Re: Calming medications

[Guest guest]

I badly need some advice about medications. I am in the middle of a

crisis that is having a significant impact on my psyche, and feel

that a " calming medication " might be helpful, at least for a short

time. I am experiencing anxiety, more difficulty concentrating, and

more difficulty sleeping. In the past I have avoided as many meds as I

could in the category of pain meds, antidepressants, muscle relaxants,

sleeping meds, etc. I always felt I did not get much benefit, and did

not like the " sedating " effect. Now I feel I could benefit from

something, and I am sure my doctor would agree, and would be

open-minded to a particular request. Does anyone have a suggestion as

to what NOT to try, or what to try? If you are being helped by one of

these meds, what are the side-effects you have experienced? Of course,

I would prefer something that was non-habit-forming. The only med in

that category that I have tried was amyltriptelene (Elavil, an

antidepressant) for chronic back pain, about 20 years ago. After

several years, when I was advised to get off it, and I agreed that I

wanted to, I had a terrible time sleeping. While the med did not do

much for my pain, imo, it did make me dependent on it for sleeping, and

for that reason I have avoided other suggested medications, and I would

like to avoid a similar situation presently. But, I feel I would

benefit from something now. Any thought are greatly appreciated.

[Guest guest]

I have battled anxiety and depression for most of my life and have taken

Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin, and Paxil for it. None of these medications did

anything for me. My opinion is that medication works best for people who suffer

from depression or anxiety because of a chemical imbalance. It sounds to me

like you are reacting to life, just as I was, and not experiencing a chemical

imbalance. It also sounds like you aren't real excited about the prospect of

taking meds. If you would be interested in finding some relief without taking

meds, I would recommend Lucinda Basset's program " Attacking Anxiety and

Depression " . I'm sure there's a website for it. It helped me a lot.

Darlene

[Guest guest]

Klonapin is often used if you don't have sleep apnea. I take Paxil

(antidepressant) and have had no problems when I have run out, but

they advise not stopping it abruptly. I am currently taking Lunesta

for sleep and it has really helped me. I don't have any groggy

feeling, but I metabolize meds differently than many and therefore

don't get the side effects many get. I would suggest letting your

doctor know that you want something and taking his/her advice on what

might be good with the least side effects.

laurie

>

>

> I badly need some advice about medications. I am in the middle of a

> crisis that is having a significant impact on my psyche, and feel

> that a " calming medication " might be helpful, at least for a short

> time. I am experiencing anxiety, more difficulty concentrating, and

> more difficulty sleeping. In the past I have avoided as many meds as I

> could in the category of pain meds, antidepressants, muscle relaxants,

> sleeping meds, etc. I always felt I did not get much benefit, and did

> not like the " sedating " effect. Now I feel I could benefit from

> something, and I am sure my doctor would agree, and would be

> open-minded to a particular request. Does anyone have a suggestion as

> to what NOT to try, or what to try? If you are being helped by one of

> these meds, what are the side-effects you have experienced? Of course,

> I would prefer something that was non-habit-forming. The only med in

> that category that I have tried was amyltriptelene (Elavil, an

> antidepressant) for chronic back pain, about 20 years ago. After

> several years, when I was advised to get off it, and I agreed that I

> wanted to, I had a terrible time sleeping. While the med did not do

> much for my pain, imo, it did make me dependent on it for sleeping, and

> for that reason I have avoided other suggested medications, and I would

> like to avoid a similar situation presently. But, I feel I would

> benefit from something now. Any thought are greatly appreciated.

>

>

>

> Medical advice, information, opinions, data and statements contained herein

> are not necessarily those of the list moderators. The author of this e mail

> is entirely responsible for its content. List members are reminded of their

> responsibility to evaluate the content of the postings and consult with

> their physicians regarding changes in their own treatment.

>

> Personal attacks are not permitted on the list and anyone who sends one is

> automatically moderated or removed depending on the severity of the attack.

>

>

>

>

>

>