Feeling discouraged
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| Wed, 12-07-2005 - 3:08pm |
I am feeling a bit discouraged. I saw my therapist yesterday. I have a pretty bad pill phobia which has prevented me from being able to take the anafranil that my pdoc prescribed. My therapist told me that he didn't think I could do this without medicine. Mainly because my symptoms are so severe. I am feeling really discouraged because I don't know how to make myself take the medicine. My fear is so extreme. My therapist suggested I take a xanax before I take my anti-depressant to calm me, but I can't seem to make myself take the xanax. My big fear is the side effects from the anti-drepressant. Does anyone else here have a pill phobia and if so how did you handle it. I really think I do need to take the medicine. I have actually even thought of checking myself into the hospital in hopes that they can make me take the pill and watch me. I know it sounds extreme. I feel awful that I can't do this on my own.
Candie

There are many of us out there, Candie. Just yesterday I posted about being so afraid to take a new medicine, that I took my first dose in the doctor's office & sat in the waiting room for 30 minutes. In my mind any frightening allergic effects would pass in that time. We have had other folks take their first pill during a chat, so they could have others with them to give support. Can you do this with a friend or family member present? Can you sit with the phone in your hand just in case you need to call anyone? I know this is extreme, but for you these fears are all too real. However, I can assure you that nothing will happen. You will be fine. Like many of us, we create mountains out of molehills. It is possible that a meteorite could fall on us @ anytime. But, when was the last time you heard of this happening? I am in NO WAY making fun of you. I am just reminding you that there's a big difference between what *might* happen & what actually *will* happen.
Going to the hospital IS an option. You would be reassured that medical aid is available 24/7 in the unlikely event that you had a reaction to the meds. I will not agree with your *t* that you cannot get through the anxiety without meds. I am positive that there is enough strength in everyone of us to overcome anything if we're motivated enough. That being said, I must tell you that I know I HAD to take meds during some very bad spells of anxiety. I was unable to do it alone. When you cannot stand the fear & anxiety any longer, you will know what the right course of action is
ITA with Jan. You might want to try and take your meds while someone is with you. If it would make you feel better, split the pills in half first. There's nothing wrong with starting out slow. When I started on my zoloft I took half the dose that the Dr. wanted me to take for a few days. I'm a little more sensitive to meds, so a little bit sometimes goes a long way with me. Honestly, the only side effects that I have notice with my zoloft was that my anxiety did get a little worse for a couple of weeks, but that's what I have my ativan for. I have some pretty vivd dreams, but I take my zoloft at night. I've gained a few pounds, but that may be due to the holidays or just because I feel better.
Try not to focus on what "might" happen. Try the meds and concentrate on feeling better.
HTH!! Chrystal
My pill phobia is a little different, I'm not afraid of the side effects but I
Judy
I just wanted to thank everyone for your support and advice. Its so nice to not be alone in this. I am going to try and wait til Friday to take the pill because my husband will be home this weekend. I have this fear that the side effects will be so bad I wont be able to take care of my son so I think it would be best if I took it when my husband could take care of my son. Logically I know the side effects probably wont be so bad but I freaked myself out by going online and reading the side effects. I shouldn't have done that. Thank you everyone having a support network is so nice.
CaNdie
Hi Candie,
I understand what you are going through.
In my case when I was prescribed lexapro I didn't care and just took the darn thing.. i was in such a bad state. I was then prescribed klonopin and I got so scared to take it, it took weeks. One morning I woke up and was so jittery and shaky that I had no choice. I knew that dh would be home and WOW what a relief... I felt so much better with the combination of the two.
Even so, a few months later I upped the dose of klonopin but I was so afraid to take more... so one night i was on chat and having a hard time and it was the girls in chat that helped
Why thank you dharma :)
Judy
Living With Cancer
Judy
You are so right about Webmd. Those sites just make me feel worse. Last time I saw my therapist he told me to stop trying to educate myself so much. Its like a sensory overload :). I don't think there is anything wrong with educating yourself but I tend to look at the negative more than the positive and sites like Webmd scare the life out of me :)
Candie