u/Far-Building3569

Hello, all. I know the title makes me sound totally insane, but I really could use some personal advice and perspective

I’ve been diagnosed with Agoraphobia since September 2025, although my symptoms started in July 2020 and got severe starting May 2025

Currently, I have two prescriptions from him: Citalopram 15mg daily and Lorazepam 0.5 mg as needed

In addition to the agoraphobia, I have medication anxiety (stemming to an allergic reaction I had to IV Compazine a few years ago), and dental anxiety

I feel my medication is at a fine enough dose and doesn’t need to be raised. I don’t want to have scary side effects, become like a zombie, or develop weird thinking from medication. I deserve to be me. I’ve been doing more exposures and am genuinely trying in therapy after a months long hiatus

Since I do not have a high risk illness (meaning something that makes me a physical danger to myself and others), I genuinely don’t believe there’s any benefit to taking high doses of a medication

It stops you from panicking, but it does not actually stop you from being anxious. To get rid of anxiety, you need a mindset shift/therapy

Then, there’s the lorazepam. I haven’t been to the dentist in almost 1.5 years, and the psychiatrist prescribed me something to “calm down” enough to go to the dentist

The only problem is the medicine didn’t make me feel calm at all. It didn’t make me sleepy at all, but I just felt so dumb and slow (as if I just woke up/got out of a hot shower and the world was going at 0.5 speed)

Even crazier, the psychiatrist said benzodiazepines AREN’T ADDICTIVE, and that I could take it up to 4 times a day if I really wanted. So, he basically lied straight through the zoom

Then, the doctor kept pressuring me to take bigger doses of Citalopram, as he said I’m “obsessive” (not at all…more avoidant/dissociative) and can’t even get through a sentence without changing topics (this I’m positive is a BLATANT lie, as I carry out full conversations daily. The doctor is also ignoring the fact that a different psychiatrist diagnosed me with ADHD in September 2024, so obviously I’m going to be a bit all over the place)

I really just want to take as little medication as possible and start taking control over my own life (both medically and socially/personally)

I feel my psychiatrist wants me loaded up with drugs and doesn’t even listen to my concerns seriously

I don’t want to sound like “just another crazy,” but I could really use any personal advice possible. I am not asking for medical advice

Just please help. Mental health is a topic very few people feel comfortable discussing irl. I’m not paranoid at all; I just want a second opinion

Trigger warning for dental phobias. I know I have one and am keeping this post non graphic

Basically, I have not been to the dentist since December 2024. Being that it’s now May 2026, I want to do what’s best for my health but am just so anxious

I have Agoraphobia and am currently receiving therapy AND psychiatric medication. On top of this, I’ve had a phobia of teeth issues since I was around 6 years old (but never missed checkups before now)

I live in a small town and have been going to the same dentist for around 17 years (even seeing the same hygienist every time), so it’s not like I can just switch now

The good news is the hygienist is willing to see me on her lunch break, it’s close to home, and my dad is willing to help pay the fees (since I don’t have any dental insurance)

The bad news is I likely have dental issues by now, there’s no sedation option, and the medicine likely won’t help much

I currently take 15mg of cylexa daily (it does help reduce panic attacks but not the actual agoraphobia for me)

The psychiatrist also prescribed temporary 1mg of lorazepam for the dentist appointment. The effects only seemed to work for 1.5-2 hours and made me feel “slow” (as if I just woke up, or got out of a hot shower) more than relaxed when I did my test dose yesterday

I understand I do need to suck it up and go to the dentist, but I really would appreciate advice, feedback, personal stories, etc of how you’ve managed it if you have agoraphobia or dental anxiety

I do not know anyone with these types of issues, and my therapist/psychiatrist minimize how difficult it is

Thanks so much for checking in :)