Well if you don't want to be on a anti depressant like zoloft or something like that take something like xanax........ i personally take klonopin, it's like a cousin to xanax... i only take it when i feel the anxiety comming up and i'm calm in like 5 mins!! it doesn't make me sleepy at all........... everyone says it s addicting but i have been on it for about 2 1/2 years and i take maybe like 3 a month total! it's NOT addicting, and worth a shot.... oh one important thing..... reduce your caffeine intake as well as sugars... :) hope this helps

I HAVE PANIC ATTACKS , THEY STARTED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO . THE DOCTOR FIRST PUT ME ON ZOLOFT BUT I HAD A BAD REACTION TO IT AND STOPPED TAKING IT . I HAVE A PHOBIA ABOUT PILLS , I AM SCARED OF THEM AND WHEN I TAKE SOMETHING NEW I PANIC . THE DOCTOR PUT ME ON LORAZAPAM , I HAVE BEEN TAKING IT FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS AND IT WORKS . THE DOCTOR WROTE MY PERSCRIPTION FOR 1 MG. 3X A DAY . I NEVER DID TAKE THREE , I STARTED OUT ON 2 A DAY THEN I HAVE GONE DOWN TO 1 A DAY . I WOULD LIKE TO STOP TAKING THEM BUT EVERY TIME I TRY TO STOP I HAVE A PANIC ATTACK .

The reason we have this anxiety is because of a chemical imbalance. With professional help from someone that specializes in anxiety disorders, you may not even need to go on meds. But if you do (as many of us do), you can do both meds and therapy. You should start on a low dose of an antidepressant. It takes awhile to take effect. It usually does not make you feel like a zombie or not like yourself unless you have to high a dose (which can be adjusted). Benzodiazapines (like valium, xanax, ativan and klonopin) can give you a state of calm. Again, you don't have to feel like a zombie...you just take a very small dose. We are all afraid of meds (most of us anxiety sufferers). However, sometimes you need them.
You must admit and accept that you have a problem. No one is going to make you less fun because you have anxiety. I am still fun. I had to go through a lot though. I got really depressed (and that was before I went on anything). If you can "fake it" to survive and are okay living your life like that...than go for it. However, if you had diabetes, would you deny yourself help if it was there (meds or therapy)? Just a thought. You don't have to suffer. Educate yourself about it. You don't have to take pills. The more you learn and understand about anxiety disorders, the more you will not be afraid. Sure, you may have "setbacks", but you never go back to square one.
HOpe this helps.

I know exactly what you mean, I had depression and anxiety and it started to affect my life so I had no choice but go to a doctor and he diagnosed me and prescribed me antidepressants (Seroxat). I was so skeptical at first I refused to take them and I researched them on the net and found stories of how people got addicted to them. But the thing is if you go to a good trustworthy doctor make sure he has a safety plan to get you off them (wean you off slowly and you wont have a problem) I took them for only 6 months although other doctors say I should have been on them for more I think 6 months was more than enough although Im not completely cured I know I have the strength to do it on my own. So I know Im ranting off I think if you trust your doctor and he puts you not on a high dose for a little while just so you are able to live your life for awhile. And then from that youll have the motivation to do it on your own.

That was my experience Im not cured at all Im still struggling. You should go to a doctor and if you dont like his diagnosis go get a second opinion. U dont have to follow your doctor blindly but just take an opinion from a medical point of view.

Goodluck :)

i meant he puts u on a low dose not a high one then you should be ok

You need to go to a doctor a have a chat. Tell them what you want, what you're scared of....if you get a good one you'll know and they will only want the best for you.
You don't have to suffer with this. Get some help.
Good luck:)

I think you should go to the doctor and ask. the reason for this is because everyone is different and react to medication in different ways. What is good for someone else might not work for you. They might show you different techniques to help you cope first before they put you on medication.

You can get relief from a med that works. You have to be mindful, though, that some of these drugs can be addicting so you have to make sure you use them only when needed and as directed. I know that for myself having a med available when I feel my worst has made a positive difference in my life.