Do I need medication for anxiety?

Question

I keep waking up in the middle of the night worrying about silly stuff. I even woke up once worried that not enough people recycle! Last night I kept thinking about my house burning down with my family in it. I know I need help but I'm scared of taking medications. I've been seeing a psychologist but it's not really working.

Would the medication really help?

I'm 21...by the way. Does anyone know what some of those side effects are?

Answer 1

See an endocrinology and avoid drugs.
Side effects can be found here
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/

Answer 2

You are definitely on the right track. A collaborative effort between your psychologist and a psychiatrist generally yields the best results.Common medications for anxiety include: Zoloft, Paxil, and other new medications that work both on serotonin and nor-epinephrine. Since these medications can, and sometimes do have side effects - Ask your M.D what he recommends. Just remember, although many physicians regard anxiety or GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) as a permanent physiological problem - you do have some control - and everything changes over time.
Good luck

Answer 3

I dont know lots of people swear by the medication but there are so many side effects and withdrawal symptoms that people dont always talk about. Plus it doesnt actually solve anything - unless you want to take pills for the rest of your life you need to work through the issues underlying the anxiety. If you feel therapy is not working you need to try to find another psychologist who uses a different method or who you connect with better.

Answer 4

you have to do a cost/benefit analysis with regards to the medication. yes, it can help and yes, it has side effect. A psychologist who isn't helping you? (how long have you been seeing him/her?) you can do two things. stop seeing them or have a talk with them about the fact that you don't seem to be getting better. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with training in psychological issues and they can write RX for meds. However, psychiatrists tend to focus on meds for the symptoms so you may need to see a counselor as well, preferably someone who has experience in treating patients with anxiety disorders. competent counseling can help too, you may not need the meds if it is environmental and not biologically based. Try a different counselor, try everything before going towards medications though, ok? Good Luck!

Answer 5

hmm i am pretty sure you have ocd. or maybe a combination between ocd and anxiety. i personaly suffer from anxiety and depression. you should go to a phycologist and see if you can work through it and if not then maybe try a phyciatrist, who can prescribe meds. she will ask you a series of ?'s and WILL NOT PUT YOU ON MEDS IF YOU DONT NEED THEM. or a good one wont. insurance normaly covers it and you can find one in a phone book, online, or call your doctor and ask for recomendations. side effects of meds can be dry mouth, sick to the stomache, [very rare] suicidal thoughts, constpation...blah blah but they will take you off if there are side effects. maybe do some reserch? that helped me decide i needed help. good luck and happy hunting.

Answer 6

you shouldnt immediately assume you need meds until all possibilities have been explored...could be hormones, or other endocrine imbalances...otherwise, maybe your diet needs help (deficiencies can cause problems- i take extra b vitamins cuz it helps my menopausal symptoms) you should have a full physical first before you even consider going on meds, beware anyone who immediately wants to put you on drugs without checking your physical well being....remember, ALL meds have side effects, even some herbal remedies...

Answer 7

Sounds like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder to me. With or without medication, you might want to practice cognitive behavior therapy and learn how to meditate.

Answer 8

Is your anxiety having a negative effect on you life??
I would say talk to your doctor.
I have been on anti-anxiety meds since my son was diagnosed with autism. It saved my life.