medication

[la fille de l'ombre]

I finally got up the courage to go to the doctors today and I've been put on anti-anxiety medication. I was also told to refer myself to a specialist and that if it didn't get any better I'd have to go on anti-depressants. For anxiety?????? I'm down a lot but that's just because I'm scared of the panic attacks at the moment and I don't know what's going on. Ahhhhh I don't really know what's happening although I suppose one positive thing is that I don't have to take my exams if it continues. Any advice would be welcome or even just a hug.

Lisa

[Batman.]

Well, there are many anti-depressants that also treat anxiety. This is due to Depression and Anxiety frequently co-existing, I assume.

[matt30822]

As thirteen said above it is most likely because the two are so closely linked - most people who have one or the other generally have some symptoms from the other. It is important that you go and see the specialist if you can as they can determine whether you are suffering from just anxiety problems or if you have a comorbid problem with depression which can also be treated and will help solve both conditions faster (if both were present as opposed to just one being treated and other not).

[Dr.Bobby]

Awww...Lisa...thanks for the easy request!----->

Don't get caught up in the names of the meds. SSRI's are a type of anti depressant that work on the neural pathways in the brain that result in both depression and anxiety, so the meds can be used successfully in either or both.

As an FYI, the success rate with SSRI's (Prozac, Zoloft, etc) in treating severe anxiety and panic is amazingly good, so if you need them don't fret for a moment!