I do not, nor have I ever taken any kind of anxiety medication. Nevertheless, I have been prescribed medication many times including most recently, hydroxyzine. However, I refuse to take any. What does the hydroxyzine do for you if I may ask? Also, I have been taking magnesium the past couple of weeks as a cofactor for my vitiamn D deficiency and it does have a bit of a claming affect. So maybe try some magnesium. I stopped taking mine yesterday because it's a cheap one and I ordered some high quality ones with the intention of putting only the best into my body on my road to recovery.

-Nikki

You mentioned that you have taken Ativan and Klonopin. Those both work very well if you want instant relief from panic attacks and when taken daily, it calms anxiety disorder. The most calming part lasts about 4 hours (according to my psychiatrist). There are meds called SSRIs (you could Google it) that are taken daily and have a longer lasting effect. You don't feel anything right away, it's more of a constant dose in your body.

I also take magnesium, have for many years, it doesn't do anything for me.

@Nikki - a higher priced magnesium is not necessary, in case you want to save on cost. Any kind will do. If you feel a difference, that's great!!! I never noticed anything from all the years of magnesium and all the different brands, etc. I think everyone is different.

Sometimes we just need to take something to stop the panic attack and ease the anxiety. Talk to your doctor about it. See what they think you should do. Maybe seek out a therapist? For some non-medicine relief,

Hope you feel better soon.

I would keep a journal to help you see what's happening when.

Also use a stick figure to see where the physical sensations are happening.

Best wishes.

I take a very low dose of lexapro, 5 mg, which has done wonders for me. It stopped many of the physical symptoms of my anxiety attacks, like the tingles, and the difficulty breathing. Those always unsettled me very much, so when they were gone I felt much more able to progress and heal. Because it's a very low dose I haven't had many problems with withdrawal, though I notice if I've forgotten to take it for a while on the third day or so I start getting very irritable.

NikkiInTheDesert- I take the hydroxyzine if I have a panic attack, which lessens the severity a bit and I get a calmer feeling from it. I also take vitamin D everyday too, maybe ill think of adding some magnesium.

GirlInCalif- You're right about the ativan and klonopin, they weren't the right choice for me long term though. I've tried SSRI's in the past and they helped alleviate anxiety but messed up my moods and I got depressed from them. I'm seeing a psychiatrist/therapist regularly, the therapy is definitely helpful during this time. Thank you :)

Mid- I have been journaling a lot lately, it helps to keep track of everything. I've never heard of the stick figure thing before but it sounds like a good idea. I will try it out.

OllieTree- Glad you found a med that works, especially a low dose too. I totally relate to the not being able to breathe feeling, last night I felt like I couldn't catch my breath. I know a lot of people who do really well on Lexapro too.