I would appreciate some feedback about anxiety medication.

[Music Man]

Long story very short, I've struggled with depression and anxiety most of my life. I've seen counselors occasionally, and they have helped to some degree. I've identified a lot of the roots of my negative thinking and at least try to make concerted efforts to address them. I've researched meditation and CBT techniques. I took anti-depressants for a short while in college. I've also taken beta blockers as needed for performance anxiety (I am a music teacher who also performs a bit on the side). Beta blockers do wonders to relieve my shaky hands and make my performances sound exactly like they do in the practice room.

Well, anyway, since February or so, I've been starting to have what I would self-diagnose as panic attacks, at least mini ones in particular situations. It started in February when I was asked to introduce a speaker at a conference. Public speaking is in my wheelhouse. I am an excellent, quick witted, relaxed speaker, and though I will sometimes be nervous at big events, I never panic. I generally enjoy the attention. Performing music equals anxiety, but simply speaking is something I can roll out of bed and do.

But in this particular moment, as soon as I grabbed the microphone (just to read the speaker's bio), I panicked. Difficulty breathing, light headed, sweaty and shaky hands. I was afraid I was going to drop the microphone my hands were so sweaty.

And lately, I've been having this same reaction in other situations. Presenting during Zoom meetings. My turn to ask interview questions on a recent hiring committee. A colleague called me yesterday to ask my opinion on something, and I was doing fine at first, and then it came time to really give her my vote on something, and I could feel it starting: Light-headedness, shallow breathing. I pretended to be reading my notes for a second just so I could breathe and collect myself.

THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME. It's so freaking frustrating, because I'm a brilliant, hard working, funny, competent person. I'm an extremely well-regarded teacher. I would consider myself an extrovert, at least generally. While I have lived with depression and anxiety, particularly performance anxiety, it's never been to this degree, let alone for day-to-day interactions. Covid and the overall state of the world has only made it worse, but it's not been the root of my latest issues since this started before then.

Anyway, I feel like I need some breathing room (so to speak) and some immediate relief. I've never taken anxiety medication before per se, at least not for generalized anxiety or a panic disorder, and I know it doesn't get to the root of the psychological issues at hand, so I've been reluctant to treat myself that way. My particular concerns are that I've read anxiety medication can lead to dependency. I certainly don't want any rebound effects for times I may be off it.

I know a forum like this doesn't substitute for medical advice. I'll be talking to my doctor soon about it. But I am curious about different people's experiences and advice on this topic. This would be brand new for me, and I simply don't want to rush into any decisions.

Appreciate you all

[Grasswire2]

1. could you seek a naturopathic remedy?

I don't have any experience like you describe, but I do know the value of supplements that are not pharma.

Magnesium is widely known to be calming. And many of us are deficient in it. (as an example)

I know that insurance usually does not cover naturopathic physicians, but maybe you can learn a lot with some research, or maybe you can access care. It seems like a big step to begin pharmalogical treatment. But maybe that's just my experience with cookie cutter western medicine talking.

[fierywoman]

6. In the alternative community a lot of stuff is coming out about certain foods provoking

depression and I think anxiety -- do your research if this interests you.

[LakeArenal]

2. I didn't even know I had anxiety until I was 60

I thought I just worried too much.

But I have white coat syndrome and my BP skyrockets at the DR office.

She put me on Cymbalta. But it’s much cheaper as Duluxatine. Spellingmay be off.

Cymbalta is also used for arthritis patients which I also am.

[SheltieLover]

3. For meds

You might want to have a discussion about buspar, lal nonaddictive prescription. It is not a benzo, as many are (valium, xanax, etc.).

Valerian from health food store could help, as could neurotherapy brain wave training. You can find a neurotherapist at bcia.org.

I hope this is helpful.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. I think a lot of people are very stressed out right now, and for good reason.

The current situation - covid + Trump - is so bad that it just piles onto whatever underlying problems we all might have started out with. That does sound like a panic attack, and obviously your doctor should be the one to advise you as to what can be done about it. I haven't had panic attacks but I find I'm getting headaches from going around with my jaws clenched all the time; meditation helps. Good luck finding something that works for you.

[Siwsan]

5. I use high potency, full spectrum CBD tincture. For the most part, it's made a huge difference

I still have days, like today, when I feel less than hopeful, but it's not nearly the emotionally crippling reaction I had, pre-CBD usage.

I've been using it for about a year, now.

[Alacritous Crier]

8. Me too.

[2naSalit]

9. I agree.

CBD and it's host of full spectrum cannabinoids do wonders for anxiety as i have seen. I, along with a partner, grew a crop of high grade, full spectrum hemp last year and after watching my ADD, neurotic farming partner smoke some of the shit leaf, he was able to calm down and focus on the tasks I assigned him. I find just the tea does wonders for anxiety and pain.

I made tincture too but I haven't used it but share it with friends who do.

[Proud liberal 80]

7. I have been on many

clonazepam Worked best for me

[2naSalit]

10. A full spectrum CBD anything could be helpful.

[Olafjoy]

11. I have had a ton of calls for new onset anxiety

Hydroxyzine pamoate 25 mg, the generic of Vistaril, is non-addictive and can be helpful In managing anxiety in some people.
Homeopathic Valerian is widely used. Is is very aromatic when you open the bottle 👃🏻

[LuckyCharms]

12. MusicMan, One option may be to talk to your doctor

about the use of Ativan (Generic: Lorazepam). A lot of this would depend on your specific medical history, and any other medications you are taking, so please have a discussion with your doctor.

I use this medication to control what I refer to as "mini" anxiety attacks. In my case, it doesn't zone me out like Valium does, in fact, I really can't tell that I took this drug except for the fact that it does seem to help the anxiety. It also helps me to stay asleep at night, once I get to sleep. However, I don't notice any drowsiness before I go to bed. It merely helps me avoid "early awakening".

This is just one option you might want to explore, but please always have an honest discussion with your doctor first. There are many medications that could help you with your issues, Ativan is just one of them. The trick is finding one that doesn't get you hooked, and doesn't put you in la la land. Ativan did that for me. It may or may not help you, but it is worth a discussion. Good luck and best wishes!

[The empressof all]

13. I also have had great sucess with this medication and with Tapping Therapy

Because there is always the risk of addiction I am extremly careful about the parameters of how I use it. I generally try to keep my use down to 1mg a month and will usually cut a pill in half when I feel I need that extra help. It works for me. I also use magnesium supplement at night with calcium. I have tried CBD and Cannibus in many forms and have not personally found it as helpful. Sigh...

I have also found EFT (tapping therapy) helpful to some degree....Even if it's just a distration from acute anxiety...If it works that's what matters.

[LuckyCharms]

14. Thank you, I will do some research on the tapping therapy.

I take 4 mg of Ativan when I need it, and I only take it when I need it. Sometimes that is twice a week, sometimes it is once every 2 weeks, etc.

I am cognizant of the addictive properties, and I monitor myself for any signs of withdrawal if, for example, I don't take it for a couple of weeks. So far, no withdrawal signs.

My prescription calls for a max of 3 mg per day, but my doctor is informed that I take 4 mg when I need it, and only when I need it. I see him once per month, and he monitors my meds. Many times, if he asks me if I need a refill on the Ativan, I say no, because i don't take them every day, or anything close to every day. I've been seeing him for over 20 years, and he told me he has no addiction concerns about me.

Good luck and best wishes to you!

[NightWatcher]

15. Ever research microdosing cannabis?

Cannabis has saved my life, I'm a daily user and have been for more than 5 years. It helped me go back to work and deal with multiple physical and mental symptoms. It helps most by keeping me in a good mental state. That keeps me out of lupus flares and helps me thrive.

I hope you find peace soon.

[Aristus]

16. Starting up again on beta-blockers might do you some good.

They're non-addictive, and do not cause drowsiness. I've had a great deal of success treating exactly the symptoms you mentioned with a low dose of propranolol. The only down side is routine monitoring (every two to four weeks) of blood pressure and heart rate, as beta-blockers can drive these too low.

[smirkymonkey]

18. I agree. I have had serious anxiety issues since my early twenties and have tried various

anxiety medications without too much degree of success, and have always worried about their addictive quality (I have never become addicted, because they never really did much for me. I always took the recommended dose which only mildly helped and was too afraid to take more than the recommended dose because they kind of scared me).

The only thing which has ever really made a difference in quelling my anxiety has been Beta Blockers (Metoprolol, to be specific) which block adrenaline. They are non-addictive but the difference before and after for me was like night and day. I was so much calmer and less anxious, it was like a miracle for me. I was prescribed them for slightly high BP when I was going through a very stressful time during a corporate layoff period where I could not calm down and was just completely freaking out.

I managed to keep my job, but the benefit of that period was being put on the BB's for my BP and finding that my anxiety almost completely went away. I suddenly felt like whatever happened, I could cope with it instead of feeling like my world was going to fall apart. The change in me was incredible. I don't know if everyone would have that reaction.

Aristus, perhaps you could educate us on why BB's work so well for some people and not for others. Is anxiety ALWAYS a result of too much adrenaline or are there other factors involved which would make it not as effective in people for whom the adrenaline surge was not the issue?

[Aristus]

20. Well, for starters, too much adrenaline is usually a product of anxiety, not a cause.

Anxiety starts in the brain, and anxiety triggers the 'fight or flight' sympathetic nervous system, which in a cascade of events, leads to increased adrenaline secretion which prepares one to fight or flee, as appropriate.

Beta-Blockers inhibit adrenaline secretion, leading to much less-severe anxiety responses.

[smirkymonkey]

23. Ok, I get that. So anxiety starts in the brain and triggers the 'fight or flight' sympathetic

nervous system, leading to increased adrenaline secretion. So why do BBs work so well for some people with anxiety and not for others?

Is anxiety always about increased adrenaline or is there some other reason why BBs don't seem to work for certain people. In other words, is there another response that is happening that isn't adrenaline related or is it always about an increased adrenaline secretion? I'm just curious. I'm not trying to challenge you or anything. Just wondering if it is there is something else going on.

[abqtommy]

17. There are many medications and techniques available to help us with panic. In the past I

successfully used Temazepam, a tranquilizer in the Valium family. I used it as needed for many years
and just knowing that I had it on hand was a lot of help. But your mileage will surely vary so pick whatever it is that works best for you.

[Aristus]

19. Temazepam, like all benzodiazipines, is highly addictive.

The goal, long-term, is to avoid addiction and dependence.

[Laffy Kat]

21. I am so sorry you are dealing with this.

I've had panic attacks since I was a teenager. I suffered through them until about 15 years ago. I haven't had one in at least five years, or at least not a full-on attack, because I can head them off with a small dose of alprazolam (Xanax). My regimen (and everyone is different and you should discuss this with your physician): Citaprolam (Celexa) nightly with alprazolam for break-through episodes. That's it. The medications also help me with all of the other somatic symptoms, such as IBS. If you go the pharmaceutical route as I have, discuss dosages with your doc.; my physician allows me to titrate up and down as needed. Good luck and hugs to you!

On edit: Please take the smallest amount of Xanax possible because it is addictive. I've never had trouble, but I know others need to avoid.

[lillypaddle]

22. It may not be welcome. It may not fit. But I will be completely honest

about my experiences with anti-anxiety meds. Short term, like 7 days, they can be useful. I get addicted to them after a few weeks. Xanex, Valium, prescription sleeping meds, and the like, they are a BITCH to quit.

In the 1980s, I had been taking a VERY strong sleeping medication, interspersed with anti-anxiety meds. It almost killed me. My partner at the time called my parents, who called my doctor and threatened him with a lawsuit. As much as I hated him for doing that, he literally saved my life.

I had been taking prescrlption sleeping pills and anti-anxiety meds for 8 years by then. He cut me off, not only for the meds, but for any communication with him.

It took me a year at least to learn how to sleep again on my own. I felt the entire year like I was going to jump out of my skin and had severe panic attacks. I can't even begin to tell you how withdrawal felt and affected me. I had a full time job, and a child. Life was definitely not easy.

Take from this what you will. I strongly advise you not to take any anti-anxiety drugs beyond SHORT term usage.

Good luck to you.

PS We never think it can happen to us. DON'T.

[tanyev]

24. I have tried both clonazepam and lorazepam and both worked well for me.

My anxiety attacks were always set off by something predictable—getting on a plane, public speaking, etc, so it was easy to take a pill only when I knew it would be needed. In fact, I soon realized that an entire pill was much more than I needed and after the adrenaline inducing event was over, they made me drowsy. I kept cutting back and still got good results taking 1/4 pill only when needed.

I just read an interesting idea in the book Breath by James Nestor. It’s about improving all aspects of your breathing, but he suggested that during a panic attack you should try holding your breath to interrupt the shallow fast breathing pattern.

[Rhiannon12866]

25. I had panic attacks when I was in my early 20s.

The first time it happened to me I was terrified, had no idea what was happening and it felt like I was dying. I did try meds at times in my life, but for te anxiety attacks it was suggested that I breathe into a small paper bag. Sounds similar to what you suggested. For years I carried a small paper bag with me, just in case. That stopped the panic attack and it was reassuring just to know I had something I could do immediately.

[in2herbs]

26. You could try Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. Avaliable at Sprouts, Whole Foods, health food stores

and on line. It comes in pellets, drops or spray. I suggest the spray cuz it's easiest to carry and administer. It's a sublingual remedy and no chance of overdosing or conflicting with other meds.

I would also recommend soothing music and not watching TV or shows or reading books that are "thrillers." Turn yourself off to everything that triggers an attack.