Anxiety attacks?

Question

I was recently diagnosed with having anxiety/panic attacks. My doctor has prescribed me xanax, which I have been taking everyday for a month. Are there any vitamins or natural ingredient products that I can take because I don't want to be on xanax longterm. I plan on seeing my Doctor again pretty soon, and I want to ask him about some alternatives. So if anyone has had a similar problem can you please give me some advice so that I can talk to my Doctor about it? Thanks.

Answer 1

I have anxiety as well and I reccommend going to a therapist as well as using the medication. This is not something that will "Go away" like a cold.

Identify sources of stress: Try keeping a journal and note stressful as well as positive events.

Restructure priorities: Emphasize positive, effective behavior.
Make time for recreational and pleasurable activities.

Communicate: Explain and assert your needs to someone you trust; write in a journal to express your feelings.

Try to focus on positive outcomes and finding methods for reducing and managing stress.

You need to see a cognitive therapist so you can learn to control your attacks and breathing. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people with mental illness to identify and change inaccurate perceptions that they may have of themselves and the world around them. The therapist helps the patient establish new ways of thinking by directing attention to both the "wrong" and "right" assumptions they make about themselves and others.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is recommended for patients:

Who think and behave in ways that trigger and perpetuate mental illness.

With mild-to-moderate depression as the only treatment or in addition to treatment with antidepressant medication

Who refuse or are unable to take antidepressant medication.
Of all ages who have mental illness that causes suffering, disability, or interpersonal problems.

I'd also suggest taking up Yoga- which is a great exercise to control your breathing and learn to relax your body.

Remember : dont stop taking the meds all at once, See your doctor so they can monitor your progress.

Answer 2

I've been on a low dose of Xanax for the past month as well. Right now I'm also on a low dose of Lexapro which is for Depression and Anxiety and I don't think it's as habit forming as Xanax. Over the next month I'm going to be weaning off of the Xanax and just try to be on the Lexapro. Also I see a psych. once a week and it's really not that bad. She's showed me some great ways to handle my anxiety and sometimes they are better than doctors when it comes to situations like this. You have someone you can talk to and they can help you get off of the meds as well. Good luck!

Answer 3

I have been living with severe anxiety disorder for 16 years. I have tried many many meds and I can tell you that Xanax is by far the best thing for anxiety disorder. I can understand your not wanting to become dependent on it, but it definately is better than having to suffer and feel horrible. I take mine only as needed instead of on a regular schedule. That helps to cut down on dependency. Anxiety can really make a person miserable. Xanax gave me back my quality of life. A very small dosage is prescribed for anxiety. It's not much to worry about. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

ask him to slowly wean you off the Xanax
maybe take the prescription BuSpar ( non addictive and less harmful than Xanax)
Xanax has horrible withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly

1:1 Therapy with a Psychologist might help too

Answer 5

I weaned myself of of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds a few years ago because like you I didn't want to be drugged up for the long term. If all you are having are anxiety attacks, ask your Dr. to prescribe "Valium" or it's generic "Diazapam" for use if you feel an attack coming on. I call it crisis intervention. Works for me. Good Luck.

Answer 6

You are so lucky to be prescribed Xanax! Good luck to you!