which anxiety medication would cause the least side effects and also least withdrawal symptons ?

Question

I have anxiety over some issues and general anxiety also. I've had normal to slightly above anxiety all my life, and it was very normal. However in the last two years my anxiety has gone way up and i've never seeked treatment. I was considered about taking an anti-anxiety medication but I heard about the side effects. Two side effects bothered me the most, one was hair loss and the other was weight gain.

I've heard you can gain like 50lbs by taking anxiety medications. Is hair loss a common side effect or is it extremely rare?

Which anxiety medication would you recommend

Would taking the anxiety medication make my anxiety go away for real or would it just mask it? I have phobias of some things that causes anxiety.

How long would the effect take place if I took the anxiety medication?

Also I have sinus problems that I developed when just about anxiety went up. Could these be correlated ?

My anxiety also causes me to itch everywhere sometimes.

Answer 1

I don't know why people say that anxiety meds are addicting. Maybe for some people but not for all. I've been taking them for 5 years because I need them, I can get off of them when I want. I've tried to go on my own several times for long periods, but sometimes the anxiety is too much. Some people just need the medicine, sure some might abuse it but not all use it for addiction purposes. Anyways back to the subject. Every one reacts differently to different anxiety/depression medication. Someones side effects will not be the same for you. Weight gain is possible so is weight loss it all depends on the type you are taking. SSRI's are notorious for weightgain. I gained about 50 pounds on Paxil. But I'd choose better health over my looks when I need my health more. You can always fix that or prevent that from happening by exercising and watching what you eat. I'm on Cymbalta right now, I have not had any side effects at all with this one. When I was on Wellbutrin it left a ringing in my ears that I still have. When I was on Zoloft I had brain zaps, they didn't hurt but they felt weird. When getting off of Paxil I had a hell of a withdrawal. I literally felt like I was ganna die, but that is because I quit cold turkey instead of weening off. I've taken Lexapro as well, but it didnt' do anything for me. You have to see which one works for you. No one can tell you that one is better than the other because everyone handles them differently. I do get lots of hairloss, but i'm a girl, I always lose hair, funny thing is I still have a crap load. haha. Taking meds will help tame your anxiety, only you have the power to make it go away for good. Remember it's all mind over matter. Some peoples minds are stronger than others. Make yours stronger and you can overcome anything. If you take anxiety meds it usually takes 4-6 weeks for the total effects, sometimes less. Ummm...sinus, I really can't tell you if anxiety brings it on, but who knows. Anxiety is the root of most health problems, or in some cases health problems are the root of anxiety. But if you want my opinion just start on an anxiety med your doctor perscribes for you, but do it on the lowest dose to see how you will react to it, before changing it. Don't worry, you're not the only one going through this. It's hard, but one day I will surpass this, and so will you. :)

Answer 2

All anti anxiety meds should be very short term. They are highly addictive and just mask the problem unless you face your fears and deal with them whilst on the medication.

Sinus problems is common in anxiety patients, so don't be alarmed.

There are good therapies for people with anxiety and you need to discuss these with your doctor.

Don't give up, you can do this if you get the right help.

Best wishes to you.

Answer 3

xanex