What are some prescription medications for anxiety?

Question

do they work and is it good to be taking them??
I have been having some anxiety due to a lot stress goin on in my life and once in a while i will get a panic attack..and It really scared the crap out of me because i was just by myself on the computer doin some homework and all of a sudden my heart starts racing and i felt shaky and anxious for no real apparent reason..What should i do??

Answer 1

See a doctor and discuss possible therapies to help treat your condition. Cognitive behaviour therapy is particularly effective for people who suffer from anxiety.

This also means you don't necessarily have to endure possible side effects from taking medication.

Answer 2

You know, it's normal to feel anxious sometimes and even to have heart palpitations because your anxious.... If you had a panic attack, it's not the end of the world - doesn't mean to need to jump on prescription drugs.

As human beings, having anxiety is a "normal" body response to some situations. There are some times when anxiety is so horrific that a person can't lead a normal life and then "needs" prescriptions. In these cases, usually the brain is not quite functioning properly - so the medicine is needed.

You might try researching some relaxing techniques - chill out a little - go for a good walk.... one of the reason so many people are on these drugs is because we lack exercise on a daily basis. Run around a little - go for a walk - "release that stress". You'll feel a whole lot better if you walk it off - believe me..... been there.

Answer 3

I would definitely make an appointment to see your doctor; he or she may have some good advice on what you can do. In the meantime, I'll share with you what I know on the subject so that you'll be more informed when you do see the doc.

Some people find reduced anxiety from SSRIs like Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, etc. Unfortunately, they also have a lot of side effects that may even be worse than the anxiety. Though these side effects usually subside, they can be very unpleasant. Additionally, some people experience mild to moderate withdrawal symptoms when they decide to stop using these meds. I would definitely avoid using sedatives like xanax or valium; these only offer temporary relief, and can lead to addiction and very severe withdrawal symptoms.

Fortunately anxiety is one of the easier 'mental illnesses' to treat without meds. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding caffeine or alcohol, and getting regular sleep can all work wonders in decreasing anxiety. Another great thing to try is talk therapy.

Additionally, there are some herbal supplements out there you may want to try. Ask your doctor which he/she prefers. For my part, I have found 'honokiol' to be effective in reducing anxiety, without side effects. Just be warned that these aren't FDA regulated!

Answer 4

Before you take anything you should consult your doctor. It may not be an anxiety attack...you should log on a diary everytime you do have one. What were you doing at the time it happened. What had you been doing 2 hours previous. Also what you have eaten and drank in the previous 2-3 hours. Record it all and see if there is a pattern to any of it first. If not then you will a least have a baseline to take to your doctors with you. You will have recorded the frequency, intensity, what you were doing, eating, etc. Your doctor will be able to be much better in assisting you. Don't be too eager to take anti-anxiety medications. All medications have a side effect, so listen to your doctors advise and follow his/her plan. Good Luck

Answer 5

I took zoloft and prozac for generalized anxiety disorder. I felt as I was getting better, but I was lazy and couldn't keep going back to the doctor (had to go every 2 weeks or so), its also pretty expensive.

I would consider other alternatives before looking to medicines. Psychiatric medications aren't something you mess with or take for convience.

Therapy and learning relaxation techniques might work for you, if not THEN I would look at medications.

Answer 6

I take Zoloft and it works for me. Contrary to popular belief, Zoloft isn't just for depressed patients, it works for anxiety as well as for panic attacks. But remember that each patient is different and what works for me or for somebody else might not work for me. And medication that helps me might be completely wrong for you.

Consult a physician to learn more about what you can do to alleviate your panic attacks and anxiety. Some people have to try a lot of different meds before their bodies finally agree with one.

Good luck!

Answer 7

I'm on Paxil. Other then a bit of nausea the first couple of days the the symptoms for me have been nill. It keeps the highs steady and the lows not so low. It keeps you at a happy middle and helps you not freak out so much. It's the only anxiety medication that hasn't caused severe backfire.

Answer 8

Go find a doctor who is good and you trust (ask friends who their family doctor is and see if you can get a reccomedation) That is what doctors are there for and I am sure they can help you. Medications work differently on different people. I know I took prozac for several years while my husband was in the miltary to help me deal with the stresses of him being over seas and then at war. I went off of the drug and had really bad withdraw symptoms for months, even with a graduated dose perscibed by my doctor to go off of it. Drugs can be good but be aware of side effects and withdraw symptoms before starting them. I experienced insomnia, bad dreams, trembling, tingling on my feet that got annoying, dizziness, and headaches for two months after going off the meds. Just something to consider.

Answer 9

well meds are not the best way to deal with panic attacks xanax is one that also works but very adicting best way to deal with panic attacks is to know what is going on and tell your self to calm down relax think of something else not the attack like do a puzzel keep your hands bussy

Answer 10

There are some good meds...I use Wellbutrin...it helps a lot w/ my PMS symptons...there are "nerve" pills, like Valium & Xanax, but those, especially the Xanax can be highly addictive...so you have to be really careful...I'd go talk to a Dr...Also, avoid caffeine!