Alternative to meds

Hello,
I have suffered anxiety and panic attacks since i was 25, now 43. I have been through so many medications and have found that the ones that work really well, have negative libido side effects. Since I would like to stay married and have my spouse happy, I have chose to find non ssri alternatives. A week ago my psychD put me on 10mg of buspirone, have no sexual side effects. However, I am very irritable, over emothional, strange brain racing and 3 bad panic attacks. So, yeah, I am not taking this anymore. Is there a useful alternative to medication? I am currently working with a CBT therapist and have a small script for diazepham for any massive panic attacks..

thanks.

ampedup wrote:Hello,
I have suffered anxiety and panic attacks since i was 25, now 43. I have been through so many medications and have found that the ones that work really well, have negative libido side effects. Since I would like to stay married and have my spouse happy, I have chose to find non ssri alternatives. A week ago my psychD put me on 10mg of buspirone, have no sexual side effects. However, I am very irritable, over emothional, strange brain racing and 3 bad panic attacks. So, yeah, I am not taking this anymore. Is there a useful alternative to medication? I am currently working with a CBT therapist and have a small script for diazepham for any massive panic attacks..

thanks.

Buspar did not work for my anxiety at all. It made one of my eyes twitch like crazy and at random too.

Me and my doctor went through more than half a dozen anti-depressants. None of them worked for me. They did help the depression but I was not going to keep taking them at the cost of losing my sex drive. Nope, nuh-uh. Have you been on SSRI'S since the age of 25? I can't imagine. Only thing that has worked for me is Xanax and Klonopin. Currently on the LOWEST dose of Klonopin. I've been on benzos for over six years. They do HELP anxiety tremendously but of course, won't cure the symptoms. Who knows what long term side affects will pop up for me later on in life because of these though..

Alternatives to meds? I don't know, haven't found anything yet.

Sorry to hear you're having trouble with the meds.

I've taken buspar without any side effects for 18 months, but everyone is different.

I realise this can be a polarising suggestion, but meditation has really helped me a lot. It's helped me work on my anxiety in conjunction with meds, but also allowed me to slowly ween myself off them as I got into a routine with my meditation. It's not a quick fix, the process took me a couple of weeks of twice a day meditation before I felt ANYTHING, let alone enough to help with my anxiety.

If you're interested in giving it a try, let me know. I have a free app I use that I can highly recommend.

I also find that my symptoms are far more manageable if I exercise regularly and intensely. It also helps if I eat clean.

Not trying to preach, just giving you what's worked for me.

I have a YouTube channel and a blog where I discuss this in greater detail, but I don't wanna spam anyone. If you're interested, PM me.

Best of luck!

Here are some herbs that are used as sedative / tranquilizers
- Passionflower
- Chamomile
- Valerian
- California Poppy
- Lemon Balm

I have used all of those. They all help alleviate anxiety for me.
*mod edit*

Ive used this and it helps too
*mod edit*

Haven't been on SSRI's consistently, as you all know life is a roller coaster with these problems and doesn't always require meds.

Sadly, Diazepham for panic attacks when needed is all that really helps me. No caffeine and eating healthy. I recently stumbled across Feeling Good by David Burns and that is helping me a lot. I appreciate all the input, I will pm you for your Youtube channel. You can never learn or know too much.

Thanks guys/, have a great week.

Thanks for all the replys. I watched your videos, nice job. Also, thanks for the list of natural supplements, I will give them a shot.

I think the hardest thing about this, is you have to travel it alone. The few times I have let friends in on my struggle, I lost contact with them.

ampedup wrote:No caffeine

Oddly enough, caffeine usually helps with my anxiety. I do need to practice a healthier, more regular diet though.