Published on 12, July, 2020
hello there, does anyone have experience with managing high anxiety using medication? My brother, aged 36 years old (diagnosed with autism as a child) has been struggling a great deal these past few years, partly due to our father becoming ill and then dying. He has had other traumas as well in his life and now with lock down for three months and despite family trying to set up and support new routines he is in a desperate state at times, meltdowns increasing, and more self injury and aggression to others. SSRIs have been suggested in the past which we declined partly as there does not seem to be a strong enough evidence base and we are nervous about disturbing sleep patterns (he is managing to sleep most the night at present), which I know is a common side effect. We have up until now been anti medication but I feel his internal struggles are now too great. thanks
I take escitalopram. It took a full two months before it started to have full effect. It's had a very positive effect on my life.
This just to tell you that it can work, and I'm happy I found the right medication. I hear some people try different types, some have no luck. In any case, make sure you get this started - if you do - with the help of a psychiatrist, and preferable also a psychologist.
Before the medication I had the tendency to look for conflict and competition, now I'm more looking towards cooperation and mutual benefits. That makes a difference, I see the others less like a threat. The lockdown and working from home were even a blessing for me...