@alandahl - I remember you from before. Are things better with your boyfriend? It seemed that your anxiety issues started since you started dating him, so I was wondering how it was going with him now? Does he still give you more anxiety? And, if you do decide to try medication, please see a psychiatrist to prescribe those. Generally speaking, benzos such as Xanax and Ativan are fast acting, last maybe 4-6 hours (?), but are very addictive. The SSRIs such as Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft (many many more out there), could take 4 weeks or more to start seeing the positive effects from it, but I've read that someone generally can get off the SSRIs a bit easier than the benzos. You *could* be prescribed one of each. Again, check with a psychiatrist if you do decide to try medication for anxiety or depression.

I found that the docs give out Xanax like it's m&m's and it's really a horrible drug. It calms but also makes you depressed and edgy....also atavan. I have had many years of depressions but the anxiety was new to me so made a lot of mistakes. plus my body reacts easily to any medicine. BUT, a few years ago my PA gave me klonipin...she said it was a gentler drug and it lasts longer. It can make you sleepy. But I have found it stopped my ocd thinking which was causing me insomnia, helps me sleep, and even calms my fibro flares. Again, everyone reacts differently so you have to have a good doctor who follows up and is willing to experiment. The only thing I would say is that most people are now saying Xanax is bad.

My grandmother took zanex for years after my uncle was murdered . she never got addicted or abused them.. My Dr prescribes me zanex I'm allowed ten a month. Because they can be adduvting. The thing about zanex thst I like is because it omlu last 4 to 6 hours. They don't knock me out for the whole day only got about and hour if that. The kladspin knock me out for all day. They all effectbesch person different just talk to your Dr.

Medication has helped me. But you might need to see a therapist also.

I'm on week 3 of Zoloft after a week long panic attack. It was inititially aweful but Xanax helped the side effects. But there was really no way to avoid it. A week and a half later the roller coaster ebened out into Roll-on hills. I would get crashing anxiety and the jitters, sweat... And I had just started a new job. I'm.now weaning off of Xanax as I am getting the jitters and headache as I was skipping it. I've taken Lexapro witgput the side effect experience in.the past but I was so unmotivated to do anything I gained wait and lost my libido. It took me 6 months to wean off. Some people do better with Zoloft so here is hoping! Good luck!

Find what works for you. My experience has shown that GABA drugs work best for severe panic and anxiety.
I know as with opiodphobia, some people are anecdotally shunning GABA drugs as well. Don't let that influence your getting help. If it works, then is it's the right drug for you. Of course, talk to a professional for guidance.

Wow did you get a variety of responses I have tried Xanax and it really helped. No noticeable side effects. Don’t agree that it is handed out like candy.

I have had anxiety, panic attacks for decades. I have had to take prescription medication off and on .These drugs have all been prescribed to me, Buspar, Klonipin, Ativan, Xanax. Currently my doctor has me in Xanax extended release. I am able to function, work, etc and not feel sedated on it. I think it has fewer side effects than regular Xanax.
I listen to Serotonin Release music on You Tube , which is very relaxing! This past week I bought an oil diffuser and am an essential oil blend called Calm. I think these both help.
Deep breathing exercises also help
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