I take Buspar and a beta blocker. They have helped me tremendously. But the best thing you can do is to find ways to be productive and enjoyment in something in your life like a hobby to distract you from your anxiety until it goes away

As far as I can tell...you nailed them all autumn. It is unfortunate, but finding the meds or combination of meds that are right for you can be very difficult and frustrating.

I went through it all before throwing in the towel and deciding to get through this without them. Everyone reacts SO differently to them though, and it personally wasn't for me. I wonder if you are going through the same?

Either way, I really wish you the best on your journey to finding the right meds or giving it a go without them.

My doctor has me on Lamictal. It's an anti-seizure medication that helps regulate my moods and keeps my anxiety to a minimum.

I am familar with those but can't think of any others. Is klonopin a benzo? I know my brother takes that one and he finds it effective. I take niravam which is like xanax.

MattPenn, I am unfamilar with beta blockers. What are those and how do they help if you don't mind sharing?

Beta blockers were originally designed to help lower blood pressure by blocking adrenaline receptors in your brain from taking in too much adrenaline/cortisol (both hormones responsible for anxiety).

Most people with high levels of anxiety also experience rapid heart rate/heart palpitations, and in some cases higher than normal blood pressure.

I'm on a fairly low does of 10mg twice a day. They're safe, non addictive, and can be stopped at any time. They also don't have interactions with other drugs that I'm aware of anyway.

I'd tried a few SSRI's but was having a hard time with the side effects and decided not to go that route.

Honestly the most effective thing for me was really just staying busy, and finding distractions. Anything I could do to keep my mind off of the racing thoughts and on things that I use to enjoy thinking about like projects, fixing stuff, drawing, etc... Reading also helps a lot when you're freaking out a little because your mind can only really think about one thing at a time. When you're reading you're forcing yourself to concentrate on other things besides what's racing around in your head.

Breaking the cycle, and training yourself coping strategies is what will work the best.

:-)

I take beta blockers too - propranolol - definitely help with the physical symptoms eg the shakes, racing heart etc, and no discernible side effects

Gabapentin or hydroxyzine work for some people.

nightandday...the lemon candy suggestion is wonderful...it clearly shows how powerful the mind-body connection really is. Thank you.

After reading this again, I see you suggested sucking on an actual lemon (not a lemon candy) Well this visualization works even better!

I agree that we must use anything that works for us.