Are there other ways to deal with anxiety that meds prescribed by the doctor?

Question

I recently was diagnosed with anxiety after having a couple anxiety/panic attacks. He perscribed Ativan which is like a muscle relaxer to help me sleep or when I have another attack. Is there other ways because the meds aren't working.

Answer 1

There's nothing wrong with you. Anxiety/panic attacks, are not caused by mental or physical illness. Anxiety disorders and panic attacks are caused by a tiny change in the way the brain handles anxiety signals from the sensory organs. Anxiety/panic attacks are not caused by chemical imbalances...they can cause them, but they are not caused by them. This is why anxiety/panic attack medication doesn't work, it may mask the symptoms (if anything) and when they are stopped, it generally all floods back. You can overcome anxiety forever by resetting your brain. This re-set happens through a process called Operant Conditioning - it's the same process that happens when you learn new activities - like driving or playing an instrument - it's learning through repetition. You learn this with self-hypnosis, vizualization and relaxation techniques.
Using drugs for anxiety is like using drugs to "kill" your ability to read or ride a bike.

Answer 2

Try different meds 1st and see which ones suit your problem best.

I have had some panic attacks as well and the Ativan worked a little bit to calm me down at least temporarily.

I am currently on Cogentin which is also a muscle relaxer and it has made a big difference in how I feel day to day.

If you are allergic to many meds you should try natural remedies like St. John's Wart or lavender or any one of the herbal teas that help you calm down, most popularly Chamomile.

Try behavioral therapy with a psychologist if the meds don't work for you and just avoid people or situations that cause you to panic, so to speak.

Answer 3

I have the same thing ask your doctor for zanex works great..its very addictive so take it like i do when i feel a attack coming on .or I'm going threw a hard time and i no i will have one. i take them..they don't make me tired so i can go threw a normal day without having a panic attack...i get real mad for the dumbest reason and end up yelling and over reacting..when this happens i take one i go off by myself for a few calms me right down...i also had a fear of driving over bridges sounds weird but true..this medication made that go away after about a month.....ativan didn't help me only made me want to sleep

Answer 4

I would say take deep breaths and tell yourself to calm down. That kinda works for me, but the drs. dont really know whats wrong with me, their still working on that.

Answer 5

Try seeing a clinical psychologist and get some cognitive therapy.

Answer 6

Try deep breathing meditation and prayer. There are also other meds that might work better for you.