I will admit

[anna9/15 93]

The days are getting a little better im not anxious alot except at night..sleeping and panic attacks are still there..i understand everyone wants to push medications but i really want to do without..have you read those side effects? I was relativelt healthy before surg blood pressure was creeping up but i knew it would get worse..but this harmone dump is the worse ..i just want to be in control again..

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

I am so glad to hear you are improving.

I understand about being hesitant to take meds. I am very conservative about meds, surgery, etc. that said, I have battled depression for years, and meds can save your life.

Even if its for a short time, taking something for your depression and/or anxiety under the supervision of your medical team can have so many more benefits than drawbacks for you, I think it would be wise for you to consider it.

I hate to see you so debilitated by something that can be treated.

[anna9/15 93]

I am so glad to hear you are improving.

I understand about being hesitant to take meds. I am very conservative about meds, surgery, etc. that said, I have battled depression for years, and meds can save your life.

Even if its for a short time, taking something for your depression and/or anxiety under the supervision of your medical team can have so many more benefits than drawbacks for you, I think it would be wise for you to consider it.

I hate to see you so debilitated by something that can be treated.

But the side effects are scary, and it seems like a drug ill have to wing myself off..

[lauraellen80 855]

What side effects are you referring to, and which medication? I've been taking a low dose of Effexor for a few years and other than a little nausea if I take it on an empty stomach, and feeling a little dizzy if I miss taking it for a couple days, I don't have any side effects.

[anna9/15 93]

What side effects are you referring to, and which medication? I've been taking a low dose of Effexor for a few years and other than a little nausea if I take it on an empty stomach, and feeling a little dizzy if I miss taking it for a couple days, I don't have any side effects.

liquid lexapro was suggested...

[anna9/15 93]

Side effects..dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, suicidal thoughts

[Dub 9,922]

Side effects ????

Sorta like the side effect horror stories we hear about with wls ????

I'd submit the ongoing battles with obesity and/or depression could be much worse than a side effect that you may never encounter.

I'm not a guy who likes taking meds and loading up on stuff in my system. Guess what......when my back went out and I couldn't take a step without screaming out......the surgeon prescribed meds. I took them and profited. My quality of life improved. It lead me to the wls and gaining the benefits from this have helped heal my back and get me off the meds.

My wife's family.......every single one of them, I've discovered, struggle with depression and anxiety. Some of them are too proud to discuss it.....and some are fearful of pursuing treatment.

Our teenage son, we found out, shares this disease. We quickly sought treatment for him and he was a new kid once it occurred. He can live a normal life and be free from the "side effects" of non-treatment.....so long as we monitor this and keep him following up with his psychiatrist. It has been a blessing to witness. I can't tell you how grateful I am for those in her family that were willing to share their experience and their advice. There are others that struggle with denial. I pray for them.

Please don't struggle needlessly if you feel that you may be helped by a professional. It's 2015 and there are new meds and new treatments that can be miraculous in terms of what they can do for you.

You had wls for improving your quality of life, right ? All I'm saying is don't leave a stone unturned. You are looking for total health and it's achievable.

Best wishes to you.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

What side effects are you referring to, and which medication? I've been taking a low dose of Effexor for a few years and other than a little nausea if I take it on an empty stomach, and feeling a little dizzy if I miss taking it for a couple days, I don't have any side effects.

Liquid lexapro was suggested...

What side-effects are you worried about. Are they any worse than the anxiety you are experiencing now?

[tcrehm 101]

@@anna9/15 Side effects don't look too bad for that drug. http://www.drugs.com/sfx/lexapro-side-effects.html

[Dub 9,922]

Side effects..dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, suicidal thoughts

Those are commonly listed among many meds and you can't help but hear them on television ads for new medicines all the time. Hell, Viagra ads end with disclaimers like this.

Have a conversation with a professional in the field who knows and understands the meds.........talk to them before shying away due to television ads.

[lauraellen80 855]

Side effects..dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, suicidal thoughts

What side-effects are you worried about. Are they any worse than the anxiety you are experiencing now?

Yeah, you have to look at it from the perspective that Inner Surfer Girl mentions--you sound miserable as it is right now, so isn't the possibility of some side effects outweighed by the positive effect the meds can have on you?

And notice that I said possible side effects. These tend to be rare (though loss of appetite isn't a bad thing for us, eh?), and if for some reason you would have a rare side effect that outweighs the benefits of the medication, your doctor will get you off of it. The suicidal thoughts thing is a super-rare side effect, and is one that would result in your doc taking you off the medication ASAP.

I've tried several different antidepressants over the years. Some helped, some didn't, some had side effects that I didn't want, and I switched to something else--these meds work differently on everyone, so sometimes it takes some experimenting to get the right one, the right dose, etc. But it's worth it when you feel like a normal human again, I promise.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Other than the anxiety, how are you doing with your recovery?

Are you able to get in all of your fluids and Protein? Are you walking?

Taking a walk outside in the sunlight can do a world of good when you are feeling anxious or depressed.

[anna9/15 93]

I am still pushing as far as the Water and protien goals go..

[magtart 603]

I was on Lexapro for years and had no side effects that I was aware of. My doc switched me to Cymbalta for anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. I haven't experienced any side effects with this either.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I've been on drugs that I had to wean off. I survived. I followed my doctor's orders and all went well. Side effects of panic attacks are:

• Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
• Heart palpitations or a racing heart
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Trembling or shaking
• Choking feeling
• Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings
• Sweating
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or faint
• Numbness or tingling sensations
• Hot or cold flashes
• Fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy

They can lead to high blood pressure and/or cardiac issues.