Best Anxiety meds to take as needed

[Kaylar88]

I'm pretty anti medication for the most part so I don't have much experience with anxiety meds other than xanax which did not work, but I'm looking to have something on hand on an "as needed" basis just in case. any suggestions on what works and what doesn't?

[NamasTay]

Guessing 88 is your birth year, you may be in the time when reflux is becoming a problem. Anxiety + reflux + PVCs will sometimes allow your mind to think something is happening that is not. Have you tried Tums / Maalox / some other stomach remedy when your symptoms seem the worst? It may help and is not going to hurt. Best wishes and please report back.

[Kaylar88]

I haven't tried that, though I have considered reflux to be a culprit from time to time but I never have any noticeable symptoms so who knows. I'm wondering if maybe its hormonal? I've always been an anxious person, particularly health wise so any little thing that's off evolves into a major disease/condition in my mind. yay.

[Paxiled]

Actually, those stomach remedies can hurt -- they suppress acid production, which your body needs to digest protein and minerals, so your body reacts by producing still more.  Tums is particularly bad, as it's an unabsorbable form of calcium.  Taking drugs is never problem-free.  But you would know if it's reflux -- you would get a heartburn feeling especially upon lying down in bed.  If it were hormonal, you would notice it getting particularly bad around the time of your periods or upon taking birth control, but you can get that tested.  It could be thyroid.  But given how you describe it, it just sounds more like a not severe case of anxiety, in which case therapy is your first choice so you can get past it.  CBT is usually recommended.  If you see someone who specializes in anxiety treatment, they will teach you breathing techniques and meditation that will help you relax.  As to your drug question, there is no answer -- individuals respond differently, as you've already discovered with the Xanax.  There are also many natural relaxants.  Which things work best depend on how severe the problem is and how well you metabolize a particular substance.  It's all trial and error.  

[AnxiousNoMore]

Do you suffer from anxiety now or in the past and do you know the reason?

[Kaylar88]

both. I've had it for about 12 years and it's 90% health anxiety (alsofueled by my PVCs) 10% other things like elevators, planes and just the fear of having a panic attack.