Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 695892

Shown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Help with meds phobia

Posted by lepus on October 18, 2006, at 19:48:38

I have an extreme anxiety disorder. For the past year I've barely left my house. Even leaving my bedroom can be difficult.

I've been prescribed Cymbalta at 30mgs with Valium to take as needed. I can't get myself to start the drug.

I have a long history with meds...none of it very good. I've been in the ER twice with reactions. Once it was a rash and the other time I was way too sedated.

Needless to say the experiences were not fun although they weren't life-threatening.

So now I'm scared to death to take the Cymbalta. I just can't do it. Despite how bad I am at least I know it isn't going to get worse. If I swallow that pill it could get worse - but I know it could also get better and maybe I could have a life again. Still, I can't do it.

Does anyone have a similar experience, a word of comfort or any advice on how to swallow that first pill and not have a huge anxiety attack doing it?

 

Re: Help with meds phobia

Posted by mike lynch on October 18, 2006, at 20:52:16

In reply to Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 18, 2006, at 19:48:38

I have the exact same experience. I have had bad experience with ssri's, I believed they've made me worse, I seemed to have been changed long term due to paxil. They want me to try a 4th ssri, and no way in hell I can get myself to take it. All my problems now never existed before ssris, I think these problems might worsen if they are the culprit.

 

Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus

Posted by Phillipa on October 18, 2006, at 22:33:14

In reply to Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 18, 2006, at 19:48:38

I'm the same here's my advise open the capsule pour out a lot and take a small dose and see what happens. Love Phillipa

 

Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus

Posted by Racer on October 19, 2006, at 1:27:43

In reply to Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 18, 2006, at 19:48:38

I have had a similar experience, and can certainly empathize with you. While in the end Cymbalta didn't work that well for me, it did help a lot and was not a problem for me. I'm not sure that helps, since in the state you're working out of, it's hard to believe that anyone has it as bad as you, right? But I was in bad shape, and the Cymbalta helped with that. Even though, as I said, it wasn't the be-all and end-all for me, it was very helpful and it reminded me that there is hope.

It also helped with physical pain. ;-)

Hard as it is, you can take it if you choose to. I'm going to advise against opening the capsules, though: in your current state, you're likely to over-react to anything you feel on any med as you start up. Taking only a few pellets is likely to prolong that stage. Besides, they're packaged in that dose for a reason -- and it is safe to start them. You don't say what your problems in the past have been, but Cymbalta didn't do any of the things that SSRIs had caused me problems with. (Except, after several months, some weight gain. Even that wasn't as bad as it was on EVERY other drug I've tried.)

You know yourself better than anyone here does: do you respond better to reason? Or emotion? Should I say, "OK, here are your choices, here are the benefits and disadvantages of each, which do you choose?" Or is it better if I say, "It's going to be OK, and we're here to support you. What's more, if it turns out that Cymbalta won't be your friend -- you can stop taking it?" Say what you need, someone here can offer it to you.

By the way, when I started Cymbalta, by day three I was sure I was dying -- my panic, nothing more -- and a friend of mine called me every single morning to remind me that I was going to be OK, and that I was going to over-react and panic about any drug I tried, and that none would work if I didn't stay on them at least four weeks. He told me, "Right now, I could give you a Flintstones vitamin, and you'd be sure you were poisoned by it..." I won't go into what got me to that state, and I told him he was wrong -- only not nearly so politely ;^) -- and you know what? He was right. He was smack dab on target. Smart fellow, and I was lucky to have such a good friend. I tell you this story, so that you'll know: you're not alone, you can do it -- if I could do it in the state I was in, you can do it standing on your head!

Peace. And good luck with Cymbalta.

 

Re: Help with meds phobia

Posted by lepus on October 19, 2006, at 2:55:08

In reply to Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus, posted by Racer on October 19, 2006, at 1:27:43

Thanks for your responses everyone.

Racer - Right now my biggest fear is a heightening of anxiety. I'm just not sure I could take it. Okay, well I would probably be able to take it but it would be struggle. I've never been this bad in my life with anxiety. I'm at the end of my rope and I don't want a medication making the anxiety issues worse.

The worst reaction I had was when a doctor decided to start me on high doses of Depakote and Seroquel . I took my first dose and tried to go to sleep. I needed to get up to use the bathroom. When I rose from bed all of the sudden my heart was racing so quickly that I called 911. Apparently nothing was wrong except that I was on too high of a dose and became too sedated. I do not want a repeat of that experience. I've been in the ER 3 times this past year with the panic attacks. I never want to see an ER again.

So, I guess that's my fear...another ER trip.

Whether I respond better to reason or emotion depends on the day. Tonight I just need to know it is going to be okay and I am going to at least be able to return to my normal level of dysfunction. Oh, how I miss it! I miss the days of just feeling uncomfortable in malls or places where I didn't have an easy exit. Now the entire world feels like a place from which I need an easy exit. Of course no such exit exists.

Funny you bring up the Flintstones vitamin story...I have trouble taking vitamins too! You were fortunate to have such a caring and understanding friend.

This is all so new to me. Well, anxiety isn't new to me. I've been dealing with it for 20 years but this level of anxiety is new to me. I've completely fallen apart.

Anyway, thank you everyone.

 

Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus

Posted by Squiggles on October 19, 2006, at 8:21:52

In reply to Re: Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 19, 2006, at 2:55:08

Too many people are afraid of drugs
these days. Maybe even doctors who
have to take them are. The reason is
too many adverse reactions. After 25 yrs.
of treatment and witnessing friends'
treatment, i tend to stick with what
experience has taught me is safe.

Squiggles

 

Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus

Posted by Crazy Horse on October 19, 2006, at 11:23:30

In reply to Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 18, 2006, at 19:48:38

> I have an extreme anxiety disorder. For the past year I've barely left my house. Even leaving my bedroom can be difficult.
>
> I've been prescribed Cymbalta at 30mgs with Valium to take as needed. I can't get myself to start the drug.
>
> I have a long history with meds...none of it very good. I've been in the ER twice with reactions. Once it was a rash and the other time I was way too sedated.
>
> Needless to say the experiences were not fun although they weren't life-threatening.
>
> So now I'm scared to death to take the Cymbalta. I just can't do it. Despite how bad I am at least I know it isn't going to get worse. If I swallow that pill it could get worse - but I know it could also get better and maybe I could have a life again. Still, I can't do it.
>
> Does anyone have a similar experience, a word of comfort or any advice on how to swallow that first pill and not have a huge anxiety attack doing it?

I have just the opposite problem..i'll take anything. "I know, let's give it to Monte, he'll take anything, Hey Monte, he likes it!" (Sorry, my pathetic attempt at humor. :)

I sincerely wish you well.

-Monte

 

Re: Help with meds phobia

Posted by irishcatholic on October 19, 2006, at 12:13:30

In reply to Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 18, 2006, at 19:48:38

Start low, go slow.
My PDoc actually believes that too!

I bombed out on Zoloft, Celexa, and Lexapro, but eventually have come good on generic Prozac.
But it took a long time to get there.
Keep trying, most of us usually find something eventually if you keep at it. An understanding PDoc who will listen rather than lecture is a real plus, although difficult to find.

 

Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus

Posted by Racer on October 19, 2006, at 14:34:53

In reply to Re: Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 19, 2006, at 2:55:08

> Thanks for your responses everyone.
>
> Racer - Right now my biggest fear is a heightening of anxiety. I'm just not sure I could take it. Okay, well I would probably be able to take it but it would be struggle.

If that's the case, here's some good news for you: About three hours after taking my first dose of Cymbalta, I felt as though I was floating on a cloud. In fact, it wasn't great for my depression, but it was not bad at all for my anxiety. Of course, that's me, so take it for what it's worth -- and keep in mind that benzos tend to INCREASE my anxiety, so I'm a bit weird...

I do hope it helps you get to the confidence point where you'll give it a try. If you need more direct support, you can contact me via babblemail (click on my name and it'll take you to the form), and maybe we can figure out a way to get you the sort of support it took for me to stick with it.

Honestly, though -- in terms of serotinergic drugs, this was the one with the fewest and mildest side effects I've ever taken. The biggest problem I had was sedation/lethargy. It's worth giving it a try.

Good luck to you.

 

Re: CIPRO, Lithium, clonazepam, and Synthroid » Racer

Posted by Squiggles on October 19, 2006, at 14:44:10

In reply to Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus, posted by Racer on October 19, 2006, at 14:34:53


> Honestly, though -- in terms of serotinergic drugs, this was the one with the fewest and mildest side effects I've ever taken. The biggest problem I had was sedation/lethargy. It's worth giving it a try.
>
> Good luck to you.

It sounds good. Worth researching;

Squiggles

 

Re: CIPRO, Lithium, clonazepam, and Synthroid » Squiggles

Posted by Squiggles on October 19, 2006, at 15:06:32

In reply to Re: CIPRO, Lithium, clonazepam, and Synthroid » Racer, posted by Squiggles on October 19, 2006, at 14:44:10

Uhm, maybe not:

http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/cymbalta-duloxetine.htm

How 'bout we move away from the SNRIs the SSRIs,
the SRIs, TRIs, and more towards the Dopamines,
the Opiates - you know the ones that don't need a black box for suicide risk. There must be some
drugs out there than don't have a suicide risk and make you happy and awake at the same time.

Squiggles

 

Re: CIPRO, Lithium, clonazepam, and Synthroid » Squiggles

Posted by Phillipa on October 19, 2006, at 19:28:03

In reply to Re: CIPRO, Lithium, clonazepam, and Synthroid » Squiggles, posted by Squiggles on October 19, 2006, at 15:06:32

Hence why I only trust benzos. And I still say open the capsule pour some out if you decide you still want to try it. Personally it did nothing for me at all. I'm recently been told by a therapist that unless you are suicidal or bipolar or schizophrenic or something other than anxiety and depression if you work really hard you can beat it. The valium if it relaxes you will help you work with a good therapist. I would inform my doc if you decide not to take it. As it is your choice no one can make you take anything you don't want to. Just what I would do. Love Phillipa

 

Re: CIPRO, Lithium, clonazepam, and Synthroid » Phillipa

Posted by Squiggles on October 19, 2006, at 19:37:22

In reply to Re: CIPRO, Lithium, clonazepam, and Synthroid » Squiggles, posted by Phillipa on October 19, 2006, at 19:28:03

> Hence why I only trust benzos.
... Personally it did nothing for me at all. I'm recently been told by a therapist that unless you are suicidal or bipolar or schizophrenic or something other than anxiety and depression if you work really hard you can beat it. The valium if it relaxes you will help you work with a good therapist.

...

"that unless you are suicidal or bipolar or
schizophrenic"... YES - well, that is nothing
out of the ordinary in current medical practice;
if you just have anxiety and personal problems to solve, a benzo and talk therapy is exactly what you will get. And btw, there is a vast difference between situational depression and endogenous major depression. If you don't believe it on a psychiatric basis, ask someone who has had a stroke - post depression - very physical, or a head injury.

What I am proposing is better drugs for the serious conditions - i don't think we have to sweat the "small stuff".

Squiggles

 

Re: CIPRO, Lithium, clonazepam, and Synthroid » Squiggles

Posted by Phillipa on October 19, 2006, at 21:32:03

In reply to Re: CIPRO, Lithium, clonazepam, and Synthroid » Phillipa, posted by Squiggles on October 19, 2006, at 19:37:22

Sqiggles I agree with you on that. Got me !!!!!!Love Phillipa

 

Re: Help with meds phobia

Posted by Meri-Tuuli on October 21, 2006, at 14:26:37

In reply to Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 18, 2006, at 19:48:38

Hey Lepus,

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm scared to death to take anything - that includes vitamin pills; and I even have moments when I won't eat something because I'm convinced I'll have an allergic reaction to it, although I know logically I'm not allergic to anything, not even dust/pollen/cats etc etc etc.

I would take a tiny dose. Talk to your pdoc about your fears - say you want to start at a tiny dose and take your first dose when you don't have anything to do and there is someone at home to help you. Then watch a light hearted movie (perhaps a comedy) or something to take your mind of it.

I think you have every right to be nervous about taking a med. I've also been 'burnt' by conventional meds and ended up in ER and things like that.

May I ask what caused your rash? I've also had rashes from meds.

BTW St John's Wort is pretty good for anxiety and depression and the side effects are very very mild, if non-existant.

Kind regards

Meri

 

Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus

Posted by kerria on October 22, 2006, at 0:16:57

In reply to Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 18, 2006, at 19:48:38

Hi Lepus,

i have a simular experience. i have sample packs of Cymbalta that i've been afraid to take also because of bad reactions in the past.

It's so hard to be so afraid of meds- bad reactions are no fun. i'm sorry that you have this fear also.
wish i had advice- can only offer to identify and say i understand.

Take care,
kerria

 

Re: Help with meds phobia

Posted by lepus on October 23, 2006, at 3:11:08

In reply to Re: Help with meds phobia, posted by Meri-Tuuli on October 21, 2006, at 14:26:37

> Hey Lepus,
>
> I'm in the same boat as you. I'm scared to death to take anything - that includes vitamin pills; and I even have moments when I won't eat something because I'm convinced I'll have an allergic reaction to it, although I know logically I'm not allergic to anything, not even dust/pollen/cats etc etc etc.
>
> I would take a tiny dose. Talk to your pdoc about your fears - say you want to start at a tiny dose and take your first dose when you don't have anything to do and there is someone at home to help you. Then watch a light hearted movie (perhaps a comedy) or something to take your mind of it.
>
> I think you have every right to be nervous about taking a med. I've also been 'burnt' by conventional meds and ended up in ER and things like that.
>
> May I ask what caused your rash? I've also had rashes from meds.
>
> BTW St John's Wort is pretty good for anxiety and depression and the side effects are very very mild, if non-existant.
>
> Kind regards
>
> Meri
>


Sorry for the late reply. I've been forgetting to check these boards.

The rash was caused by Lamictal. It increased my anxiety to ungodly levels too. Lovely drug. I shouldn't say that...I'm sure it's great for some people.

I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow and tell him I've been afraid to take the medication. It's been a couple of weeks; I guess I better let him know what is going on.

Ugh...I just want a life back.

 

Re: Help with meds phobia

Posted by lepus on October 23, 2006, at 3:14:14

In reply to Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus, posted by kerria on October 22, 2006, at 0:16:57

> Hi Lepus,
>
> i have a simular experience. i have sample packs of Cymbalta that i've been afraid to take also because of bad reactions in the past.
>
> It's so hard to be so afraid of meds- bad reactions are no fun. i'm sorry that you have this fear also.
> wish i had advice- can only offer to identify and say i understand.
>
> Take care,
> kerria

I'm sorry you're having this trouble too. Have you given up on trying to start the med?

For me I don't have a lot of choice. As I am now I'm housebound. I have to take something. Something has to give here.

So very aggravating.

 

Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus

Posted by Phillipa on October 23, 2006, at 20:02:40

In reply to Re: Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 23, 2006, at 3:14:14

If you're housbound you have to take the first step. Even if it's to walk to the mailbox a med may make it easier but it will take work. I'm going through the samething. Love Phillipa

 

Re: Help with meds phobia

Posted by lepus on October 26, 2006, at 3:06:17

In reply to Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus, posted by Phillipa on October 23, 2006, at 20:02:40

> If you're housbound you have to take the first step. Even if it's to walk to the mailbox a med may make it easier but it will take work. I'm going through the samething. Love Phillipa

I'm sorry to hear that Phillipa. How are you managing? What is helping you?

Any tips? I'd love to hear what you're doing to overcome it.

 

Re: Help with meds phobia » lepus

Posted by Phillipa on October 26, 2006, at 19:01:41

In reply to Re: Help with meds phobia, posted by lepus on October 26, 2006, at 3:06:17

Just forcing myself to go somewhere everyday and ride my bike. Love Phillipa


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