[girlonfire89]

I've been suffering with anxiety for most of my life. I replay things over and over again in my head and obsess over things to the point that it negatively effects my sleep. When I'm in one of my periods of depression, all I can do is lay zombie-like in bed and do nothing, but my brain is still going so I can't sleep. I've thought about bringing up the possibility of taking some anti-anxiety meds to help slow down my brain so I can sleep, but how do I bring this up to my psychiatrist without looking like a drug-seeker? I just want to be able to sleep so I don't crash. I'm also worried about being on a drug cocktail (I already take meds for my depression and ADHD). What is a good way to bring this up to my psychiatrist?

[Angelique67]

I'd say, just be honest. But if it's benzos, as good as they can make you feel some fool can always force you off them at some point and that can be hell. I can never go back on them even if I could get them.

So I advise not going on them. There are other things you can try, but nothing will be like benzos but benzos.

[Blue_Bird]

Like the above poster said, just be honest. Also, there are other medications for anxiety than just Benzos, such as Buspar. I am on a Benzo; Klonopin, but it's only for as needed. I use it in really bad times, then try to use skills I learn in therapy to try and deal with the other anxiety throughout the day.

-Take care,

[Disorder7]

Just so you know, Benadryl has been approved off label for panic disorder. For me, 25 mg will knock me out all night long.

I would encourage you not to take it in the daytime or if you have to drive. Also, I would go drugs.com and check for interactions with your other drugs, or ask a pharmacist.

[anomaly_fleur]

I understand not wanting to be on a drug cocktail 100%. I'm lucky as my anxiety has definitely gotten better with age, but I'll occasionally have a panic attack and feel like it's never going to end. If you want a benzo, be careful. They're addictive, and not just mentally. I would only take them as needed if I were you.

Certain antidepressants can supposedly benefit anxiety disorders, although I'd think the severity of the anxiety and your individual brain chemistry would play a huge roll in whether or not you'd find it beneficial.

When I was younger, Ativan helped me tremendously. It actually worked better than the Xanax for me. But everybody's different.

If you think you need something, be honest and tell your doctor.

[angelene]

What about straight-up sleeping pills such as Lunesta? Everyone really is unique so you might have to try a lot of medications before you get the "right" one.

I, too, think the best way to deal with this is to be totally frank with your doctor.