[SacredSnow]

Hi all,

I have problems with anxiety (and panic attacks), depression and intense mood and confidence swings. I have a long time just "accepted" it, because I didn't know what to do... But it's just growing worse, and it confuses me more and more. After I started getting panic attacks, mood swings and unreliable emotions as well (after a long time of anxiety and depression), I knew that I had to do something. Anything more, and I can't function any more. I barely do now.

I've never spoken to a professional about this... But if I see no other solution, I'll have to do it. I'd just like to see what I can do without going through therapy.

What are some medications to look into (for anxiety)? I am really careful with such stuff.

I'd like to try something suited for long-term use, something other than benzodiazepines... I've read about Buspiron as an option, but it seems not to work for many. I will consider it, though.

Any thoughts or experiences? I know there's a lot of different options, which makes it a bit hard.

[Travelinglady]

I only know about benzos. I take Klonopin myself and it works well. Anybody else know? You might try asking in the anxiety thread to see if somebody there takes something other than a benzo.

[Lilithlee]

I'm on cloazepam, which I think is in the benzo family, but I'm on a low dose so it hasn't really help a lot but if your having problems sleeping its good.

I have tried Ativan, Xanax and Klonopin but none of them worked well enough to enable me to have my old life back. You might also want to try out an anti-depressant and combine it with an anxiety medication.

[pbutton]

Zoloft helped my anxiety. I'm currently trying out Viibryd.

[Ineptitude]

For anxiety relief in addition to benzos, there is Buspar, beta blockers, and Vistaril.

Only benzos and beta blockers gave me any relief, but we all react differently.

I doctor isn't likely to start with an anti anxiety medication, but and SSRI/SNRI to see how you react, and will adjust that and add an anxiety medication of those alone to not decrease your symptoms.

[BlessedRhiannon]

I'm on Xanax, after trying Ativan and Klonopin. I've also tried Lexapro, with really bad side effects.

Honestly, your best bet is probably going to be to consult with a therapist or psychiatrist, or both. I've had the best improvement by adding the benzo to my regular therapy.