Broke Down And Asked For An Anti-anxiety Medication

[Seasounds]

I was okay, but now, after receiving your message, I am fine. Thank you. :) Good repair for us!
I know your clarity is understanding what you know and want, and not anything personal.
(For me, since some SSRIs have decreased my anxiety, I accidentally misunderstood.)

In the land of anti-anxiety meds, other than the above mentioned, Buspar helped a friend. I got bad headaches from it. Hope you find a good option!

 

[GrahamCracker]

I totally feel you about being sensitive to meds. It makes it almost endlessly challenging to find something at works. Benzodiazepines should be avoided unless you are just treating the occasional panic attack or bad day, I think. I know some people who can't function without them but they are a last resort for day-to-day functioning.

I have been on most SSRIs and anxiety meds and a lot of stuff being used to treat anxiety and depression off label and have found it to be habit-forming regardless of what the person prescribing it said. On the other hand, I have actually survived and moved on from some pretty severe withdrawal and side effects from many of the above, so I'm not saying the best tactic is avoidance. You just have to know that's what you could be getting. It's really just a trade off for sensitive people, I think. Sometimes your need for balance can overtake your fear of addiction and side effects.

One thing that may or may not be up your alley could be Traditional Chinese Medicine. Usually, an acupuncturist or similar licensed practitioner can prescribe an herbal blend that will help with anxiety. I would make sure to check where they are sourcing their herbs...There are some very high quality places and some that are not so much. Drawback to this is that you would likely have to pay out of pocket. Some insurances will cover acupuncture for pain management but I can't think of any that cover herbs. I've not tried herbs myself but have been considering them.

Going to a dietitian and looking into Western supplements such as fish oils and B Vitamins might be an option as well. I have tried this and find that I am still too sensitive (they tend to make me more depressed) but the other side effects were much less severe. Everyone is different, so you never know.

 

[Seasounds]

Yes, for me too, in the last two years, during an aggravation, the right Acupuncturist new how to needle me, so that I found more deep relaxation than with any other means, and also gave me supportive herbal formulas, that helped.

 

[therisa]

Sadly, GrahamCracker, I'm on a fixed and limited disability pension, from my provincial government and I know without looking it up, acupuncture isn't covered. Plus I have to check to see if any new drug, prescribed to me, is covered by the provincial drug plan. Worse, I have a very powerful fear of needles.