acts.

Obviously someone who commits murder in such a premeditated and random way is likely depressed, just as people who take their own lives are very, very likely depressed. But I think the comparisons between the situations end there.

I had a friend take his own life this summer. I myself have had suicidal thoughts before. Never in a million years would I consider hurting someone else because of my depression. The vast majority of depressed people are the same way.

And what my friend did was his choice to make. I don't like it, and his choice has had a rippling effect in the lives of those who cared about him. But it was not evil. It was not easy. I don't even think it was selfish. It's certainly not even in the same ballpark psychologically as someone who commits a mass murder/suicide.

Abe

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #28 on: October 23, 2015, 09:14:02 PM »
Buspar is quite effective for generalized anxiety, but has significant side effects so is rarely prescribed. Zoloft and Cymbalta are not as effective, but have milder side effects so are often tried before Buspar. However they are not especially effective.  More effective is cognitive behavioral therapy, in combination with the medications. Propranolol, which someone mentioned, is for panic disorder, which is different than generalized anxiety. Evaluation by a psychiatrist will help determine which of these therapies is the best. Unless your primary physician is familiar with anxiety disorders, they may not be comfortable prescribing medications.

Sailor Sam

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #29 on: October 24, 2015, 10:35:35 AM »
Civex, your annoyance seems misplaced*. The OP specifically listed a side effect, then asked if anyone has any experience on a list of drugs. We responded anecdotally because most people on the forum are not mental health providers. We experience this stuff from the patient's side, so our experience is necessarily anecdotal. That doesn't automatically take them out of the realm of helpful. Additionally, other posters made the same points and your #1, and #2, and broached point 3. You aren't adding some new and calm voice of reason, so why the attitude? Especially considering how difficult it can be to share mental health stories in the first place


*Unless it's specifically directed towards the connections between SSRI's and school shootings. Heck, even if your mouthing off about that part, the forum actually did a pretty good job diffusing that. I personally liked amlindoro's response a whole lot. Posted well before the Mod was alerted, too. Why not celebrate that?

Edit: spellink

justajane

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #30 on: October 24, 2015, 10:54:51 AM »
Like the OP, one of the main reasons I haven't sought out medication is the whole process of finding a psychiatrist and a therapist. I haven't had stellar experiences in the past, and in my opinion -- and yes, it's just my opinion -- a bad therapist or bad fit is worse than no therapist at all. It's also just so fraught. The one who prescribes your medication is not usually the one with whom you spend the most time, i.e. in many respects, psychiatrists have become more subscribers than the actual people who help you manage your depression or anxiety. I've actually had a psychiatrist friend say this to me with dismay.

And then there's the chance of getting some sort of diagnosis with which I would disagree. For instance, I have a friend who was diagnosed as bi-polar. She fought it for a long time. I'm not going to go into it, but it has limited her employment opportunities. I think she's come to finally admit that the diagnosis is likely correct, given her family history, but that doesn't change the fact that now she is labeled.

Hopefully Obamacare has mitigated some of the concerns about getting something on your "chart" that would up your rates on the open market. Is that true at least?

Back to anxiety medications, I was given Ativan (lorazepam) in the hospital once because I was freaking out about the amount of pain I was in. It seemed to work, but it seems like something they just give for episodes and not for chronic anxiety.
 

mozar

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #31 on: October 24, 2015, 06:34:19 PM »
Quote
Several people have mentioned the book Feeling Good on here.

I read that about a year ago now and since then I feel about 1000% better. I keep getting better, and then I get hit with a couple panic attacks which are brought out on by having to go to sleep (going to bed is my trigger unfortunately) then I think this is the time I should start looking into meds. Then I look into it and I get overwhelmed. I already take melatonin and am learning good sleep hygiene.

justajane

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #32 on: October 24, 2015, 06:38:26 PM »
Quote
Several people have mentioned the book Feeling Good on here.

I read that about a year ago now and since then I feel about 1000% better. I keep getting better, and then I get hit with a couple panic attacks which are brought out on by having to go to sleep (going to bed is my trigger unfortunately) then I think this is the time I should start looking into meds. Then I look into it and I get overwhelmed. I already take melatonin and am learning good sleep hygiene.

Thanks! Your recommendation, along with so many others on here, just led me to (gasp!) pay $8.99 for the Kindle edition. I never pay for books, but this is something I need to do. I need to be more proactive about my mental health.

Regarding insomnia, I had been taking Benadryl every night for over a year for anxiety and insomnia, but I just started melatonin last week. It seems to be working.

goatmom

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #33 on: October 24, 2015, 09:22:30 PM »
There are still some psychiatrists out there that do meds and therapy.  Unfortunately our current healthcare system has made them few and far between and most don't take insurance because insurance won't pay for it.  I pay for my son's psychiatrist who does both meds and therapy.  I know I am fortunate to be in a position to be able to fork over the cash for this every month.  Money well spent in my opinion.

Best of luck!

LeRainDrop

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #34 on: October 24, 2015, 09:48:08 PM »
Quote
Several people have mentioned the book Feeling Good on here.

I read that about a year ago now and since then I feel about 1000% better. I keep getting better, and then I get hit with a couple panic attacks which are brought out on by having to go to sleep (going to bed is my trigger unfortunately) then I think this is the time I should start looking into meds. Then I look into it and I get overwhelmed. I already take melatonin and am learning good sleep hygiene.

Thanks! Your recommendation, along with so many others on here, just led me to (gasp!) pay $8.99 for the Kindle edition. I never pay for books, but this is something I need to do. I need to be more proactive about my mental health.

Yay -- I'm now first on my library's hold list for e-book format!

Quote
Regarding insomnia, I had been taking Benadryl every night for over a year for anxiety and insomnia, but I just started melatonin last week. It seems to be working.

Ambien did nothing for my insomnia -- I was still awake all night.  Sonata was the magic bullet to get me to fall asleep.  Of course, I have not even needed it once since yelling/bully/mean girl/partner announced she was leaving the firm.

(I know the OP didn't say this was the issue, but to anyone dealing with bullying in the workplace, I highly recommend this book: The Bully at Work, by Gary and Ruth Namie.  I was literally crying as I read parts of it because it was so validating to see that what was happening was very wrong.  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402224265?ie=UTF8&tag=theworkdoctor&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1402224265)
« Last Edit: October 24, 2015, 09:53:26 PM by LeRainDrop »

mozar

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #35 on: October 24, 2015, 10:05:48 PM »
I was being bullied at work. With the support I got from this forum I was able to switch jobs about 2 years ago.

TheBuddha

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #36 on: October 25, 2015, 12:47:04 AM »
Regarding insomnia, I had been taking Benadryl every night for over a year for anxiety and insomnia, but I just started melatonin last week. It seems to be working.

A tablespoon of raw, unfiltered, uncooked honey before sleep is the best sleep aid I've ever found.

(For more info see this book: The New Honey Revolution. The author is a relative of mine, I met him at a funeral and he gave me a copy of the book.)
 

justajane

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #37 on: October 25, 2015, 08:21:26 AM »
Quote
Several people have mentioned the book Feeling Good on here.

I read that about a year ago now and since then I feel about 1000% better. I keep getting better, and then I get hit with a couple panic attacks which are brought out on by having to go to sleep (going to bed is my trigger unfortunately) then I think this is the time I should start looking into meds. Then I look into it and I get overwhelmed. I already take melatonin and am learning good sleep hygiene.

Thanks! Your recommendation, along with so many others on here, just led me to (gasp!) pay $8.99 for the Kindle edition. I never pay for books, but this is something I need to do. I need to be more proactive about my mental health.

Yay -- I'm now first on my library's hold list for e-book format!

I looked - sadly my library system doesn't have it electronically. I pretty much only read books on the Kindle now, usually from the Overdrive system or near-free public domain works . It has been revolutionary for me, and I'm the type that used to love to hold a book and had bookcases upon bookcases of real books. I evolved, in large part to rid myself of the clutter and because it's just easier to hold a Kindle. I'm a big fan of the "loose baggy monsters", i.e. extremely long books like War and Peace, Gone with the Wind, etc. Especially these types of books are fantastic on a Kindle.

I used to own a copy of Feeling Good and even read it eons ago. I dispensed of it during the book purge of 2008, or was it 2010?

Emg03063

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Re: How do I get anxiety medication?
« Reply #38 on: October 25, 2015, 08:46:05 PM »
Not a doctor, and I haven't taken any of the drugs you have listed, but I have taken a few SSRI's and SNRI's in the past (Lexapro, Paxil, Effexor) for anxiety.  Nowadays, I use 5htp is over the counter, and hasn't given me any of the side effects that the SSRIs and SNRIs did.  It works for me.  YMMV.