Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

Ever since DH and I moved into our new house, I have been a basketcase and have a nonstop debilitating panic attacks that are interfering with my life and relationship. My doctor prescribed me Xanax and Paxil, but I don't want to take Paxil or any other drug regularly for fear of dependency and bc we may begin to TTC. Does anyone know of any natural cures or diet changes taht have helped? I would really appreciate it!

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

BUMP

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

Xanax is non-narcotic which means you cannot develop a dependance via the drug. With any perscription you can develop a mental dependancy.

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

like emily said it is a mind addiction not a physical. I have been on .25 xanax now for a while and never need to up it. if you have the will poswer to only take it as needed you will be fine. as for a natural one, the only thing i can think of is st. johns wort. but that really did nothing for a lot of people i know who have tried it. just remember to take a deep breaths and stop yourself everyone in a while. and ASK for help. good luck sweetie and know we are here for you

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

I'm sorry you are going through this. I can definitely relate. I have done some research because I also do not want to take any drugs. There is an extract of green tea called L-Theanine which is supposed to have significant anti-anxiety effects. My mom's friend used it and said it worked well for her. Here is an article on L-Theanine.

I haven't tried it yet, but I hope that helps.

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

I cut out all caffiene. It helped me a litle bit, and I notice now when I do drink some caffiene, I get very anxious and jittery. Like you, I don't like to take any drugs to control my anxiety, I try to work through them when I get an attack. I find that talking to someone while having an attack helps me keep my mind off of it.

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

Xanax is indeed a narcotic. It really depends on how your anxiety presents itself.

Xanax didn't work for me and now I'm going on a maintenance med. After some research and talks with my doctors they deemed the rewards worth the risks with the meds even though we are TTC. New reports have come out saying that some of the SSRIs are safe for pregnancy.

Don't wory about the dependence. I was on meds for a few years and weaned off for a few years. I find myself just needing the help. It's affecting many parts of my life.

I hope you feel better soon. Don't be afraid of the meds. It can really help.

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

Take the medication. I at first was nervous for the same reasons, to take the medication. Once I swallowed the pill, my world changed. Please just swallow the pill, it is a hard choice but you will feel the difference. Then once the anxiety lessens, you can talk to your doctor about weaning off the medication.

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

Thank you for the advice-- I am still going to do some research to find some natural cures, but I know I have the meds if I need them. I did find out that magnesium, b-complex, kava kava, and 5-htp all help anxiety. I will be trying those to see if they work.

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

See if you can find a psychologist/ therapist who practices cognitive behavioral therapy. It involves visualization, breathing techniques, etc. It works and is great! I highly recommend it!

Insurance will cover it under behavioral services…

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

xanax is a narcotic, and its addicting.

I wa son it after my daughters death years ago and had to be slowly weaned off of it to avoid the side effects of withdrawels and even then it was not easy.

I would use it on an as needed basis, which is can successfully be used as, rather then a daily thing.

PAxil worked great for me as well, but I had to stop when I was TTC and ultimately when I got PG.

I never found a natural cure that helped, I belive I have a chemical imbalance b/c I react so well to the SSRI's.

I had severe panic attacks years ago and the best way to get past them is to think of the worst , the worst , what will happen if the worst happens and work on accepting that ultimate fear.

I used to have to tell myself, People dont die from panic attacks, so even if I pass out , I will live and it will be over.

Theres a ton of tricks, you have to find what works best for you.

My friend on here told me once to see a big red Stop sign in my head when the thoughts became overpowering and I use that all the time.

It doesnt work 100%, but it triggers me to think of something else, and sometimes thats all I need.

Hang in there

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

You need to take the meds. The doctor gave them to you for a reason.

I am on effexor. You need to be weened(sp) off them. They help a lot. Please take them.

Re: Anxiety sufferers-- I need your help!

Accupunture. It will help you immensely and totally safe. And visualization cds, guided imagery, etc.
http://healthjourneys.com/Product_Detail.aspx?id=360
This woman is amazing. I have some of her guided imagery cds. They WILL help you, this one above is for Panic attacks.

I would not take the meds if you are going to ttc. I personally opted not to take meds, for the same reasons you mentioned and did other things non med related to help. And I would suggest waiting to TTC until you work through this a bit. With women, hormones can play a role with panic attacks, esp estrogen. Being pg alters these hormones even more. Take care of yourself right now, I believe this will pass. Mine passes after a stressful overwhelming event.

It sounds to me that this may be regarding the house, the responsibility, etc. It is a lot to take in. Maybe it is an adjustment and it is overwhelming you? Panic attacks are the body's way of letting out stress so try accupuncture and DEFINITELY guided imagery cds!!! and start ttc when you feel better (and you will!)

Message edited 9/9/2007 12:40:19 AM.