Anxiety Is Taking It's Toll On Me

[mikeinak]

I'm suffering with severe anxiety. I have been prescribed Lexapro & Xanax.  It must be cortisol out of control due to
the fact that I wake up after only 3.5 hours sleep for a week now.  I'm trying not to take the .25 Xanax during the day so that I could be somewhat functional.
Does anyone take supplements to help one relax while on Lexapro & Xanax?  I'm hearing that phosphatidylserine
(Seriphos) & Theanine might work.  Safe?  

Help!!  

[mikeinak]

Thank you!  It's very nice to hear from members of this forum.  I've really had
no one to talk to that really understands what I'm going through.  If & when I
recover I will make sure to help others out.
  
I really appreciate all of the info.  

[mikeinak]

Thanks for the reply.  Anxiety stormed into my life after a head cold this
winter.  My "mind" convinced me that I had a breathing/swallowing inability.
That's all it took to let the "demons" wreak havoc on me.  I'm seeing a
psychologist that is teaching me breathing skills (1st appt.).  I'll do anything
to relieve this!  

Thanks again.

[Paxiled]

PS isn't a relaxant, it's really more for memory.  You can take it with your meds, but I don't think it'll do much for you anxiety wise.  Theanine helps some people, doesn't help most.  As long as you space it out apart from your benzo it shouldn't be a problem because it acts differently, but again, don't have high expectations for this supplement.  It's hard to take too many anti-anxiety and depression natural remedies when you're on meds because they work on the same neurotransmitters -- it can be done, but timing is key and if you don't know your supplements very well and your suppliers very well it can be difficult.  What you can work on, however, are your adrenals, since that isn't being worked on by your meds at all.  You can try taking ashwagandha and/or holy basil, for example, to help regulate the cortisol production, but they might make you a bit tired as adaptogenic herbs also do some lowering of blood sugar.  Only taking them will tell you if they're going to bother you or not, either by being ineffective, too stimulating, or too sedating.  Eleuthero is another adaptogen that can be useful while on these meds.  But be careful of sources -- hopefully you're near a good health foods store that can steer you away from the internet companies.

[cnote]

Welcome to the Forum! So sorry you are going through this. :( Anxiety can be a real bummer! But the good news is relief will come! It won't last forever! You will get a break. :) Hope that makes you feel a bit better.

I went through a 2 week spell with BAD anxiety, and could only sleep about 2-3 hours a night, and that was choppy sleep.

What has started the anxiety for you do you know?

Are you new to meds?

Have you tried therapy?

As for adding Seriphos and Thanine... I'd ask a pharmacist or your Dr.

I personally do the non medication route and just do therapy and coping skills til my anxiety passes, even if it is awful. Each to our own.

I can go months without anxiety, then BAM, stricken with it! I can never tell when it's going to come either.

But what I've learned to do is just ACCEPT IT, FLOAT WITH IT, AND LET IT DO IT'S THING.

Sounds a bit crazy, but with some work, this can help it become easier and easier. I also have a GREAT support group. Mostly being friends and family when it comes to me having anxiety.

My talk therapist/psychologist is super cool too. If I'm ever going through a bad spell of anxiety, he always reassures me "THIS TOO SHALL PASS, IT HAS TO."

Knowing that helps SO much! And you know what? I've been doing this for 7 years, and it DOES pass every time. :)

Hang in there. With, or without meds, THIS TOO SHALL PASS. :) You will sleep again. :)