Anti-Depressants

[InbetweenDreams]

@calgor I can relate to the white coat syndrome. I'm sure it bumps my BP up some but thankfully they already know my deal with anxiety and suspect that. Once you get over 140 they do want to figure out why that is and be sure it is anxiety. One thing I might suggest and you may already do this is take your BP at home, when you're relaxed and resting. If you see numbers over 140/90 you might want to take your doctor up on increasing your BP medication.

I really resisted taking a statin drug. All kinds of shit on YouTube about how they're terrible and how the pharmaceuticals are raking in billions. I resisted enough that I switched doctors. My new doctor wasn't having it, she said "I've lost many patients from heart attacks and strokes, but I've never lost a patient because they took a statin." The way I look at it now is that some of these drugs aren't great but having a stroke, having a heart attack is much worse than what taking a statin does in 30 years. So while I am reluctant to take medications, even Tylenol for a headache, I have come around on some things and have to concede to the fact that many of these medications do work and am better off taking something than being dead.

As far as Benadryl for anxiety I would exercise caution. Seems that you can take Benadryl for anxiety for the short term but you also might risk falling asleep at the wheel leaving the doctor's office or have other adverse effects. https://www.verywellmind.com/can-benadry...ty-4691024

I'm not sure what to suggest but I am usually quite nervous at the doctor's office myself. I have simply closed my eyes and just done deep breathing (which they're going to have you do anyway). One thing to remember, they might prescribe a medication, a procedure, etc. but at the end of the day you decide what is right for you. Of course, I don't know what drives your anxiety at the doctor's office but if there's a way to deal with it head on it would be beneficial. I would also suggest getting a referral to see a therapist. Finding a good therapist, one you can connect with, trust, etc. but they may be able to help you out and it's not the same as going to the doctor.

In the heat of the moment it is straight up hell, in retrospect...well that wasn't a big deal. That's how anxiety works for me and I suspect it is largely the same for other people. I try to have an outside perspective of things to try to deal with things, even when it doesn't work it does help with the understanding part. Or maybe I'm crazy.