What can I ask for that will help with anxiety attacks? (read details)?

Question

I take Lexapro, which is great for my constant, day to day anxiety, but it hasn't prevented me from having an attack when [expletive] hits the fan. I don't want to go in asking the doctor for Xanax and have him accuse me of drug-seeking behavior. Is there something I can ask for that WORKS but isn't something people sell normally? Or is there another way to ask so that I can come across as genuine?

thanks!

Answer 1

Xanax will help with that. but if you don't want to specifcally ask for it, just say you neeed something for you attacks, not just day to day.

Answer 2

Anti-depressants taken daily do help with our anxiety and depression, I take Effexor myself, I still get anxiety or even worse a panic attack (but not as often on those) If you know your Dr well you shouldn't have any problem saying I'm having anxiety during the day at times, and is there something mild you can give me to help with it. He will probably give you Xanax or Ativan in a light dose. I use Xanax when I need it and I am doing much better than when i was where you are now. You should always have a good repor with your Dr. or find one that you do.
And as for the person that answered her anxiety was allergies, don't listen to that. She probably thinks it was and it got her over it. There are many breathing exercises you can practice too.
One is very simple : Open your lips about the size of a pencil and draw in 4 breaths then hold it for 2 counts., then blow it all out.
I call it in with the good, out with the bad. Good luck

Answer 3

I know exactly what you are talking about. I have had severe anxiety for over 16 years now. The SSRI's will help control the anxiety, but they wont stop it all together. You really NEED to talk honestly with your doctor and let him know that you would like to have something to help you through the "hard times" when you have the attacks. Most any doctor should be willing to help you with this. I was given valium for a while then when I had to switch doctors the new one gave me xanax. Both of them are great. Xanax will stop an attack in its tracks if you take it when you feel the attack coming on. Dont ask for the drugs specifically if you are not comfortable doing that. Just talk to him and ask him if he could give you "something". I was scared to talk to my doctor this way too, but after I did I quickly realized it was the best thing I ever done. It really helped me. If your doctor is unwilling to help you, I highly recommend finding another doctor. You shouldnt have to live your life in misery.

Very Best of Luck to you!

Answer 4

I would speak frankly and directly with your physician about this, if I were you.

I'd say something like: "The Lexapro you've prescribed has been working great for my anxiety in general--it's really been a Godsend--but I'm still having some pretty nasty anxiety attacks when I'm hit with a lot of stress. Is there something else you could recommend for me to help me deal with this more completely?"

So, instead of telling your doctor what to do ("Give me Xanex, and fast!"), you are asking for his professional advice. If you put it in terms something like the above, I don't believe you'll come across as a drug-seeking maniac or anything remotely like it. And you will be much more likely to wind up with the kind of relief that you need.

Answer 5

I am taking Effexxor currently for panic attacks but have been on several anti-depressants and they all work wonders. They are a miracle pill for me. I know I will be on them for the rest of my life, but I don't care as long as I do not have panic attacks. I am a Finance Director of a large international company and could not hold my job, if I had panic attaks like I did before taking the medication. I had tried therapy, diets, etc. but nothing helped until I started on anti-depressants. When I go of, the panic attacks return, so my answer is never to go off. Speak honestly with your doctor and ask them what they would prescribe. You shouldn't go in with any preconceived notion about what you want.

Answer 6

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 7

Hi, i've suffered and researched Anxiety/ Panic attacks on and off for 18 months now. The most effective treatment is thought to be Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, you could ask your Doctor for a referal for this. Look online at The Linden Method, it could possibly help.

I personally manage my attacks with relaxation and distraction techniques, easier said than done though.

Answer 8

Maybe the lexapro isnt for you. i was on 12.5mg paxil cr and never had any attacks. i felt great but the weight gain was horriable that my dr switched me to lexapro and the attacks came back. now im trying buspar and hoping for the relief the paxil gave me without the weight gain. im with you though i understand. just do what i do, there are worse things out there that we could be suffering from, be strong it will end and just wait it out and dont panic the anxiety will pass. we just have to pray and hope it wont ever come back again.

Answer 9

Hi! I am currently on Zoloft for day to day anxiety, but sometimes I suffer from an anxiety attack or anxiety related insomnia. My doctor prescribed Lorazepam, which is very mild and works great without making you feel drugged out.

Good luck!

Answer 10

HI,
You must be honest with your physician and explain exactly what happens during your anxiety attacks. Any good physician should understand and prescribe accordingly. I would not ask for a particular medication unless you have tried it and know it works best for you! Otherwise, allow the physician to make the decision on the medication.
Good Luck to you! I do understand how you feel and sympathize with your situation.

Answer 11

If you think that there is something you lack that causes anxiety then I would suggest consulting a dietician they are not concerned with drug seeking behavior and they do sell supplements that are not sold normally with a doctors visit.