What can someone do if they have anxiety?
ByI have anxiety and I feel awful a lot of the time. I really don’t want to go on medication but would it help? Does anyone have or know someone with anxiety who has taken medicine for it? How did it affect you or that person?
Thank you.
There’s various options for anxiety.
If you have panic attacks, there are medications called Benzodiazepines (an example is Xanax). There are shorter acting as well as longer acting options in this class. Some things to be aware of - these are addictive and should not be used with alcohol.
You can also use an anti-depressant (Prozac, Wellbutrin etc.) for more generalized anxiety.
Personally, I’ve only taken Xanax at a very low dose, and that is the only thing I have tried. I didn’t really notice much of an effect.
Whether a medication will work for you is very much variable. The only way to know is to try different things and see. If you wanted to do this, I would recommend a psychiatrist because they are much better versed in the various options and any potential side effects to look for.
There’s also other non-medical options, such as some type of therapy with a psychologist or social worker to learn some coping techniques.
3 Comments
March 30th, 2010 at 3:19 am
There’s various options for anxiety.
If you have panic attacks, there are medications called Benzodiazepines (an example is Xanax). There are shorter acting as well as longer acting options in this class. Some things to be aware of - these are addictive and should not be used with alcohol.
You can also use an anti-depressant (Prozac, Wellbutrin etc.) for more generalized anxiety.
Personally, I’ve only taken Xanax at a very low dose, and that is the only thing I have tried. I didn’t really notice much of an effect.
Whether a medication will work for you is very much variable. The only way to know is to try different things and see. If you wanted to do this, I would recommend a psychiatrist because they are much better versed in the various options and any potential side effects to look for.
There’s also other non-medical options, such as some type of therapy with a psychologist or social worker to learn some coping techniques.
References :
March 30th, 2010 at 4:00 am
If your anxiety is interfering with your daily routine, it may be time to take a medication for at least a while. If it keeps you from driving, eating, leaving the house, etc. you may need the "extra help" to get the angst in control. The best non medication treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I suffered from a very severe anxiety disorder for several years. I have taken medications in the past and they helped very much. However, I also sought a longer term remedy in therapy. Anxiety is very common, but people have varied amount of effects on life from it. A person who hasn’t suffered with anxiety has difficulty understanding how terrible it can be with which to live. I took a benzodiazapine for a short-term start. It really helped me feel "normal." The danger is addiction, so it is a step not a long term answer to just take these medications.
References :
March 30th, 2010 at 4:16 am
I have an eating disorder myself and am on my way to recovery (slowly)
when I was at my worst, my anxiety was TERRIBLE! as in, I would be pacing quite literally all day, it got in the way of life really in more than one way.
Anyway, once Id been in and out of hospital I was put on medication and after a few days I did notice a difference and for the first time in a long time I was able to relax!
It didnt change me personality wise AT ALL!
Im now being wound back on the meds in order to eventually get off them, and my anxiety hasnt come back massivly ( i still have it a little because of my eating disorder but NOWHERE near as bad as what it was) its at a point where I can learn to handle it without meds.
I would recomend seeing a doctor if its getting in the way, the medication itself doesnt affect you as a person at all.
Good luck!
References :
Personal experience with sevre anxiety and medication