I actually just posted a similar thread the other day, asking if anyone had ever tried any supplements for anxiety. Like you, I had a lot of side effects with the SSRI I was taking, and had to get off. I have not personally tried any supplements yet, but am thinking of it. I see a dietitian and she recommended these ones to me:

-L-theanine
-5-HTP
-Inositol
-Vitamin B12

I'm thinking of trying these to see if they help at all. It's worth a shot, I guess! I'll update if I decide to try them. Good luck to you! I hope you find something that helps your anxiety...I know how difficult it can make life at times. Hang in there and know that you're strong enough to get through!

Has anyone ever looked at Life Extensions website? They are run by PHDs and have a lot of brain products based on their reaserch. I just ordered a product called brain shield that has a subtance called Gastrodin which balances the excitory and inhibitory chemistry of the brain and increases bloodflow to the brain. http://www.lef.org/Vitamins-Supplements/Item01802/Brain-Shield.html?source=search&key=brain&source=search&key=brain

I have tried the L-Theanine and it works great. A prescription that has really helped me but I don't get side effects with is propranalol. It's old, cheap and well-proven.

Another thing is cutting out sugar and trying to prevent blood-sugar spikes by lowering carbs and increasing veggies. Protein first thing in the morning is very grounding.

Cutting out caffeine (slowly so you avoid the headaches) might also help.

There is also Xiao Yao San which is a Chinese herb.

I think prescription pills are "easier" but I prefer the life-style changes. My body is telling me I need to change something if I'm feeling anxious and I want to listen.

Meditating, slowing down, living simply, listening to my instincts, eating healthy, breathing deeply, stretching, consciously relaxing.
Avoiding the news, violent or depressing tv shows in favor of listening to soothing music and watching comedies.

Anxious people tend to just be really receptive, in my experience, so limiting the amount of stuff coming in can help.

Reed31, what brand of L theanine do you use, if you don't mind me asking. I'm looking into trying it, but don't know which brands are most reputable.

I use Xymogen. Just what my dr. suggested.

In the past I also took anti-depressants after suffering major surgery ... and with time I slowly weaned myself off them. I found that if I was to control my anxiety, I needed to look at my diet, particularly healthy eating.

With improved health and improved energy, you will enjoy a more stabilized mood. Look at what you can do with your eating. Check out this website for great tips and advice, including natural remedies.
http://www.tipsforpanicattack.com/?p=2544

Has anyone tryed accupuncture and/or chiropractic for treating anxiety?

Reed - Thanks for the brand! I looked it up...boy, it's expensive! It's probably top-quality, though. I'm a poor college student, so I'm not sure if I could afford one that expensive...I wonder if it'd be a waste to buy a cheaper brand, like GNC or something?

Brenda...thanks for the link. I agree that healthy eating is so important in controlling anxiety. That, and sleep! If I don't sleep well/enough, I am a mess.

RKinger - I have personally never tried acupuncture for anxiety, but one of my past therapists, who dealt with anxiety herself, said acupuncture made a world of difference for her. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to try it because my insurance does not cover it and I just don't have the money, but I think it sounds really promising. Let us know if you try it!

I take a natural supplement called Relaxan, by Metagenics. You can buy online from a site called Hygiology.com.au - they do all sorts of brands - not just metagenics, and they have naturopaths available on staff to assist you. If you have not been referred to the product by a practitioner - I think they want to talk to you before to self prescribe - even though its a natural product.

The naturopath I see in person got me onto if a few years ago - its also great for PCOS - and helps to regulate hormones and cycles - I used to take 2 morning and night, the recommended dose is 3 morning and night which is what I'm now taking. I also take Vitamin B - avoid caffeine and force myself to eat regularly so that my blood sugar doesn't drop - i find that can add to the anxiety.

I, like you, dread taking anything. I have gotten into stretching exercises, called Classical Stretch by Miranda Esmonde-White. You can find her DVD's on Amazon, not expensive. Also, walking with deep breathing. I've read books by Claire Weekes which i order from abebooks.com Some of their books are gently used but CHEAP. The author is deceased and the books are older but the information still applies today. (Anxiety never goes out of style, unfortunately.) The books were helpful. I've tried the Inositol powder at bedtime and it helps with sleep. I order all my supplements from Vitacost and stick with their house brand. Have never had a problem.

I take fish oil, which has been documented to help with depression and anxiety. I mainly take it for bad knees....lol. In esscence, I have not limped or had to wrap my knees for years!

Yes Wildflower,a good night's sleep is a great addition to everyone's wellbeing. What I do to sleep better and not have a million things going around my head, is I go to U tube and download some relaxing music. While I am lying down and when I feel anxious I listen to the music (with earphones the ones that come with your smart phone) and do it over a few days and nights. This helps me ...

Kava is amazing, you have to be careful the amount you take however as it is rough on the liver but amazingly effective. GABA and Theanine are nice as well...

Thank you everyone for your advice. The biggest problem with my anxiety is it makes me worry about everything and when i worry it gets out of control and feel like i have the world on my shoulders. i will definitely keep fighting this