Have anxiety/panic. Tried Fluoxdetine and Citalopram. Both increased anxiety. Xanax helps but not for longterm. Anyone had this experience?

[calalilly]

Anxiety Meds-looking for help. I'm new here.

[Daddio62]

Hi Calalily. I am very hesitant to comment on medications--that is a conversation you have to have with your provider. Having said that, I ran the gamut of numerous meds over the years getting moderate and periodic relief. I finally was put on Seroquel and Remeron which are working well for the most part. I am entering a new job and my anxiety level is sky high and relentless. I don't know how much longer I can hang on before quitting a job again. My psych just added Atarax to the mix which seems to do nothing. Relief via both meds and therapies can be so frustrating. It seems like it shouldn't have to be this hard. So, I don't know what to tell you other than talk here to feel some support and talk to your psychiatrist. John

[calalilly in reply to Daddio62]

Thank you for your reply. I have a video visit with my doctor tomorrow, and was hoping to talk meds with her then. I'm really bummed the SSRI's I've tried didn't work. They put my anxiety through the roof. It's been a tough. She has some other ideas, I just wanted to be a little familiar with some of the other meds and what people's experiences with them are. I'm really stressing about having another panic attack. I hope you can hang on and keep at your new job.

[Hidden in reply to Daddio62]

I heard from my cousin that Atarax helps more on an empty stomach. I find this to be helpful.

[Hidden]

Welcome to the group 👋🏻

[calalilly in reply to Hidden]

Thank You!

[Ubud2021]

Xanax is the only thing that helps my anxiety. Ask for Xanax extended release. I could tell a HUGE difference. It lasts all day, then at night I take 200mg of hydroxyzine. So I keep in a calm state.

[calalilly in reply to Ubud2021]

Xanax has really worked well, but my doctor has discouraged me from continuing with the xanax because she's worried about addiction. ( I have no history of misuse of any drugs) It seems like if taken responsibly it could be avoided? I'm wondering what kind of conversation you had with your doctor about it, or if they suggested it? I hope that is OK to ask. Extended release xanax sounds perfect.

[Unky in reply to calalilly]

I fought taking Xanax for months when I first had anxiety. I was afraid of getting addicted. I finally gave in,

.25 & .5 pills have helped me so much I only need it once in awhile. If you take it & it helps you start having days when none is needed or you even forget to take it. Used correctly you have no reason to fear getting addicted !!

[Straight]

I too struggled form super high anxiety after a bout from depression. I was taking a sleeping pill and finally found that it was actually increasing the physical symptoms of anxiety. Since I quit taking it my anxiety is more manageable. Of course sleep is still a problem but I have been taking a low dose xanex at night and that helps me sleep so my mind doesn’t race all night.

Anyway I found that guided meditation helps me relax and helps me focus on the present moment instead of the past and future. I have had mixed responses on the xanex use. My psych Dr says not to use it everyday but my general Dr says use it. I know it’s addictive but does not make me feel much different. Just more relaxed.

[Mike7777]

Listen if it helps your anxiety, take it. Dont abuse it you wont get addicted. I tried numerous ssris and none worked. I take ativan which is like xanax and have for almost a year. No side effects except maybe drowsiness. I dont take it everyday either. Also meditation helps look into it.

[Daddio62]

Lots of nice responses here. I hope they help you, Calalily. It helped me. I tried Xanax (from a friend, I hate to admit) and it worked great! I talked to my doctor about it and she is very hesitant to prescribe it but may consider it as a temporary fix,