Seeking guidance and personal opinions on meds for GAD?

A few months ago I went to a health clinic for check pains arm numbness etc,. Ran some test, told me its stress and anxiety. Over time and lots of research I've learned I have generalized anxiety disorder. I've started out taking .5-1mg of ativan now over time I've moved on to 2-4mg daily to help me sleep. I'm going back to the doctors soon and would like to try something new like (stronger) like lexapro, Xanax etc. Any insights? Oh and I don't have insurance so I kinda want to get it right this time, and maybe when I'm rich I'll see a therapist lol. Thank you!

Hey there -

First, I think maybe you should look into any free clinics around you or perhaps some therapists that offer their services at a low price for those without insurance. I think it would be worthwhile for you. In my experience, taking only medication for an anxiety disorder doesn't help it at all, it simply masks it while it stays with you or perhaps becomes worse with time. So, I think it's really important to look into that. Also, look in the bookstore psychology section for some self-help books on how to help with anxiety. They usually have quite a few there, I've picked one up on CBT and I found the techniques in there pretty helpful.

As for the medication, none of us here can really give any recommendations or advice since we are not here in a professional capacity. When I was suffering chronic anxiety that was wreaking havoc on me, I was on Klonopin daily, which is a benzodiazepine. Benzos are specifically targeted as anti-anxiety drugs. I found that it definitely helped me, but after awhile I started feeling too sedated like a zombie and had to get off of it, as it started affecting my ability to drive. Currently I have Xanax, another benzo, that I take only on as-needed basis when there is a specific situation that is panicking me. As far as I'm aware, the benzos are addictive and doctors are hesitant with prescribing them. Anti-depressants, such as Lexapro, are a drug you take all the time, used to help anxiety and depression. Again - I'm not a professional but this is just some common knowledge I believe.

SO - despite you wanting to get it right, which I totally understand, we can't give you actual advice like that, because here's the thing: Everyone reacts differently to the different drugs. Some drugs work great for people, while the same drug may give horrible side effects to someone else. We are all too unique in our body chemistry to actually give you a recommendation. The BEST thing you can do, is ask your doctor and be honest about what you're looking for. THEY are the ones most qualified to give you the correct recommendation based on your specific situation.

I hope you can get some good meds that you are looking for. Good luck with it. And also, if you want to chat about your GAD, you can of course use this forum for support.

- EGD.

Wow, thank you Egd! I have a lot more research to do, for now I started taking valerian root, which I would recommend to anyone. But thanks again, I appreciate the help!