Yes, most medical professionals will give you a script for it, they have a script for everything. But I have my own thoughts about medications

I prefer to sip on a small glass of wine whenever I feel that kind of "mood" coming over me. I am certainly not a serious drinker, so this doesn't happen very often.

Don't know how often the med should be taken, however the wine is only used on an "as needed basis", certainly not daily..

Just noticed something. Check DS Anxiety Support Group.

Seems that some anti-anxiety meds can have some nasty side effects.

I am on Xanax for anxiety and panic attacks...an anxiety attack can lead to full blown panic even if you know what to do to slow down your breathing.

I would talk to your primary care doc who will probably put you on an SSRI which might do the trick but they tend to take 3-4 weeks to take effect. Zoloft, Celexa and Lexapro are some of them.

I needed a quick acting one so chose to go on Xanax which is a benzo. These are pretty hard to get prescribed so i needed a psychiatrist report before i was put on them.

So this is only my situation and for me it does it's job without any side effects that i have noticed yet....besides i do not have an addictive personality so getting hooked on them is not one of my worries....As long as i can slow my breathing down when PLB does not seem to work is good enough from my perspective.

Hope you find the help you need mch.

It definitely helps me. Lorazepam and lexapro.

Zoloft has helped me and I have been on it for at least two years now.

yes i do to,hugs

I use Lorazapam as needed which is an antianxiety (benzo) medication.
The SSRI's made me feel odd and I didn't want to take something every day when i didn't need it every day.
I have GAD & SAD so have had it before I had COPD.
I usually take it when i go to bed as laying down is my hardest time.
I only take it during the day if needed & sometimes only take 1/2 dose because it makes me kind of drowsy.

when I get very SOB or that tight feeling, it seems to relax me & help me breath better. It works better than my "rescue med" that doesn't seem to do much. I like it because it can be dissolved under tongue for quicker results.

Yes, anxiety, panic attacks, panic disorders, are very common with COPD. As it has been stated many times there is something very primeval that takes over when your brain/body feels it isnt getting enough air you quickly feel out of control; believe you may be choking to death, having a heart attack, stroke, or otherwise dying. By definition a panic attack is when this occurs when there is no real danger or cause of course with COPD we do know the cause but it makes no difference at the time. While technically a panic attack is not dangerous for the normal population its symptoms rapid breathing leading to shortness of breath only compound whatever exacerbation you may be experiencing or bring on an exacerbation if you have COPD. Thus best to be avoided.

If you have COPD, your number one priority is to avoid exacerbations these are what have the most affect on moving the progression of your disease forward. Even if a little pink pill removes only 3 or 4 attacks a month YOU are still ahead.

You can after a while learn to recognize the on-coming symptoms of anxiety and via forced calming techniques (pursed breathing, sitting slumped over with your head down, literally talking to yourself, reassuring yourself you are OK, this will go away, ) actually control your anxiety without medication BUT this is not as simple or easy for everyone. It usually takes time for anyone to train themselves to, well not panic! Medication helps, if not to completely remove all anxiety at least chop it down to size so you can calm yourself. Thus, one can often wean themselves off any medication or seriously reduce the dosage with practice.

However, dont ever be pig-headed about anxiety medications - Like me, for example. Smile. I suffered from anxiety attacks leading to frequent exacerbations right after a heart attack, but did nothing about it Real Men Dont Panic! I didnt need any girly Valley of the Dolls crap. I was wrong. If your doctor prescribes them take them.

thanks for all the input.....good info.

If you live in one of the 23 states or the District of Columbia which have approved medical cannabis, you may have access to the best and safest remedy available for anxiety, insomnia and many types of pain.

If I were to smoke a bong now ..I not only wouldnt be breathing better..I wouldnt be breathing at all ..lol

Can't wait for them to legalize Med Marj..in OZ..its been approved but legislation is in the hands of the laziest people on God's earth...

I have been technically approved to be able to get it when it becomes available.....

No bongs LOL....i would be pushing up daisies with you mch...

When I was first diagnosed I had such anxiety ,few times a week at least.
Then I start having a glass of vodka ,when I feel anxiety.No anti-anxiety meds for me.
Take care and hugs Jade

Shortly before i finally quit smoking for good, I tried a joint, after a many, many years gap. Thought I was going to die on the spot! So, no more of that for me. However, every time someone I know is going to Colorado or Washington, I ask them to bring me back a cookie. They never do. LOL. Seriously though, when my wife finally convinced me that my anxiety was getting not only to me but to her also, I asked the doctor and he put me on Lexapro. World of difference.

The following essential oils (aromatherapy) are excellent for reducing anxiety:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Rose (Rosa damascena), Orange (Citrus sinensis), Bergamot (Citrus aurantium), Lemon (Citrus limon), Sandalwood (Santalum album), Clary sage (Salvia sclarea), Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium spp.)

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/03/06/aromatherapy-essential-oils.aspx