Had an appointment with the occupational physician today. He prescribed Fluoxetine for my recurring anxiety attacks. Haven't picked up the medicine yet though. I'm trying not to make a big thing out of it, the medication. Thinking it can hopefully have a positive effect, help me steer in a new direction in combination with the CBT programme I've started following. But if anyone would share some personal insights into taking up SSRI's for anxiety disorders that would be helpful. So I can form a better perception of what to expect. Positive/negative effects. (I'm sure the info I'm after is readily available from reading back in this thread, but still... appreciated.)
As others have said mate, *possible* negatives:
- There is about a 2 week wait to see any changes, which in itself can be a source of anxiety.
- Then also depending on the the person it may kind of make you feel a bit more anxious when it first kicks in (I took citalopram for depression/anxiety).
- You then may find you need the dosage altered slightly/want to try a different medication.
Positive:
- When they start working for you it will afford you the head-space to understand what some of these sources of anxiety might be
- ...and to just get on with everyday life largely unhindered.
- So you won't be afraid of subjecting yourself to experiences and situations that seem destined to bring on an attack*
*exception - spending too much time in the 'new manager' thread...
Just try your best to relax about the fact you're taking it, in the knowledge that you're already on the journey to tackling the issue and know that you'll get something tailored to your needs very soon. Great that you've got CBT alongside that, how's that working for you, if you don't mind me asking?