anxiety meds...what are the options?

[bluestar79]

I have been having many symptoms that I think are caused by anxiety - heart racing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and nervousness. I just went to the doctor and had an ekg which was normal. Next week they are going to do a holter moniter. I have a feeling that will be normal too. I am scared about taking anxiety meds. I don't want to take anything that is habit forming and I also want to be able to function properly (drive a vehicle, be alert, etc). What are my best options? Or is it better to just stick it out without any meds? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[heartfluttersflyawayplz]

hi sorry to hear that your joining this group, not that we are bad but hate to see someone elsa go through it to.

here you will get lots of support and many answers, so sit back and enjoy the ride

i have had anxiety now for going on 4 weeks , it started out over my moms health than i had 9 weeks of heart flutters etc etc.

i take ativan for my anxiety but i dont take it everyday and try not to take it its very habit forming if you take it to often. it does the trick for me ,but i dont take like i should because i dont want to get it a habit either.

i dont take a everyday drug like lexapro because i dont want have the side affects and than have to wean off of it in a year or two so what i do is.

fight it , it wears me down ,and its taking awhile to get over it am not sure whats better to take a pill or fight it everyday. each their own and you will have to just see what works for you. there are many drugs out there so am sure you can have your pick but always good to know before you see dr that way you can ask him about them.

i do know there is a drug calledklonopin that is to be very good ,you take it twice a day and a lot on here says its really good.

there is also a guy on here name rca  ryan who knows so much about the druges maybe he will come in here and help you out.

i wish you luck and hang in there it will get better .

[Northcoast]

Hi there, bluestar.  I'm another anxiety pro.  I just started  taking Klonopan this week, so I think it's too early to tell if it is helping or not.  Was taking xanax but my doctor thought Klonopan was a better option for the long term.  I'm also going thru the Midwest Center anxiety tapes and they stress the importance of cutting out caffeine and sugar and getting daily exercise for 30 minutes.  So I've cut out the coffee and colas and am walking at least an hour a day between my lunch hour and in the evening.  That seems to really help my anxiety.  I've also started listening to a relaxation tape every night before I go to bed.  I really enjoy it!  And love the feeling of relaxation as I sink into it after a long day of stress.  And I've started getting massages to deal with muscle tension caused by anxiety.  It has helped with some numbness issues in my arm and hand, again caused by stress and muscle tension.  So do what you can to de-stress your life!   Good luck to you.  

[aprilr]

hi i have had panic and anxiety for years i have taken paxil which is great and now i am on zoloft and klonopin and it is working so far i would definetly treat it because its hard to do iut on your own and they dont mess you up to where you cant function but i would definetly start a med it helps

[MayPanic]

I've had anxiety for 6 years. Tried quite a few SSRI's- the best for me Zoloft 50 mg. Don't overdue the dose, 50 mg worked fine for me- I'd give it a try, and I weaned off it in about a month (after 2 years) just by tapering down the dose. It was so easy (probably because I was on a small dose)

Klonopin is good but makes me tired

May

[suzi-q]

No one wants to be dependent on medication, but some of us here have used that route in order to function normally in life.  I would first speak with a psychiatrist (not your regular doctor, for they are not experts in the field and generally prescribe a medication as a "cure all" when it may not be necessary).  You can discuss options and he/she can help you with other types of therapy (behavior modification, talk therapy, etc) before taking the jump into medication.  Klonopin is a great medication for long term use for anxiety and works well in small doses.  Some antidepressants also work well to control anxiety but you need to see which ones (I use paxil).  Also you need to get a diagnosis to see if it is anxiety or anxiety with depression.  SO as you see, it is something that needs to be worked out before you start taking any medications and then you see what is right for you.  Best to you.