Medication

Something different is going to work for everyone, so I can’t make a recommendation as to which one specifically will work for you. I’ve been taking paroxetine (generic for Paxil) for a while now, and I think it has been a useful tool for me getting to where I am today, but behavioral therapy, which I’ve recently started, is also essential for my long term wellbeing. It was a big deal for me to start medication, but it was such a relief to take the leap when it started helping. I’ll say that be prepared for things to feel a little rocky at the start as your body adapts, but you’ll know if a medication works for you if you feel like yourself but better. You won’t be extra sleepy or depressed or extra anxious. If that happens, talk to your doctor about making a change! But you do have to give it at least 6 weeks (I believe) for enough of it to be circulating in your body. When I first started medication, I was worried about drinking caffeine or alcohol too, but my doctor said it was okay, and I pretty much drink coffee everyday now, and have gone through periods of drinking a couple times a week at most without a significant problem. Of course it’s important to not over-do it anyway, but I would also go slow and watch how your body reacts to the combination of your new medication and your drink of choice. You might not have the same tolerance you used to, or it might counteract the effects of the medication and you won’t feel great. Given the extra social pressure you might face in taking medication, I want you to know I’m so impressed with your decision to talk about your situation with your doctor and do what’s best for you! You don’t have to share the fact that you’re taking medication with anyone else if you don’t want to. If you need to pretend you have a drink in your hand because you’re already at your limit, just hold a Solo cup or opaque glass if you can; no one will know or care enough to realize you might just be sipping on water or soda.

Also I can’t speak to smoking, but I would say approach it the same way.

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