Hello this is my second time posting. I have been out of the program for about a year and am still having problems with obsessive thinking. I am considering going back on meds but afraid of becoming dependent and sabatoging the whole recovery process. I am also very sensitive to medication. I have tried Remeron, Zoloft, Paxil, Imiprimine, and Serzone. Remeron made me gain too much weight, and the rest were too strong for me. If anyone knows of a good mild antidepressant that also helps with anxiety please let me know. I feel so alone in all of this.....please respond Thank you all.

AprilZ~

I also tried Remeron (gained 15 pounds while on it) and the other meds were too strong for me. You could ask your doctor about Lexapro. Lexapro is Celexa minus alot of the unnecessary ingredients that cause some of those icky side effects. I am not on it but have heard from others that it isn't too bad.

Silvana

April honey don't feel alone!!!! If you only knew the hell I fo through in a days time with this anxiety crap!!! I am not on meds I tried zoloft one time along time ago and it made me feel like I was on the moon. It scared me so bad I will not take anything else it was only 1 pill 1 time and that was enough for me. The doctor gave me paxil but I refused to take it. I try and cope on my own it's a struggle sometimes. I haven't finished the program yet I keep procrastenating and I need to go through with it. Well I'm sorry your having a rough time this is one of my biggest problems is the obssesive scary thoughts. Take care!!!!!

Hello, you are not alone and wish more of us discussed that. There can be a lot of guilt with going on meds even and especially after the program. I struggled with it but not anymore. Years ago, 98 or so I went on Paxil. This was before I knew too much about my disorder but I'm glad for that because even with the side effects, I continued (when I may not have had I known more) and it worked great for me. I did gain a bit of weight but I was so happy, flying, driving, dating you name it. Went off of it after a few years on accident (long story) so to fast forward, I have done this program and although I loved it and it helped, I still felt I needed meds. I had a hard time releasing guilt about that. But we have one chance on this earth so do what is right FOR YOU!.

Now, to answer your question.......I've been on Lexapro for about 2 months and notice hardly any side effects at all except that I feel better. It is a well tolerated one so it's the latest that is used. I understand the elderly tolerate this one well too so you may want to ask about that one.

Good luck, Brigitte

I too struggled with taking med's. I have been trying to live with Anxiety and panic for about 8 years. I finally hit a breaking point at a time when I was undergoing a tremendous amount of stress. I went to my Dr. and the DR. prescribed Paxil, I took it 7 days, felt like a zombie and stopped. Consulted with a psychiatrist, who gave mo zoloft. I started with 25 mg's, felt better, and have only been taking that amount for 2 months, I didn't need to up the dose. I think it takes the edge off. But I still work very hard to overcome this, and want to work my way to no med's. Just do what is best for you. It may be the boost you need to beat this, a helping hand. But make sure you are not relying on them, learn to cope and empower yourself!!! Everyone reacts differently to different med's, don't be afrsid to find the right one for you.

I totally understand your position. I too have a trouble with deep anxiety and thinking the same old thoughts over and over. I have tried all the same old med that you mentioned. HOwever, I would suggest trying Xanax. I take( 1 ).25 mg and cut it into 1/4. I take this ever two to six hours. It is a very low dose and this helps to knock off the rough edges and help me focus on the program and deep breathing. I do this with the guidance of my dr, and I take 3/4 of a 50 mg SErzone at pm. I'm really glad these meds don't work a cure all. I just want enough to help me calm so I can work the program and continue with my recovery. I do all of this under the guidance of my dr. But, i believe I know my body better than anyone, so I choose what I can take and what I can't. WE must be in charge of our recovery. No one else really can. Blessings to you . you can overcome this. I've finally gotten to the point that I can now begin to stand up to my fear. keep trying. cougar

Thanks Cougar,

I was on Serzone for about 2 years and it worked best for me. I stopped taking it last summer 2002 because there were reports of liver damage and it was taken off of the market(at least I thought it was). I did not know that it was still prescribed but if it is I will most definitely try it again along with the program. I am very sensitive to medication and I actually tolerate this one very well. Thanks for the info. Take care.