Does anyone here suffer from GAD?

[two*little*birds]

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

If you do, can you share what works for you (controlling it) and or medications you have tried or are currently taking that work for you?

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[two*little*birds]

Anyone?

 

[Wants2Live@WDW]

I have a family member that has been diagnosed with GAD (but that isn't me, so I didn't know what to say). She eats a lot of turkey and bananas, and she had a severe reaction to the SSRI's that they tried on her, so I think that she's just dealing with therapy and exercise (as well as the food habits). She intakes no caffeine. I think that is it.

She went with us to WDW twice and enjoyed herself, but only went to the parks until she was tired. Most days, she was there until the sun went down.

Sorry that I can't be more help!

Good luck!

 

[Libbyt]

My dd (19) has GAD. She takes a combination of Zoloft, Klonopin, and Seroquel. It's a lot of meds for a young person, but they do help her quite a bit.

I'll be glad to talk more via PM if you like!

 

[CLR4321]

There are several good ways to deal and work with anxiety. I am opposed to the traditional anxiety medications due to past experiences. When I began suffering panic attacks in October of last year I bought some Kava Kava root to help with it. It is an herbal route to dealing with anxiety. This is the kind I used http://www.gaiaherbs.com/product.php?id=116 My anxiety luckily has been eliminated now that I have started taking medications for a generalized seizure disorder (the seizures were causing the anxiety). Kava Kava root also is an option that allows you to take it on an as needed basis, you can take it daily or just every once in awhile. You will want to talk to your Dr before taking it, because Kava can affect you if you are taking certain medications. On the other hand, many Drs will tell you not to take an herbal route because they are not approved by the FDA as proven to work for a certain illness or condition. Many Drs also would prefer you to be on prescription meds because they have the info on them and also can actually prescribe the medication. I would suggest looking online for info on the affects of taking kava with other medications. As an example of something most Drs do not know is that an herb used for depression (St John's Wort) should not be used together with Kava. Unless you go to an herbologist or homeopathic Dr, your Dr will likely have no info on kava. You do not take it daily like with most anxiety medications. It has a nearly immediate impact on the anxiety that normally lasts several hours. It can stop a panic attack in it's tracks. There is also no issue with becoming addicted to it. I will let you know (as some people think it is an allergic or unusual reaction) that after taking it, it is normal to feel a sort of tingling sensation on your lips and tongue for a bit after taking it. It won't affect things like eating, talking or anything, and it is not painful. I just wanted to mention it because I had to come online after taking it the first time because I thought something was wrong. I googled for info and found that it is normal for this to happen.
I also suggest therapy. A lot of the time anxiety can be eliminated by getting to the root of the problem that triggered it. I would suggest staying away from Xanax and other "instant result" medications. Xanax is addictive and can cause issues. It also impairs you in a way that most narcotics will, to where you are unable to drive or function normally. It is a good medicine for people who may be suffering from a sudden traumatic issue such as loss of a loved one or having a traumatic incident such as a car accident, robbery, attack, etc. It is just a temporary thing to be taken for a day or 2.
There are prescription medications also if you prefer....talk to your Dr about what would be the best option for you.
Good luck with your condition and feel free to PM me with any questions or help finding resources.

 

[Etoile]

I have GAD but I wouldn't say I suffer from it. It's well-controlled with Celexa, as long as I remember to take it. If I miss a dose I get a little nervous, miss two and I get very anxious, miss three and I'm having full-blown panic attacks several times a day. I also take Wellbutrin for my depression; I don't know if it's "necessary" for them to go together, but I can miss my Wellbutrin and be fine for a while - it's the Celexa that must be remembered every single time.

Over the years we've been together, my wife has learned to "talk me down" from panic attacks. She knows that by the time I'm having one, it's too late to lecture me about missing my meds - she focuses on getting me calmed down. They're terrifying experiences, not something you'd think could be "talked down" but she manages to do it. Xanax does the same thing, and I have a few that I carry in case of emergency.