Anti-stress meds anyone???? | Arthritis Information

I'm not on any meds for stress but have often thought that maybe I should be. I do tend to be on the tense side and have some ocd traits. Since alot of us are in agreement that stress either caused or aggravates PMR symptoms I was just wondering if anyone is using anything to help control their stress levels and if so, do they help?

Maybe this is something I should discuss with my rheumatologist. I have noticed that when my stress levels are up I tend to tighten my muscles and my back & shoulders ache more. I've tried like 5 different muscle relaxers in the past but they don't really help other than make me go to sleep.

The response of your muscles to stress is common and probably the most likely reason for most back pain in anyone - but a far better way than taking chemicals (whether muscle relaxants or antidepressants) to deal with it is to 1. use massage techniques to relax the muscle tension and 2. learn relaxation techniques, both physical and mental.

The stress effect in PMR is probably because your body isn't responding in the normal way to produce more cortisol and that is why taking corticosteroids helps and you a bit more is needed in response to stress states. I'm far from sure that "anti-stress" meds would have any effect - they only help in depression where it is a biochemical imbalance that's causing the problem. If it is reactive (i.e. in response to a situation) they won't do anything.

I know that the idea of "taking a pill" may seem attractive and a quick fix, but they don't necessarily cure anything and, whilst learning to deal with the problem may take longer, in the long run you'll benefit much more. Learning to take things as they come is a wonderful gift that has many and varied benefits!Russelcat,

I've been on antistress meds in the past. They are highly habit forming. The longer you take them, the more you need to take for the same effect, and they are difficult to wean off. They have a sedative effect and seem to interfere with thinking processes. That was my experience. Horrible medication to use unless you plan on staying home all day.

I would skip the antistress meds, but that's my opinion. Best regards, Nancy.