Hi. Anyone else here with emetephobia, that is afraid to take the medication that has been prescribed to help with the anxiety and panic? I’m starting ERP this coming Wednesday with a therapist here and will also be doing hypnotherapy with another. I’m upset and frustrated that the thing given to help me, I’m afraid to take because of possible side effects. How have others handled this situation? Also, is it possible to get through this without medication and with doing CBT, ERP etc? Thank you.

i was afraid of taking new meds for a month and didnt take them and told my psychiatrist that i just didnt like them and that i thought that they werent good for me lol. so she prescribed me new ones but the side effects look a bit scary as well and ive been scared of taking them for like a week or two and i just started taking them because you cant know if u dont try taking them. maybe they will help me. maybe the side effects wont be bad. if i have bad side effects i think i will just stop taking them idk thats my mindset . i guess you just have to try :)

I struggle with this so bad. I am terrified of side effects and having an allergic reaction. I have found the best way to overcome is to just let the intrusive thoughts do their thing and swallow the pills. If you can take it once, then it's much easier the next time. I did therapy without medication. But thats only because medication doesn't work for me long term. It works great for a couple months and then stops working. But everyone is different. This is MY experience. Yours may be completely different. All medications have side effects. There's no way around that. In my case, the side effects not worth it because I got very little benefit. Also realize it will take a lot of trial and error to find the right med or combo of meds.

I do think it's over prescribed but in the case of ocd I think these things can genuinely help (the benefits outweigh the risks).

Hi there!! I just recently started my medications for OCD/anxiety it’s all trial and error with meds and the side effects can suck for a few weeks. I am on my second medication now bc I didn’t do well with the first (about 3 weeks in now) and I’m starting…key word is starting to feel some positive effects (sleeping better, less anxious, appetite better) these medications aren’t a quick fix they do take several weeks to months to feel the full effects from them. I’m also a nurse practitioner so I’m in my head a lot about medications etc bc I know a lot from a clinical standpoint so I get the anxiety and fear over taking medications. You will find what’s right for you hang in there!!

I had wicked side effects too!! I also don’t like taking medications I hear ya!

I was so nervous for every medication I have tried. I finally just has enough of my ocd to where I knew I needed something and was willing to try and risks the side affects. I’ve only had two medications I was on that has horrible side effects, but just make sure your transparent with your psychologist. It also takes time. I constantly think I’m not sure if this medication is right for me, but it is definitely the best combo I have tried so I’m sticking to it!

I also have emetophobia. It’s horrible isn’t it. I’ve had it my entire life. I tried Zoloft and Lexapro and they both gave me the worst side effects from very small doses. The only thing that has helped me get through has been therapy and meditation every day for 20 minutes plus lots of mindfulness. Ashwaghanda is a really good herb for anxiety as is magnesium. I think medication can help but it only masks your phobia so for me I’d rather tackle the fear head on and deal with it until it no longer is an issue. It’s hard work but it’s worth it.

Zero side effects from Ashwaghanda and magnesium. They are both fabulous. Meditating is great, also takes a lot of patience with yourself. I use Insight Timer and the Calm ap. Insight Timer has a lot of free guided meditations but Calm you have to pay for. Both are great especially during a panic attack. Mindfulness activities can be as simple as going for a ten minute walk outside with no shoes on and feeling the grass underfoot, looking at what you can see, feel, hear, smell. Noticing the smallest of things. It’s a simple distraction from the anxious thoughts we all experience. I’m the biggest advocate for therapy though because I know it works. And just be nonjudgmental and patient with yourself what you’re going through is extremely tough. You didn’t choose your tricky brain.