Whats the best ANXIETY medicine?

Question

i've tried-Lexapro, Zolft, Ativan,Effexor. I'm currently on Lexapro & valium(only as needded) Please help! :(

i have tried exercise, and prayer also...mine is just bad..

Answer 1

Yoga! drugs do more harm than good.

Answer 2

Ativan and Valium are prescribed as anti-anxiety meds, while the others are antidepressants. Unless I was a Psychiatrist, I couldn't tell you what the best anti-anxiety drug would be.

In my experience/knowledge of psychotropic drugs, I would say that you should stay away from Effexor. Your Dr. won't tell you this, but out of the family of antidepressants, it is the most difficult to quit having the worst withdrawl side effects. If you maintain close to 300mg of Effexor, chances are, you'll never be able to quit.

I've personally taken Lexapro, Ativan and Valium. I think Lexapro is relatively harmless; but it's popularity has been contributed to the fact that it takes the least amount of time to kick in. Most SSRI's (selective serotonic reuptake inhibitors) can take 4 - 6 weeks to kick in, while Lexapro only takes a few weeks.

Ativan and Valium are part of the benzodiazapine group (classified as antianxiety meds), so are Xanax and Librium, Valium being the elderstatesman. Ativan is the least addictive of the group, as it has the longest half life (the amount of time the drug stays in your system). There are many clinical uses for benzodiazapines, but beware, they are prone to trigger manic episodes and depression for bipolar patients, but generally work very fast if you're looking for a quick anxiety fix, but are generally very addictive.

It's important that you get a firm diagnosis from your Psychiatrist, followed by a treatment plan for meds and psychotherapy.

Drugs can be great, but when it comes to anxiety, it can only be a temporary release for your problem. It's important that you receive therapy, so that you can embrace what you're dealing with, own your feelings and understand the cognitive tools that you'll need to put in place to further defeat your anxiety without the use of meds.

Good luck!

What's importqant

Answer 3

Well, I am not sure about which is the best. But I have been faithfully taking 20 mg of Lexapro daily for maybe 8 mnths now. It has worked wonders for me and I believe there are of course heavier dosages of the medicine. You might need to consult with a doctor about taking it more regularly. I am not sure how bad your anxiety is, but I can sure relate to you. It is a very uncomfortable thing to deal with. Valium seems pretty strong, especially combining it with Lexapro, but then again, I am not a doctor. I hope that what I have told you might have helped a little.

Answer 4

Define the word "best"? In what way are they the "Best"? Do you mean that they WORK with a minumum of side effects? You've tried the entire list, sooo...



I noted that you haven't mentioned EXERCISE.

Are you exercising? Stress and anxiety, at least to some extent, are burned away nicely with exercise. Go hit a punching bag... pump iron with heavy metal music on the radio... go home with sore muscles and I'm betting you'll sleep much better and have a greatly reduced need for those meds.

I'd also suggest therapy to learn techniques to keep you away from situations that set the anxiety into motion.

And, prayer / medication / relaxation / yoga / etc are all great too. If you find that inner "quiet spot" then you can visit there once in a while.

Answer 5

I suffer from terrible anxiety and sadly I'm too sensitive to the meds my doctor prescribes me. Just 1/4 of a pill almost puts me out of commission. However the past several months I have effectivly managed my anxiety without any meds.

Before April, I didn't have a life nor any outlets for expression. I took up ballroom dance, singing karaoke and taking a stand up comedy workshop. These activities have had a strong positive effect on me. If I don't get up and sing every week, I find my anxiety slowly returning. I am also taking meditation at church to help keep me feel grounded, which has helped me a lot.

I have come across an interesting book over the summer, and I'm not sure if it would apply to you. The book is called The Highly Sensitive Person by Dr Elaine Aron. It's a good read and she has a few spots in her book on anxiety meds and how to manage anxiety. Well Hghly sensitive people can have a background of depression and anxiety. For some it's overstimulation in their environment that sets off anxiety.

Going back to karaoke - singing and music does wonders to one's soul.

Answer 6

Get off the valium that is very addictive. I was just changed to Ativan. It is the easiest to get off of when its time. All of those drugs should be taken continous because it can cause problems if you put too much time in between. it can force withdrawl and that needs to be done by doc orders.

Answer 7

A combination of xainex and lexapro works wonders for me. Im on .05 mgs. of xainex and its not that strong but it helps.

Answer 8

I recommend Risperdahl, about 4 mg. daily. It's an antipsychotic, but it made me as snug as a bug. I'm slightly schizophrenic, and it relieved my tortured mind.

Answer 9

a homeopath or herbalist darling
`do a liver detox
`a herbal nerve tonic
`avoid yeast bread totally, and take oliveleaf extract, st johns wort, evening primrose oil and fish oil daily
`avoid corn, cheese, canola, diet foods, low fat foods, peanuts, cola, sugar, microwaved food, beef, coffee and processed foods
`avoid pets, and any chemical product including perfumes, dish detergent, shampoo, toiletries, air fresheners, cleaners etc
`have your hair analysed

Answer 10

cipram (brand name can change accordingly country)