Terrified Of Meds

[Shifter704]

Hello All. I'm new to this forum and I guess it's only fitting that I introduce myself before I move on any further.

I'm 22 years old and have been fighting PTSD since I was 16 years old. Shortly before I turned 16 I had a cancer scare which led to surgery and an 8 day stay in the ICU. (Repeating the exact details freaks me out) I didn't really feel quite right when I got home but I continued on, as things seemingly went back to normal. However, the stress of finals that year led to two panic attacks (the only two I've ever had) and a pervasive emotional numbness. The doctors were of very little help and one made it so much worse. However, it took about a year before a therapist diagnosed PTSD.

Since then it has been a rocky road with multiple symptom free periods and relapses. Somehow, I managed to join a new volunteer organization (that I deeply enjoy being a part of in better times) However, lately it seems as if I can't shake it at all. . I can't sleep at all and my mind jumps to the worst conclusion in every situation. I thought I could get something prescribed by my new GP to help me sleep. He prescribed a low dose of amitriptaline at night but looked at my pulse rate and demeanor and asked if I was anxious... I froze at the suggestion. But he mentioned trying to treat anxiety if this didn't work and told me to come back in three weeks.

Needless to say I am frightened by his suggestion. I've tried multiple ways to treating this without meds and I have consciously avoided them due to (Seemingly) rather scary side effects and what seems like a potential for lasting damage caused by them. But at the same time, I do not know what to do anymore. I recently started with a new therapist and she's helped me relax but I'm still quite wired. I would appreciate anyone's advice on the situation. Thanks

 

[expectingbetter]

Welcome to the Forum!
I understand your attitude towards meds. I myself have chosen to deal with this only with therapy, I avoid medications and my therapist knows that, and accepts it. It is hard this way, maybe even harder but it is my choice only and I stick to it.
I hope you will make the one which fits you.

 

[EveHarrington]

I don't recommend seeing a GP for psychiatric meds. They are completely out of their league for this kind of stuff, especially PTSD. You're much more likely to have a bad med experience if you go to your GP instead of a psychiatrist.

 

[claroscuro]

Welcome to the forum!

Have to agree with @EveHarrington, rather see a psychiatrist about meds.

The possibility of using meds can be scary, there are side effects, and a lot of horror stories, but if managed by someone knowledgeable, it can be a tremendous help and those side effects can be minimized. Maybe discuss the possibility of trying it with a professional, educate yourself on the suggestions, and then decide.

I hope your new therapist works out for you, they should also be able to help you with this, whichever path you choose to take.

 

[Neverthesame]

I can't give you any professional advice, but I can tell you about my experience with Amitriptyline.

It's a tricyclic antidepressant, been around forever. Not a bad drug honestly, though mood drugs always come with a variety of side effects, which often vary wildly from person to person.

This is one of the few that didn't make me worse or ill.

At a low dose it can make you feel a bit odd. At the therapeutic dose, it can knock you on your butt. (Not in the bad way, but in the good luck staying awake way)

It can help with anxiety, though I don't think it's prescribed for that specifically.

The things I found that were the negative side effects.

• Dry mouth (became less bothersome after a few weeks)
• Persistent heartburn (went away after a few weeks)
• Dry skin (moisturiser works for this)
• Daytime fatigue, (gets better in a few weeks, though it can be persistent).
• Increase in appetite (This was good at first, as I am underweight usually. Until I started to get fat, then it wasn't so good.)
• Rebound insomnia (this is when I went off the drug. This is to be expected from stopping any Drowsiness inducing drug.)

One thing you could ask your GP about, is wwhether or not you can take a drug called Prazosin. This stuff works surprisingly well.

It's a Hypertension drug. It will also kick you on your butt. The upsides are that it's not a mood drug. Non addictive, non tolerance building, non narcotic. Also is reputed to help with nightmares.

Something to think about anyway.

 

[Shifter704]

I can't give you any professional advice, but I can tell you about my experience with Amitriptylin...

I've seen a lot here about Prazosin. It certainly seems like something to look into. Does it actually help sleep or does it prevent nightmares once asleep?

 

[Neverthesame]

Both. It makes you very tired. As well as blocks nightmares. (Didn't work for my nightmares, but oh well, can't win em' all.)

Definitely worth looking into. Alot of people here swear by it.

 

[Shifter704]

Both. It makes you very tired. As well as blocks nightmares. (Didn't work for my nightmares, but o...

Thanks!! I'll certainly ask....considering the amitriptyline seems useless so far.

 

[Panda Bear]

Id be scared for you, too.....I'm off my 4th option since the end of march. All were major(even dangerous) fails.

Be safe.l.

 

[Deleted member 34535]

Our chemistry is what it is and when it is foul, it is foul. I take 4 different medications 3 times a day and I thank God for them. But that is just me. Taking nothing at all is a valid option if that is what works for someone. For me, without meds, I suffer needlessly. I am not doing that, I have had more than my share of a painful life without that on top of it. You know. it is funny.....blood pressure meds....no problem, heart meds....no probs, antibiotics....no problem, etc....etc... Sometimes I think people may be too worried about being stigmatized rather than getting well. Whatever you do.....as others have suggested.....if you decide to try meds, go to a Psychiatrist who specializes in these things and one you are comfortable talking to. JUST MAKE A DECISION THAT WORKS FOR YOU AND YOU ONLY. Take care.