Didn't know where to post, but I need some advice

[Gmore]

Planning on starting on Zoloft again because my anxiety has me clenching at night. The Zoloft helped greatly a year and a half ago with a problem I was having with panic over muscle tension dysphonia (trouble talking). But now I'm afraid to take it because so many ssri's cause clenching. When I took it last time I had one day that I just couldn't stop clenching so I got off it. But a month later went back on it in tiny increments starting at 12.5mg went up to 75mg and never had a problem with clenching. Also, aside from being highly anxious I also obsess. People close to me want me to meditate and excercise and do holistic things and I try and agree that I should try. But sometimes I get so tired of dealing with these things cause this anxiety and panic is like a full time job. And then I worry of being on the medication long-term and what if the clenching continues. I've only been doing it for about 3 weeks and I'm sure it's anxiet over having trouble with my voice again. I guess I know the answer, but sometimes hearing it from someone who understands what it's like to walk in these shoes helps more than anything. Thanks for taking the time to read this. 

[long journey]

I'm on a small dose of Zoloft (12.5 per day) and a small dose of Valium (1 mg in a.m. and 1mg at night). I'm super sensitive to meds. The Valium really helps my anxiety. Also, avoiding caffeine keeps me more peaceful. 

[Gmore]

Thanks for that. I appreciate it. It's nice to hear that a low dose can actually make difference. Sometimes you read that the second time around the meds won't be as effective but I guess there's only one way to find out. Afterall, I did well on it last time no reason I should dodifferently this time. It's still the same body. Right? Well thanks again. Be peaceful. Do you ever listen to Dr. Claire Weekes audio. Look for it. I listen to her a lot. If anything She makes you feel hopeful. Good luck!

 

 

 

[Fireheart1]

I think you have the right idea. Meditation is great, but medication is also a powerful tool that you should absolutely use if you need it.

My only advice is that you may respond differently to the medication now than you did in the past. Basically, your physiology changes over time no matter how old you are. Treat it like a brand new medication, and stay aware of how it affects you. The good news is it may work even better than you remember!

[Gmore]

Thanks for answering with such a positive outlook. I can appreciate what you said. It's always better to talk it through with those that understand. People that don't have incidence of anxiety or depression see it all as very surreal and something that we can just stop doing to ourselves. Not the case most of the sometime.Especially when on top of it all you obsess about what it is that's aggravating you. OCD obsession is a killer. Thanks again that certainly helped.