My anxiety is totally spiraling; is an SSRI my only medication option?

[Anonymous]

I am having hugely spiking anxiety and struggling to deal with it via CBT and lifestyle. I took SSRIs for anxiety before, about 10 years ago. I was on them for 2 years, tried a couple different drugs at different dosages, and just never really liked it. When I went off them, I felt so much more like a person. But I'm struggling.

Is that my only option for an acute anxiety issue? Is it even a good option? I am trying to stop googling in circles, anyone have any ideas that might help?

[Anonymous]

How often are you going to therapy?

[Anonymous]

There are SNRI's. Cymbalta works really well for my son when Zoloft/Prozac did not.

Make an appointment and discuss your concerns. There are so many options and I am sure you can find something that works.

[Anonymous]

I find l theanine really helps with the racing heartbeat.

[Anonymous]

Buspirone might help.

[Anonymous]

Propanolol; eliminate sugar and artificial sweeteners; increase yogurt and fermented foods

[Anonymous]

Ketamine?

[Anonymous]

What is the root of your anxiety?

[Anonymous]

Pause.
You’re trying to anticipate every scenario around meds. Instead, make the appointment. It will take a minute to get in to see your doctor.

THEN you can have a conversation about meds. Ten years is a long time ago, and there are new approaches and meds.

Make the appointment.

[Anonymous]

Stay far away from benzo s . They are horribly addictive, and have bad side effects. You need more and more over time for the same effect.

Cardio as long and hard as you can manage helps a lot of people.

Also, you could try an SSRI until you feel better and ween yourself off again. It doesn't have to be forever.

[Anonymous]

Yes several option book an appointment asap

[Anonymous]

How old are you?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am having hugely spiking anxiety and struggling to deal with it via CBT and lifestyle. I took SSRIs for anxiety before, about 10 years ago. I was on them for 2 years, tried a couple different drugs at different dosages, and just never really liked it. When I went off them, I felt so much more like a person. But I'm struggling.

Is that my only option for an acute anxiety issue? Is it even a good option? I am trying to stop googling in circles, anyone have any ideas that might help?

Exercise and diet cleanup.

When the body suffers, the mind screams out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stay far away from benzo s . They are horribly addictive, and have bad side effects. You need more and more over time for the same effect.

Cardio as long and hard as you can manage helps a lot of people.

Also, you could try an SSRI until you feel better and ween yourself off again. It doesn't have to be forever.

It is so so sad that Xanax and the like are addicting and high-risk for dementia. Exercise works for the day, but nothing takes the edge off of my evening ruminating and healthy anxiety descent into madness like Alprazolam. Breathing, distraction, meditation - all very poor substitutes. I have reduced to 0.5 mg nightly dose- pretty close to a placebo effect at this point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ketamine?

Trade one problem for another?