Do antidepressants and antianxiety medication really works?
Ive been suffering with depression and social anxiety where I get intense panic attacks every time I am in social situation. I just want to know if those meds really work and for how long do you have to take them?
2006-09-22 23:10:57 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Yes they do in a lot of cases, but a few things to consider:
1. Different meds work differently for different people - there are a whole range of meds, so don't give up if one doesn't work.. as there are plenty of others to try with the help of your doctor.
2. They take 2-4 weeks to kick in usually.. so be patient.
3. Dosage can effect how well they work, too much or too little can cause problems, ALWAYS be guided by your doctor.
4. NEVER stop taking a medication suddenly because you don't think it is working, or it has side effects - always be guided by your doctor and gradually lower dosage when stopping taking the medication.
5. TRY to NEVER miss a dose and try to take the medication at the same time every day (be that morning or night, whatever is recommended by your doctor).
6. For any mental health issue, try and have cognitive-behavioural therapy in conjunction with medication.
Good luck!!
For further info on meds try: http://www.rxlist.com.
2006-09-23 03:53:03 · answer #1 · answered by pola_pink_ocd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had anxiety for 10 years and tried many kinds of antidressants. None of them worked. In fact most of them made me feel worse.
Then this year I had to fly...(I am semi-claustrophobic) so my doc gave me some ativan. It actually stops your brain from feeling anxiety. It was freaking amazing!! The other thing I loved about it was I didn't feel out of control or super dizzy or wierd. I just didn't have anxiety.
I was PISSED that my doctor never put me on this stuff before.
I don't know if you can go on it for long periods though but it gives you a great break from anxiiety.
The only thing that has fixed me was getting rid of all the things that were stressin me. My #1 stressor was my job. So I quit.
#2 was my girlfriend, got rid of her ****.
#3 was money and bills. Thankfully my Dad allowed me to stay with him till I got back on my feet financially. He even paid a couple of my small bills off.
After all that it took about 6 months before I was normal again.
I still keep a few ativan around incase I relapse but for over a year I have never felt better.
2006-09-22 23:19:10 · answer #2 · answered by sshazzam 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they really do work. I used to feel like you , and I was very reluctant to take meds---thought it meant I was 'weak' or whatever. But I am SO glad that I did. The meds start to work after 2 weeks, and have full effect after 4 weeks. For anxiety, it recommended to take them for 6-12 months, but you can stay on them for years with no ill effects.
Do it, and get your LIFE back!
Good meds for anxiety (and then the depression that comes b/c you feel so messed up...) are Celexa, Zoloft, etc. I love Celexa. Works great, and I had absolutely no bad side effects.
2006-09-22 23:21:24 · answer #3 · answered by P-nuts and Hair-dos 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do, it's just a matter of finding the right one for you. They're all different and some are just more effective in some people than others.
As for how long to take them, it could be quite a while. It's n ongoing treatment. Stopping abruptly would completely shatter your progress.
2006-09-22 23:13:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes they really work. It may take time to find the one that works for you. It is usually recommended to take them for at least 1 year with counselling and medication review regularly.
2006-09-22 23:49:18 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I 'm beginning to wounder if they do really work. I have been on four different ones and none of them has worked so far. A lot of people have had a lot of success with them but so far I am not one of them.
2006-09-23 06:18:21 · answer #6 · answered by Angel G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never it worked nor will it ever my friend. you have to get hold of your mind.sooner the better.it all matters how we look at ourselves and the world around us.please read complete works of swami vivekananda which will arouse your inner strength.
my dear friend,how much ever we may differ in physical plane, in essence we are one.where comes this depression?
2006-09-23 01:28:47 · answer #7 · answered by nachiketa 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im on antidepressants and i find that they work,you have to be on them for at least six months,to get the proper effect
2006-09-23 08:45:33 · answer #8 · answered by tanya.loake@btinternet.com 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, YES. affirmative! There are some great meds that can help. I love prozac... it changed my life! Good luck, honey!
2006-09-22 23:19:26 · answer #9 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they work if you have the right ones for your needs. anti anxiety pills may be valium, but valium can cause depression. talk to your doc and tell him exactly your caper. if you are in need of something, have it for at least one year
2006-09-22 23:15:57 · answer #10 · answered by matt o 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋