Drugs....

[DonDon24]

I got some tablets whilst on holiday (that’s when this all started) they were called alprazolam - they were amazing, but unfortunately the uk doctors won’t prescribe them, as apparently they’re too addictive! I can see why!

Anyway, I’m now on mirtazapine & propranolol. The propranolol (beta blockers) is a horrible drug, I can’t sleep, exercise is hard work, I’m constantly freezing cold and they don’t actually stop the anxiety. Does anyone know what drugs are safer to take, available in the uK and work in a similar way to alprazolam?

[Agora1]

DonDon24, I am in the U.S. but we have the same issues here with antianxiety medications

becoming addictive. Many of the doctors here are now using SSRIs (antidepressants that help with anxiety as well as any depressive issues.

You will probably be hearing from others in the UK who can share more information xx

[DonDon24 in reply to Agora1]

Thanks Agora! I loved the alprazolam! Minimal side effects, I only had to take them when I really needed them (like presenting at work) and they literally took the anxiety away - I felt ‘normal’. Such a shame they’re so good, but also so bad ☹️ hopefully there’s something similar I can try as these beta blockers 🥴 xx

[Agora1 in reply to DonDon24]

I was left on alprazolam once a day for 30 years and got dependent on them. I was weaned off them slowly and safely and haven't touched a benzo in over 7 years.

I am on Lexapro (even though not depressed) It works well for anxiety without causing any drowsiness or loss of clarity. At one time I was on Propranolol and couldn't stand it.

Dropped my blood pressure too low. I hope you have your doctor re-access your medications. Everyone reacts differently to meds. There is one out there made just for you xx

[The_Lord_is_with_Us]

They call them Xanax here. Led many sufferers down a misery hole they can never escape ... with a long list of side effects. I took similar Ativan for 3 months or so ... breaking a cycle of severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Wife said I was like a zombie. It helped with the anxiety, but I was zoned out. Glad when I quit .... before it could trap me.

[DonDon24 in reply to The_Lord_is_with_Us]

Yes they definitely make you ‘zombie’ like, but literally remove all signs of anxiety. I need something that does similar so I can continue working and socialising without feeling like I’m going to have a panic attack! 🙄 I’ll continue with propranolol for a few weeks to see if there’s any improvement but at the moment all I feel is awful, and they don’t stop the anxiety 🤷🏽‍♀️

[anaoli1]

Alprazolam belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines and is often used to treat anxiety and panic disorders as it acts on the brain and nerves to produce a calming effect. Propranolol and mirtazapine may also have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. As a result of which you may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or changes in pulse or heart rate. All these meds/drugs should be taken with due consultation of a medical specialist as their side effects are worse. For more info on the side effects, you can read canadadrugsdirect.com/.