Afraid Of Getting Addicted To Medications

[anonymous]

I'm afraid of getting addicted to my medications.
I've been on an SSRI for over 10 years for generalized anxiety. I coped well for the most part. My PTSD diagnosis came last year due to a major trigger and I was prescribed a low dose of Xanax. Initially, I took as prescribed and then weaned myself down to a minimum does, only as needed.
I had a new major trigger this year, again back to the low dose and then started weaning. Unfortunately, I got hit with another major physical trigger a couple weeks ago and now I'm back to the prescribed low dose.
My GP hates the medication and the psychiatrist says I should take it and not be afraid. It's a baby dose she says.
But I am afraid. It keeps my symptoms down and for now I am taking it, but I really hate that I need it right now and I do need it.
I'm trying to do other things to keep the symptoms at bay, but the psychiatrist said that I need to keep my system calm while I heal.
Does anyone else fight against medication? I have to trust someone because my way of doing things clearly hasn't worked.

 

[illusionist]

Fear of becoming addicted has stopped me taking medication...even when I've been practically on my knees begging my gp for help. The minute a prescription has been written out, something in me has rejected it. Maybe my journey would have been easier with it.....possibly?....but the thought of addiction and covering up what I had to deal with, seemed, to me, like a bigger nightmare. It's been like this for thirty years, and only hope that I can continue like this.

We have to do what we feel is the safest way forward....with or without medication.

 

[Gs172003]

I refuse to take it. Something about this kind of stuff terrifies me. My therapist is going to try a holistic approach with me.

 

[anonymous]

My doctor thinks increasing my SSRI will help. I've tried and on the days I do that I notice my thoughts get very,very dark. I become more depressed and almost hopeless. It took me a while to make the connection. For now, I will stick to the low dose of SSRI and see what else can be done. I am very sensitive to medication and do not think I'm in a good enough place to be playing around with new drugs.

I know meds won't fix it all. I need to do the work.

 

[Chem Lady]

I also avoid medication as much as I can. I take more than I'd like since getting PTSD, but I still try to keep it at a minimum. My body struggles enough without having to deal with foreign chemicals in my body. I hate side effects and taking drugs to manage the side effects of other drugs. I just do the best I can without.

 

[Wendy]

I don't like taking meds either but then when I think about the alternative (panic attacks, taking anger out on people I care about it, unable to sleep, etc.), I realize it is probably better that I take them. I hope that someday I will be at a point in my life where I have been able to process everything finally and move on. If/when I reach that point, I would like to try weaning off the meds. If not, I accept that I may need them indefinitely. It's just one more thing in my life that I didn't plan on, didn't want, but have been forced to accept. *sigh*

 

[Panda Bear]

I started taking a bento a few months ago, and it worries me that I'll become addicted. Maybe it's because my mom was/is a pill addict? Anyway, just had this conversation with my T earlier last week. Had increased the Klonapin because of a few days with some flashbacks and nightmares. My brain and body were just pissed and needed some calming. She told me that it's okay if we go up, as long as we come back down and it's not continually increasing over time. It's there for when it's needed and she doesn't wish for me to be in a bad place if we can avoid it. Maybe she's more receptive to the dose fluctuations because of all the therapy?

I always come. back down on the dose after the events. And generally stay at about half the prescribed dosage anyway. If you find yourself in a mess with the xanax, when you're ready see if maybe a non ssri would be a better option. I too can't take them.

 

[pixel]

Sounds like you're managing your use of Xanax very responsibly, Anonymous.

The thing with Xanax is, its taken for anxiety: to sooth and calm oneself. But the withdrawal symptoms mimic anxiety and thus create more anxiety. So you pop another pill. :meh:

It is very addictive — harder to get off than heroin — and should only be used for controlled, short term relief.

You're doing well to be weary of Xanax.

 

[EveHarrington]

My psych says the same. He knows I avoid taking my Ativan even when I need it.

I've heard Xanax is the most addictive because it's so short acting/lasting.

Ativan works well for me. I've tried others, too.

I think as long as you're taking it no more than 2-3 times a week, dependency shouldn't be an issue.

:hug:

 

[Deleted member 37868]

I'm afraid of getting addicted to my medications.
I've been on an SSRI for over 10 years for generali...

Hey,
Don't take benzodiazepines or sleeping pills. They said I can't tell you what to do. Benzodiazepines for me work too well for my PTSD symptoms, I feel happy normal motivated! And then I needed more, and more and more, and now I'm in NA. They ruined my life, I had a 4.o and now I'm failing all my classes. No one warns you about them, just thought I'd be cautionary tale, meds just cover up the symptoms, that said its f*cking wonderful until you're throwing up at gas stations on a Wednesday

 

[Denial-River]

I don't like taking meds either but then when I think about the alternative (panic attacks, taking anger...

Acceptance is the hardest step but the greatest progress. I echo your sentiments and appreciate you sharing the post! ☻