Welcome and sorry you have been having it rough. There is no ryhme or reason that explains it you just have to know it can't hurt you or control you if you don't give into the symptoms. easier said then done but I use prayer and my faith in God to deal each day with mine. Most people do not think you can be cured of anxiety/panic attacks but I know that God says he heals all our diseases so I am standing and trusting in him for mine. You will find alot of great support and people here. I will keep you in my prayers.

Anxiety is a horrible condition. It is often undiagnosed and usually undertreated. I've been dealing with it for many years not. I'm fortunate that my doctor does not hesitate to prescribe benzos. and has me on both valium and xanax. They made me tired at first, but after being on them for several years, that side effect has worn off. Just take each day as it comes and deal the best you can. By the way - zoloft can do wonders for anxiety even if you are not depressed. The same neurotransmitters that cause depression often also causes anxiety so taking a drug to regulate them can do wonders.

I understand how you feel. I'm on several meds for my severe anxiety and depression.
I have had panic and anxiety with OCD all my life, but over the years the bouts have come on quicker and lasted longer. I have had severe anxiety for over a year and a half now along with severe depression. It is constant 24/7. Most days I'm paralyzed with fear.

I've been doing therapy and I am suppose to get more, but it all takes so long. It is horrible to feel this way everyday.

Thanks guys. It's great to know I'm not alone although I would never wish this on anyone but it's refreshing to know others out there can relate. I just wish there was a big cure for it. Sure everybody experiences anxiety at some point in their lives and in fact it's normal but when it takes control that's when it's a problem. How do you guys feel about relaxation techniques? Do you think it works or do you feel it's probably reserved for those that only experience minor anxiety? And which med do you like the best? I like Klonopin and Valium the best because they both last longer. Xanax is good but just as quick as it hits you, it's gone. I tend to use Xannie for my panic attacks but when I'm having an axxiety ridden day, it's time for Val or Klono to take action. Also what do you think is the cause of anxiety? I'll have to go through some of my grad books to see what Freud said since he is thought to be the great pioneer of psychology. Again thanks guys!

Ask your doc about Buspar. It deals with anxiety, helps with the serotonin going to the brain, I take that and Paxil: an antidepressant. Although, I did like my xanax before my new doc said "I don't do xanax"...stupid doctor...

I'll never forget my first panic attacks. I was 25. I didn't know what was going on and I didn't tell my doctors. Then, just thinking about having a panic attack would bring one on. I managed to 'tough out' these panick attacks until about 5 years ago. I couldn't sleep for 5 days and I thought I was having a stroke and drove to my doctor, a general practioner and a psychiatrist. She told me I was having an anxiety attack and prescribed Xanax.

What a life saver. I recently was prescribed Visteril for anxiety too. 25 mg up to 3 per day. It helps me along with Effexor XR and Xanax.

Just knowing I have meds to help me makes me feel better.

I resisted anti-depressants for a long time as "I wasn't depressed" . But they actually provide more real treatment for anxiety than anti-anxieties do, as they simply mask the problem, while SSRI's help chemically.
Why not try it??

Welcome and yes - anxiety is a terrible thing that can control our lives. I have battled it for more than 15 years. I have been on medication for that long too. I understand exactly what you are going through - it makes me furious at times. Recently, I am developing a lot of fear which can ultimately control us also. I feel like I am fighting for my life half of the time. My medication helps a lot, but I also know I have to try to fix the way I think too. Do you have a chemical imbalance ? Just wondering, because I do. Hope you can get some support here - we are all here to vent to each other.

With all the replies about SSRI's I may look into that. I've never been diagnosed with a chemical inbalance but I wouldn't doubt it considering the length of time I've been dealing with anxiety. It's just such an awful thing. Like right now, I'm experiencing anxiety for no apparent reason. It's just really weird how it comes on all of a sudden. Sometimes there is a reason for it and other times I just can't figure out why I'm feeling anxious.