Hey cls, I took Lexapro for six months and then weened off. I did have some improvement but it was offset by side effects of feeling dizzy, tired and "drugged". I don't think I was able to fully take advantage of the positive effects of the medication because my shrink wasn't that helpful.

I'd suggest if you do ween off the meds do it under your doctor's supervision. If the medication has been helping you in any way be prepared for the possibility the symptoms may return. You may feel temporary negative effects just from withdrawal.

Most important of all I think it's important to have an alternative plan and start it BEFORE you get off the meds. Most coping techniques aside from meds require time, determination and the ability to work through some emotional challenges.

Good luck!

i think that is a good idea. like goldfish said, have a plan and def do it under a doc's supervision. i take an herb called sensoril and it is very effective on anxiety (it reduces cortisol levels by 60% in 2 months and has many other benefits). it costs about $15 for a 4 month supply but you have to buy it online. it is patented and regulated. there are no known side effects and people have been taking it for thousands of years. but for the fda keeps delaying approving (i have to imagine tis b/c it such a better alternative to the anxiety meds out there). write me if you wanna know more. i have a huge fear of meds and did tons of research on it before i started taking it (about 4 months ago). btw, i am not affiliated with whoever sells it. lol.

no matter what you do, i think getting off the meds is a great start. after all, they do damage the brain.

another thing to consider is we have a "Second" brain in our guts although a lot of people have never heard of it. we literally are what we eat. your anxiety could be caused or exacerbated by deficiencies, esp magnesium and the b vitamins.

also do you have amalgam fillings? the silver kind? those are half mercury. mercury is a heavy metal and is toxic. side effects of mercury exposure are anger, depression and anxiety (and many more). i hope i haven't scared you. feel free to message me.

chiari

You don't sound crazy just frustrated. Whatever you do don't stop taking the meds without consulting your doctor. Most of these meds you have to be weaned off slowly.
I hope things get better for you soon.
hugs

You should go back to the doctor and tell him/her that the meds are not working. They have to re-evaluate you and your treatment. It is frustrating to do things this way, but no one can tell how a medicine is going to work on your brain until you take it--everyone is different. Sometimes you get lucky with the first one you try, other times not. You shouldn't give up on the meds, especially since the "positive thinking" isn't working for you--you will be left high and dry with nothing.

There is no proven herb/supplement that works for panic, and don't go pulling all your teeth out of your mouth either--the mercury myth is just foolish nonsense that keeps holistic dentists in business.

As for the sensoril, Ashwaganda (what sensoril is made of) is not proven to do anything for anxiety, the only research that was done on it was for arthritis. Studies have pointed to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition as the mechanism for the herb's antiarthritic properties. In animal studies, Ashwagandha's anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to hydrocortisone, but there have not been any human studies. Because of the COX inhibition, the herb may be dangerous to the heart, just like Bextra was before they pulled it off the market--Bextra is a prescription drug that also has COX properties. Compounds that are COX inhibitors can cause heart problems-- this is not an herb that is really that safe to take.

It also has a warning for pregnant women not to take it due to it causing spontaneous abortion. Again, not something to mess with, especially since there is no known dosage that is safe for humans.

The FDA doesn't approve supplements or herbs.That is the reason these charlatans are able to get away with all the claims to cure things without having to do REAL research. It would be great if supplements WERE FDA regulated. Then many of these companies would be out of business, because they would finally have to PROVE efficacy, like the drug companies have to do--something the herb manufacturers DON"T have to do right now.

http://scienceblogs.com/whitecoatunderground/2009/07/dshea_a_travesty_of_a_mockery.php

Thanks all for your response. I am still not sure what to do but I will consult with my doctor before doing. She tells me that she can make it all go away but I dont believe that. Just from personal experience and reading posts on here it never goes away you just have to learn how to manage it.