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xxRedSkyxx

Updated 1y ago

Fear of Trying New Medications for Anxiety

One of my bigger anxieties is trying new medicines. My brain always tells me that any new medicine I've never had before will kill me when I do try it. Because of this, I haven't been taking any medicine for anxiety. I have a prescription for 20mg Prozac, but have never taken it because my brain says it'll kill me. Does anyone else do this? If so, how did you overcome it? I am a Pharmacy Tech in a hospital, I know what the medicines do. That doesn't stop my lizard brain from being terrified of them though.

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feefye90

3y

Yes, I have the same fear and I am very particular about anything I put in my body. I think you need to figure out risk vs reward, is what you’re currently experiencing possibly worse than any possible minor side effects? You could always halve the dose if you can, and have a friend hang with you the first time you take it! It’s hard, you’re not alone. I got a prescription for Xanax as I tend to have anxiety flares and not consistent anxiety and still haven’t taken it either!
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NonbinarySlytherin

3y

I dealt with this. I still battle with this. However, I trick myself into taking them. I give myself a treat.
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xxRedSkyxx

3y

@feefye90, I have been on Celexa, Lexapro, and Wellbutrin, and all of them gave me side effects that weren't worth it at all. I suppose that may be a part of my fear
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Poot

3y

Take one! The best way to get over a fear is exposure! I know it’s hard but your brain is trying to take away something that is meant to help. You can do this! Take a half of one and build your way up😊
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Kevlar

3y

I’ve had bad experiences in hospitals like this. Risk and reward are a great way to help. making sure you’re in a safe place with someone you trust,and understands what’s going on is what helps me.
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tink2.0

3y

I have been on Prozac for a long time. I know that there is always a fear of new things. It does take a while to see a differences. The 20 mg is the lowest dose that there is. I have been on many diffent anti anxiety meds. If it doesn't feels right after a few weeks. Talk to your physician. Just remember your not alone.
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Jess1980

3y

I have the same fear when it comes to taking new things so you are definitely not alone on that!! I agree that taking half the dose might be a good idea to start. And do it on a day you are off and don't have anything going on too. Having someone with you or that you can even just call is important too. Maybe too, once you do take it, do something that will take your mind off of it. Get outside and walk around or do an activity around the house that will help you focus on something else if you don't feel comfortable leaving the house. This could be something that could benefit you! And if it doesn't, then you will figure that out and move onto something else. Just give it a little time.
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Jess1980

3y

I try to do something every day that I am fearful of or think will make me anxious. We need to get out of our boxes more and try to kick anxieties ass! 😝
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smatt

3y

I dont so much struggle with it killing me as it making me worse off. I've been through so many meds and combinations I hate trying anything new.
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Ferrari

3y

Dude, same it's the worst
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TiredlyMagical

3y

I’m the same way. When I start a new med, I always make sure that someone is with me for the first 24 hours after taking it. I’ve had some pretty nasty reaction to new meds in the past and it’s scary, but I always try to reassure myself by telling myself that a hospital is only a phone call or car ride away. I’m sorry that you deal with this as well ♥️
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lovingluna

3y

I understand that fully. for me working with my psyc and her explaining fully the details of the medication and for many of my medications I take a very low amount to what other people take so being able to take things like epileptics at a way low dose in comparison to people with epilepsy who can take them for life at like 10x what i’m taking eases my anxiety a lot
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Michael

3y

I have the same brain. I worked in pharmacy on Paxil CR and Wellbutrin XL. I also was on Paxil, Zoloft,Lexapro and now, Wellbutrin. It is a light dose and find someone you trust but titration for Prozac is two weeks.
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Wendy

3y

👍I understand...going through this myself. I have anxiety and have been prescribed Lexapro, but I'm afraid to take it...I keep trying to battle the beast. I'm afraid I'll not be "me" anymore. I know it's crazy, but my other brain tells me to just tough it out.
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Tomato

3y

I feel the same, that’s why I hesitated so much with the COVID vaccine. Every new drug that I take, I have a feeling like it’s gonna hurt my bodily systems. Maybe you can start with the minimal dose, and then increase it after a while?
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Mesia

1y

I was proscribed Prozac and am very nervous about taking it. I don't like feeling out of control. You aren't alone.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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