I'm not a believer in drugs myself. But..... To each his own. I would prefer Vitamins and Herbs.

It is a difficult situation. We are all looking for that - quick fix. Please consult a psychiatrist (NOT a regular doctor) as far as your meds go, and correct way of tapering off the meds. Some herbal supplements do not mix well with prescription medications, so please consult a professional about your concerns. I would also suggest getting a therapist to help work out the anxious thoughts in your mind. And, a group therapy, if there is one in your area (check Google). And, we are here for you of course! :)

Hello Miracleworker. Welcome to the forum.

I don't use either drugs (except a bowl a day of MJ) nor supplements, but I did use prescription drugs when my symptoms were at their worst and would again, if needed. I didn't stop using the meds until I was confident I had learned enough symptom management techniques to manage without them. One of those management techniques (perhaps the most important one) is a healthy peer support network. This group, right here, is one of the nodes on my peer support network.

Gentle support while you figure your own, Miracleworker. Welcome aboard.

When I was planning to get pregnant with my little girl I was determined to get off and stay off SSRIs for the sake of the baby. I tried everything from meditation and exercise to accupuncture, counselling, traditional Chinese medicine and. many different types of supplements (I avoided some of the big ones such as SAMe and HTP because less was known about the effects of these on developing babies than was known about SSRIs). Running did me a world of good but within 20 minutes of stopping the anxiety was back. I gave it my best shot but in the end I needed the medication. I had a beautiful, healthy little girl who suffered no I'll effects or withdrawal from the medication that I took. You may find an alternative that works for you. There are certainly lots out there. If you do end up going back to meds, do not beat yourself up for it. Good luck in your quest.

I'm currently weaning off my meds very slowly since all the srri's don't work anymore for me. My pyschiatrist wanted me to take remeron but I refused since I'm not depressed and don't want to be lethargic. I'm going to consult a good CBT specialist (hard to find around here!) And hope for the best ...I don't want to be dependent on medication and the crazy side effects. I believe consulting with a good pyschiatrist and doing your own research.

Thank you everyone for your comments and welcoming me to the group. I have been seeing my psychiatrist while tapering off my medication but haven't decided whether to go on a new medication or not. I will see this Friday when I see my doctor. I had a GeneSight testing done to see what medications are the best for my genes. It was surprise in the results to find a lot of SSRIs that I have been on were not good for my brain. I am leaning more towards supplements and herbs. I have a good therapist and support people in my life that I depend on. Its those late nights when you are alone with your thoughts and fears and no one to talk to. I go to prayer since I believe God is always there. I chose miraclework as my name is because I am going blind and I work hard everyday to try and stay sane. Some days are better than others.

have you tried quetiapine,its not an antidepressant,, its an antipsychotic it calms the mind in how it thinks larger doses help sleep, works good on anxiety, its a take as needed drug most days i only take at bedtime, but if the anxiety is bad ill take a smaller daytime dose, you should take a super vitamin b complex also thats my opinion.

I tried the big pharma drugs for years....decades. Neither doctors nor psychiatrists ever mentioned I might be deficient in vitamins or have other health issues that may be the cause or contribute to the problem.
About 85% of the population is deficient in magnesium, potassium, and often D3 and never think about how it effects them.....especially their mental well being.
A good quality vitamin supplement of at least magnesium will help big time. However, it takes time to totally replenish the demand. Roughly about 4 to 8 weeks. Magnesium deficiency won't be accurate in a blood test as this mineral is mainly in the tissue and bone and only 1% is in the blood.
Usually women need around 320 mg a day, but it is best to google the right amount for your age.
Overdosing is hard to do, but work with your medical doctor on this.
My doctors were unhelpful, so I went to a health food store and they usually have ppl there to guide you and are very knowledgeable and give free advice.
Also follow up with a healthy diet. Eat lots of fresh veggies (dark leafy greens) and variety of other veggies.....and fruits.
Drink 6 glasses of water.....daily. More if you are outside or exercising.
Walk or do exercise at least 4 or 5 days a week.
Meditate and do at least 10 minutes daily of deep breathing.
I guarantee this will help, but it must be a lifestyle change for lasting effects to banish anxiety without meds.

I know this seems like a lot of change.....and it is. So start off with magnesium supplement (remember, good quality is important...not Walmart or Walgreen brand). Talk this over with your medical doctor first. Remember, you are in control, so tell your doctor you would like to give it a try and to have him guide you.

Wishing you the best.

Thanks for much for all the good advice. I have already started a new lifestyle. Since this last April. I am on a healthy diet since I have a kidney transplant and gout. I drink good water and tart cherry juice all day. I went to a naturopath and he put me on some real good supplements. I am taking magnesium and Gaba and lots of other good supplements for my brain. I use CBD during the day for my anxiety and it really helps. I have good moments and not so good moments but I am learning to ground myself with breathing. massage points and exercise. It is really important for me to connect with others either through FB or going out of my house on errands. I am still trying to be a part of the community but I get so anxious about the whole activity that it is hard to truly enjoy being with others. I am taking baby steps and celebrating my achievements no matter how small. One step at a time....