So, for the past few monthes i've been a big lump of anxiety. I get panic attacks very often, and I haven't slept in my own bed for about 5 and a half monthes. Lately, it's been coming to a head and I'm sick of it. I have had 2 panic attacks in the last 2 weeks, and every few minutes i feel like nothing's real. I can't really explain it, but what I would like to know is these:
1.) Does anyone have any idea what this surreal feeling is and if it goes away anytime soon? I read somewhere that during panic attacks the brain releases some chemical that protects you and makes you feel surreal, but I've no idea if it's true.
2.) Does anyone know any natural remedies for anxiety? I'm 15 and 100 pounds, and I guess I'm too small to be able to handle medicine. It usually makes me worse, and I will only take medications that are all natural.
3.) Also, suddenly I can't breath well. It takes real effort to be able to breath enough air for myself. I'm not sure why. Any ideas?
Help please? :(
2007-01-15 04:08:08 · 8 answers · asked by Ellie 1 in Health ➔ Other - Health
All of your symptoms are classic signs of anxiety attacks, the breathing, the surreal feelings. Try valerian root extract, it is a natural calmer and can be found at the drug store or natural food store.
2007-01-15 05:00:55 · answer #1 · answered by vanhammer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First remember that psychiatric drugs affect people in different ways. One antidepressant may be a miracle cure for one person while it makes anxiety worse for another. However, SSRIs, SNRIs (like Cymbalta), and TCAs (also known as the Tricyclic Antidepressants) are the best medicines for depression - in that order. They also have the possibility of treating anxiety as well. Usually, if you fail to respond to two or more antidepressants of one "class" (i.e. SSRI) at various doses - that "class" might not be right for you. The safest drugs to start on are the SSRIs like Zoloft, Prozac, and Paxil. Personally, I've found Zoloft, Lexapro, and Cymbalta to only work a little. I am currently on Luvox CR and it helps with the repetitive worries but does nothing else). For anxiety, the benzodiazepines are the best. However, there always has to be a catch - they are addictive and cause tolerance so you keep on having to increase the dose. They are usually fast acting and work very well. If you have panic attacks every once in a while, Xanax is the best one. However, if you have Panic Disorder or repetitive panic, Klonopin can be better. I am currently on a moderate dose and it has really helped. Still, be warned. THEY ARE ADDICTIVE and SHOULD BE USED SPARINGLY!! BuSpar is a non-addictive augmentation medicine (an add-on for anti-depressants) that is supposed to be good for anxiety. I tried it for three weeks with no promise. Just more headaches. By the way, if you are having really bad side effects (such as tiredness and trouble decision-making) you should try to slowly decrease the dose to the previous level you were on. It takes time (sadly) to adjust to the medicine so wait two or more weeks before changing the dose again. I am NOT a doctor so ask your PCP or psychiatrist to help you with the specifics.
2016-05-24 06:34:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not tolerate anti-anxiety medications either. They make me too sleepy to function. I found a program through the Midwest Center For Anxiety And Depression. The long and short of it (as I have mentioned it many times on this site) is that it works! It costs about $300 and takes about 11 weeks to do. They will send it to you for free to try and then you can pay for it. It saved my life and I haven't had one single panic attack since completing the program 18 months ago. I used to have panic attacks daily. Google them and see about the program. I promise it works. I was very very skeptical, but all I can tell you is that it does what it says that it can.
2007-01-15 04:20:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure sounds like panic attacks to me. I used to suffer from the same thing and I tried the drugs that my doctor recommended only to find myself just not feeling anything at all. Really sucked. Be careful of the "natural" stuff you try as well. Some of them made me feel even worse.
What really worked for me was yoga. It teaches you how to relax, breathing techniques and also helps you stay in shape.
Go see your family doctor, before you do anything.
Good luck!
2007-01-15 04:20:22 · answer #4 · answered by puckbunny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're not too small to handle the medicine. I know people who have been on anti-anxiety medications since they were in elementary school. You may, however, not have a chemical imbalance which would be why it isn't helping you out.
I think the problem won't be solved by herbal remedies. I think it's rooted in something in your environment. I suggest going to see a therapist or a counselor.
2007-01-15 04:13:36 · answer #5 · answered by sunnyd_137 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is extremely effective in treating anxiety disorders. Go make an appointment with a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (and no other type of practitioner).
2007-01-15 04:19:19 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A low dose of an antidepressant like Zoloft migh help. Nothing natural works good.
2007-01-15 04:30:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my sister in law suffers from these too, she's
had meds. for it since she was 13 yrs. old
I'm sorry I don't know what the meds. names are , but
the Dr. put her on them, they are NOT natural , but
if you have a GNC center near by call & ask them if there
are any natural things that you can take to help you w/ this or ask your Dr. good luck
2007-01-15 04:17:44 · answer #8 · answered by start 6-22-06 summer time Mom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋