I have a question regarding medicine...

[bluejay_04]

I have always struggled with anxiety problems since I can remember (I am 23 years old now). I started seeing a therapist at the age of 19 and he put me on a medication by the name of Xanax, which I'm sure most of you have heard of and I found out about a little over a year ago, it is a popular street drug. Anyways, when I would take the xanax it would take my anxiety (compulsive thinking, rapid heart beat, rapid breathing, throwing up and etc.) completely away! I did however, had trouble taking it because it made me sooo sleepy so I couldn't take it on a regular basis. Finally I got used to it and could take it as perscribed 4 times a day. Then about a year ago I noticed I started loosing my memory little by little and my husband (who was my boyfriend at the time) did not like me taking them for that reason. So about six months ago I went to my therapist to be put on something else and he perscribed me Clonzolapam(sp?), this also helps alot and doesn't have the awful side effects the xanax did. Well, my husband and I got married a little over a month ago and he won't allow me to take it AT ALL anymore. He believes I need to put my faith in God and not the meds. Now granted, I have always been a Christian, but I've really grown alot this past year in Christ more so than ever (some of that is because my husband is a VERY STRONG CHRISTIAN). Now today is day 2 of me not taking any and I feel like I'm going CRAZY! I hate this feeling and I've been praying my heart out to God to take this away and I still can't seem to get it under control. I know my faith isn't all that great when it comes to this area because I HAVE relied on the meds. to help me instead of Christ. But shouldn't my husband be a little more understanding to this and let me continue taking them until my I can get my faith built up to where it needs to be to be able to rely on Christ instead of the medicine? Any advice or intake on this situation would be greatly appreciated!!

~Nichole~

[andrew_no_one]

I think that God may use doctors and medicine at times to heal us. It's certainly a topic to pray to God with your husband about. If I have the flu or a headache, I take medicine (right after I pray and ask God to take it away). There isn't anything inherently wrong with medicine, you just don't want to become dependent on it.

[Dani H]

I'm not against taking medications when it's appropriate.

I am, however, against taking it when it's a crutch and allays symptoms that are there to alert us to deeper issues that should be addressed. Symptoms are there for a reason. And it's not always in our best interest to just toss medications at them and pretend there's nothing else going on.

If you have pain, then okay, take some Tylenol, but also address why that pain is there and take steps to not only deal with it but also prevent it from recurring. Again, that's a symptom that's there to alert you of something that's going on in your body.

Anxiety is really just a form of fear. So, what are you afraid of? Maybe your husband is being used by God to call you to address these things and help you understand that you don't need these medicines to keep from being afraid. I've taken a tranquilizer in the past during a stressful situation and my husband didn't like the fact that it really just kind of sucked my personality right out of me and turned me into this sedated person. It's okay to take once in a while, but certainly not on a regular basis, I don't think. Just because the pill bottle says "take up to 4 times a day as needed" doesn't mean you should; that's just the upper limit. The "as needed" means you can certainly take it far less, and only occasionally.

[karenoka27]

I agree with Dani. Meds are good and God allows for doctors to have the minds they do to help us when needed. However,sometimes meds are nothing more than a band aid. The problems lie deeper than what a medicine can cure.

Let's just say you were hurt very badly in the past. Perhaps that is why you see a therapist. Only God can heal. A therapist may be able to help you cope with something that happened, but God can take the pain away.

May I also add that it doesn't happen overnight? I would suggest getting into a good church,a good ladies Bible study and talk with some Christian women you can trust. Have them pray with you,daily if needed.

I wish I could hug you and tell you that everything is ok...but only the Lord can reach those places that really can make you be ok.

[mcgyver]

My wife was diagnosed years ago with a form of clinical depression due to a chemical imbalance.

Every now and then she'll have to change meds, because quite simply over the course of time, one's body will build up a sort of immunity...

She is a very strong Christian, yet she's going to be on these meds the rest of her life (unless the Lord wills otherwise)...and we've got no problem with that.

Even Paul was given a physical infirmity...so that he would learn to rely on God's grace...so I can't see how any of this would make one less of a Christian.

If God heals you of this thing, great!

If God does not heal you of this thing...great also!

Why?...

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.

[karenoka27]

My wife was diagnosed years ago with a form of clinical depression due to a chemical imbalance.

Every now and then she'll have to change meds, because quite simply over the course of time, one's body will build up a sort of immunity...

She is a very strong Christian, yet she's going to be on these meds the rest of her life (unless the Lord wills otherwise)...and we've got no problem with that.

Even Paul was given a physical infirmity...so that he would learn to rely on God's grace...so I can't see how any of this would make one less of a Christian.

If God heals you of this thing, great!

If God does not heal you of this thing...great also!

Why?...

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.

I agree. Sometimes when we write things,it can seem like we disagree with meds and I do not. I have a very close family member who needs to take them for a diagnosed depression. He has to live with it and that's all there is to it. We all have some kind of thorn in our side that we must wake up with each day. Whether we take meds or not,we must always be seeking Him to get through each one!

[*Hope*]

I have always struggled with anxiety problems since I can remember (I am 23 years old now). I started seeing a therapist at the age of 19 and he put me on a medication by the name of Xanax, which I'm sure most of you have heard of and I found out about a little over a year ago, it is a popular street drug. Anyways, when I would take the xanax it would take my anxiety (compulsive thinking, rapid heart beat, rapid breathing, throwing up and etc.) completely away! I did however, had trouble taking it because it made me sooo sleepy so I couldn't take it on a regular basis. Finally I got used to it and could take it as perscribed 4 times a day. Then about a year ago I noticed I started loosing my memory little by little and my husband (who was my boyfriend at the time) did not like me taking them for that reason. So about six months ago I went to my therapist to be put on something else and he perscribed me Clonzolapam(sp?), this also helps alot and doesn't have the awful side effects the xanax did. Well, my husband and I got married a little over a month ago and he won't allow me to take it AT ALL anymore. He believes I need to put my faith in God and not the meds. Now granted, I have always been a Christian, but I've really grown alot this past year in Christ more so than ever (some of that is because my husband is a VERY STRONG CHRISTIAN). Now today is day 2 of me not taking any and I feel like I'm going CRAZY! I hate this feeling and I've been praying my heart out to God to take this away and I still can't seem to get it under control. I know my faith isn't all that great when it comes to this area because I HAVE relied on the meds. to help me instead of Christ. But shouldn't my husband be a little more understanding to this and let me continue taking them until my I can get my faith built up to where it needs to be to be able to rely on Christ instead of the medicine? Any advice or intake on this situation would be greatly appreciated!!

~Nichole~

If you were a diabetic, would he allow you to take insulin?
If you were an epileptic, would he allow you to take seizure medicine?

I've never understood why anxiety/depression are often shoved into a different category when it comes to Christians and medication. If you have an illness, go to a doctor and then do as he advises. I feel very bad for you because not only are you suffering from an imbalance, but you're having your faith essentially questioned because of it as well (from someone who should be taking care of you no less). I think your husband needs to understand that trusting Christ and following doctor's orders are not mutually exclusive. God gave us medicine and doctors. Does your husband wear contacts or glasses? If so, ask him why he doesn't throw them away and trust God for his sight.

I'm sorry if I'm coming across harsh, it just frustrates me (I have epilepsy myself). There are very few people who would tell me to stop taking anti-convulsants, and yet someone who has anxiety or depression is supposed to just "trust God". It honestly breaks my heart...

[KJo]

I take Lexapro everyday.

It isn't an anti-anxiety, drug but an anti-depressant that causes my brain to secrete more seratonin, a natural calming hormone. I do hope to be able to stop taking it one day but for right now I need it, and I have no guilty feelings about it.

The only people I have ever known to take xanax was 2 of my Aunts and both of them formed a strong addiction to it and had a lot of trouble getting off of it. One still has prescription drug addiction issues.

I would say if you need it - you need it. Just be careful to discuss chances of addiction with your Dr.
I believe God gives Doctors the minds to be healers, in most cases anyway. So what would be the sin in doing what they say do?

[SweetSomber]

I see meds sometimes as a form of grace. "Grace to help in time of need" is mentioned in the Bible, and if we were perfect, of course we would not need help, but in real life, sometimes we do.

I had a christian friend, who after being sexually abused, suffered from severe depression, and was practically unable to continue normal living. She was seeing a christian therapist, who a couple months later prescribed her an anti-depressant medication - this will stabilize the chemicals in her brain, which will help her to live and operate normally WHILE she gets the help she needs. Eventually, she was doing a lot better emotionally and mentally. She hopes to be a therapist someday.

The meds were a crutch for a broken leg, a stepping stone - grace to help her heal. They can be definitely a good thing. But, like a cold symptom repressant, it cannot take the place of rest and healing.

[moonglow]

I have always struggled with anxiety problems since I can remember (I am 23 years old now). I started seeing a therapist at the age of 19 and he put me on a medication by the name of Xanax, which I'm sure most of you have heard of and I found out about a little over a year ago, it is a popular street drug. Anyways, when I would take the xanax it would take my anxiety (compulsive thinking, rapid heart beat, rapid breathing, throwing up and etc.) completely away! I did however, had trouble taking it because it made me sooo sleepy so I couldn't take it on a regular basis. Finally I got used to it and could take it as perscribed 4 times a day. Then about a year ago I noticed I started loosing my memory little by little and my husband (who was my boyfriend at the time) did not like me taking them for that reason. So about six months ago I went to my therapist to be put on something else and he perscribed me Clonzolapam(sp?), this also helps alot and doesn't have the awful side effects the xanax did. Well, my husband and I got married a little over a month ago and he won't allow me to take it AT ALL anymore. He believes I need to put my faith in God and not the meds. Now granted, I have always been a Christian, but I've really grown alot this past year in Christ more so than ever (some of that is because my husband is a VERY STRONG CHRISTIAN). Now today is day 2 of me not taking any and I feel like I'm going CRAZY! I hate this feeling and I've been praying my heart out to God to take this away and I still can't seem to get it under control. I know my faith isn't all that great when it comes to this area because I HAVE relied on the meds. to help me instead of Christ. But shouldn't my husband be a little more understanding to this and let me continue taking them until my I can get my faith built up to where it needs to be to be able to rely on Christ instead of the medicine? Any advice or intake on this situation would be greatly appreciated!!

~Nichole~

Its extremely dangerous to suddenly stop taking certain medication....and this falls into that category. You have to be weaned off under a doctor's supervision. You could have serious withdrawals. Have your husband do a search on this medication so he can see for himself what is going on and not put you at risk.

Anxiety disorders run in families and can be inherit. They can also be caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain. The medication IS needed. Not saying God can't heal...He can...but I think you would know that even while on the medication. Yes sometimes anxiety is a sign you need to work on something but you need to work on those while ON the medication so you can focus...how can you possible address underlining issues if you are in a state like you described above? Or take care of your baby? Or function at all? From what you described this anxiety was crippling for you and causing you not to be able to live a normal life.

Genetic predisposition may play a role in anxiety disorders

This may not be something you have any control over and you may truly need the medication in order to function. This doesn't mean God isn't working in your life ..it doesn't mean you lack faith. God doesn't always heal.

I hope your husband will be willing to learn more about this issue. I have seen too many Christians hurt so badly because people don't understand these kind of things and think they just 'need to be strong'...its not a matter of 'being strong'...no one would ever say that to someone with diabetics or a heart condition...

Hang in there...I am praying for you.

God bless

[apothanein kerdos]

My wife was diagnosed years ago with a form of clinical depression due to a chemical imbalance.

Every now and then she'll have to change meds, because quite simply over the course of time, one's body will build up a sort of immunity...

She is a very strong Christian, yet she's going to be on these meds the rest of her life (unless the Lord wills otherwise)...and we've got no problem with that.

Even Paul was given a physical infirmity...so that he would learn to rely on God's grace...so I can't see how any of this would make one less of a Christian.

If God heals you of this thing, great!

If God does not heal you of this thing...great also!

Why?...

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28.

I agree whole-heartedly with the above.

There really are two types of depression and anxiety - that which comes from the soul and that which comes from a defect in the brain.

Think of it this way:

You watch a car drive onto a parking lot and crash into a building. You investigate and find out that the driver caused the wreck intentionally. There is nothing you could have done to stop it.

You watch the scenario occur again and you investigate. In this second scenario, the driver lost control of the car because the breaks went out, the power steering froze up, and the accelerator was stuck. Is it really the driver's fault?

We sometimes forget that the body and soul are linked together, but don't always work together. If there is a defect in the body - which is common considering it is decomposing, things that decompose tend to fail - then the soul can't properly function. Our bodies are machines and our souls are the persons that freely drive the bodies, but both are connected.

In your case, if it is a chemical imbalance then "trusting in God" doesn't really do much as your soul might trust in God, but your body simply isn't allowing for the proper response.

I'd bring this up to your husband. Our bodies are fallen and decomposing - they need maintenance just like any other machine.

[moonglow]

I'd bring this up to your husband. Our bodies are fallen and decomposing - they need maintenance just like any other machine.

Amen...and boy don't I know that... Especially as we get older. sigh.

Great post..

God bless

[djh22]

Hi bluejay,
I'm with you hun, I've been there so I know what you're going through.
First of all I must urge you to go back on your meds.immediately and see your prescriber as soon as possible.
Both Xanax ( Valiam,daiazepam) and Clonazapam ( Klonopin) are Benzo's and are extremely addictive so withdrawal symptoms from them can be severe if you've been taking them for a long time or in high doses.
Sounds to me that both apply to you so no wonder you feel like you're going crazy. Nobody should ever stop taking these drugs cold turkey.
If you need to come off of them, you must do it very very very slowly,first your prescriber should cross you over to an equivalent dose of Diazepam or Valium because it has a longer half life which makes withdrawal a lot easier on your body, then he/she should allow your dose to drop by no more than 10% every 10 to 14 days or better still when you feel ready to reduce.
Please Please seek professional help with this as soon as possible.

You may also find this helpful -
http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/index.htm

Please PM me if I can be of any further help.

God be with you.

djh22.

[bluejay_04]

Thank you ALL for your responses!! I kinda thought I was alone on this one (which really hasn't help my anxiety). I am growing everyday thru Christ and one thing I've learned not to say is "I HAVE anxiety" I like to say "I struggle with anxiety issues", I've learned thru my pastor to never "confess" if you will, any illness or etc. I SO AGREE with everyone's comments! I just wish my husband would too.

And someone asked what I'm afraid of.....the list of what I'm NOT afraid of would be shorter. As a child I worried about my parents dying, me getting AIDS, and etc. Now it's as though I don't even have to be thinking or worrying about anything when one of these attacks come about. I am currently back to taking them, BUT it's behind my husband's back. I hate doing that but if he even SEES me taking them, he will flush them down the toilet. I tried talking to him AGAIN about it the other day, and asked him if I could take them because I HATE the attacks and he just told me that when I have one just trust God will take it away. He makes it sound so easy and I do that, and I still can't get it to go away and I'm pretty sure it's because I DO have more faith in the meds. than in God when it comes to this problem. And as far as my husband having any health problems, he doesn't AT ALL. He used to suffer with EXTREME anxiety just like mine, and he found God at the age of 16 (he is now 26) and learned to trust God in any and every situation, and God healed him of the anxiety and he's never had to take medication for anything. So that diffiently doesn't help! I'm just praying God will talk to him about this and God will help me thru this as well.

Thanks again everyone!

[*Hope*]

Thank you ALL for your responses!! I kinda thought I was alone on this one (which really hasn't help my anxiety). I am growing everyday thru Christ and one thing I've learned not to say is "I HAVE anxiety" I like to say "I struggle with anxiety issues", I've learned thru my pastor to never "confess" if you will, any illness or etc. I SO AGREE with everyone's comments! I just wish my husband would too.

And someone asked what I'm afraid of.....the list of what I'm NOT afraid of would be shorter. As a child I worried about my parents dying, me getting AIDS, and etc. Now it's as though I don't even have to be thinking or worrying about anything when one of these attacks come about. I am currently back to taking them, BUT it's behind my husband's back. I hate doing that but if he even SEES me taking them, he will flush them down the toilet. I tried talking to him AGAIN about it the other day, and asked him if I could take them because I HATE the attacks and he just told me that when I have one just trust God will take it away. He makes it sound so easy and I do that, and I still can't get it to go away and I'm pretty sure it's because I DO have more faith in the meds. than in God when it comes to this problem. And as far as my husband having any health problems, he doesn't AT ALL. He used to suffer with EXTREME anxiety just like mine, and he found God at the age of 16 (he is now 26) and learned to trust God in any and every situation, and God healed him of the anxiety and he's never had to take medication for anything. So that diffiently doesn't help! I'm just praying God will talk to him about this and God will help me thru this as well.

Thanks again everyone!

Do you go to a Word of Faith church? Or a church that teaches against modern medicine? I see you have a child in your profile picture, does your husband allow immunizations? Tylenol for headaches? If your child had any kind of illness, would he allow him/her to be treated by a physician? My point is, somewhere there is going to be some inconsistency in what your husband believes. Does he lock his car or the house? If so, why doesn't he just "trust God"?

My heart really goes out to you. I believe in submitting to your husband's authority, but when it comes to your health, if he is denying you healthcare (in God's name) I firmly believe your husband will be held accountable. I'm going to be praying that God opens his eyes to see the truth and that he is abusing you...yes, I believe this is abuse. Not only emotional, but to a point, spiritual abuse. I'm sure he loves you and I don't mean to come across like I'm attacking him, because I don't think he realizes it. But ultimately, He is using God and your relationship with God to control you. To me, that is one of the worst forms of abuse and I believe he'll be held accountable one day for that.