Anxiety and trying to find a medication to control it.

I have tried 3 different SSRIs over the past 3-4 years and end up quitting due to side effects and increased anxiety while taking. I am drug sensitive and hate to end up in the ER. I miss my old self, and wish I could find a way to either find a med or way to deal with it without meds. I have had anxiety since I fractured my back 7 years ago.

[Mike7777]

Theres alot of natural stuff you can do and take for your body. I hated ssris. They didnt help me. Benzos can help with panic attacks. Meditation has helped me too.

[Hidden in reply to Mike7777]

I would like to avoid benzos, tried them and long term use could be a problem, plus I did not enjoy the 2 months getting off of them. I do meditation and yes it helps. Thanks

[Mike7777 in reply to Hidden]

Ssris are just as bad if not worse.. Quit listening to people that say benzos are bad. There was a recent study done saying ssris such as zoloft can cause brain damage long term . Il send you the link if you dont believe me. Theres pros and cons for both. Ive been on benzos as needed for panic attacks for awhile and its the only thing that works for me. Everyone is different though.

[bonkers65]

I'm just the same. Suffering from anxiety/depression. Tried a lot of SSRI's and they just made my anxiety worst. Benzo's are the only thing that works for me, although I did take a Benadryl this afternoon and it seemed to help. Hope you feel better soon.

[bandit09]

I take clonazopam. I don't know if you tried that, but I thought I would mention it. Hang in there.

[GodKid]

Have you tried cognitive therapy? David Burns wrote a great book, Feeling Good.

[Hidden in reply to GodKid]

Thank you so much for the recommendation, wrote it down and will check library for the book. I have tried CBT , had a great psychologist, but since March cannot get an appointment with her!

[GodKid in reply to Hidden]

I understand the feeling. I'm not sure where you are from, but I'm in the Banned US and it's hard to get in for doctor's appointments. Some are doing tele-medicine.

[Hidden]

Lexapro, Paxil, and Prozac, all did the same thing, horrible side effects and increased the anxiety.

[HJam5880]

I take Buspirone. It may not work for you, but I thought it might be worth looking into. Best wishes!

[Tikirob]

Hi and sorry to hear your meds have not worked out. I find that to be the case for me too. I found that accepting that I have anxiety without blaming myself (which is hard to do) has been helpful. I used to want to get rid of anxiety like a splinter thinking I was good before it entered my life and now I’m a mess but over the years I realize I have been an anxious person my whole life. Not to say your experience is the same. They say in medical terms Serotonin is the issue but I think that does not paint the whole picture. In my case genetics, environment, and nutritional issues have payed a huge role in how my anxiety came to be and still exists. Diet I believe is huge, gut health, eating in a way your body gets the most out of the vitamins and minerals we need. Making sure there is no residual toxic metals in the body. Also a major source of anxiety for me comes from not pursuing the things I value do to fear.

I think a holistic way is best way to go, that may include meds or not, I am not there yet but by pursuing alternative solutions I am finally headed in a better direction.