Anxiety treatment?!
Question: I suffer from anxiety caused by stress at work. Actually I developed it a couple of years ago and it recently came back full force after a career change. It's affecting my blood pressure I can tell, because I feel most of the time like I'm in a heightened anxiety state (tightened chest) on the verge of an attack, whether I'm at work or not.
I've read about beta blockers being used for anxiety but when I asked a question about them last night people said that's not what I should talk to my MD about. Other people said it is. I'm confused. What's the best treatment for an anxiety disorder like this?
Answers: I suffer from anxiety caused by stress at work. Actually I developed it a couple of years ago and it recently came back full force after a career change. It's affecting my blood pressure I can tell, because I feel most of the time like I'm in a heightened anxiety state (tightened chest) on the verge of an attack, whether I'm at work or not.
I've read about beta blockers being used for anxiety but when I asked a question about them last night people said that's not what I should talk to my MD about. Other people said it is. I'm confused. What's the best treatment for an anxiety disorder like this?
All anti-depressants work different for different people. Someone said don't use Effexor however, it is one of the better ones. I only stopped it because of weight gain. I have had anxiety for years and depression I have taken Xanax for years and yes I know they are addicting but I use them as prescribed and they keep me where I need to be mentally, I have used several anti-depressants. I have been on Wellbutrin for quite awhile now and it balances me quite well. Therapy also helps. Talk to your Dr. about your symptoms and get some help.
whatever you do, dont go on effexor xr for anxiety. they put me on it and the side effects arnt worth it
I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder about a year ago.
I was placed on lexapro for 6 months and did really well. I started to feel better almost a week after starting the medication.
The side effects are pretty nasty though. In my case, the lexapro made me really stiff, i had muscle aches, head aches and nausea. However, I felt better emotionally and in about 3 weeks the effects virtually disappeared.
Now, i'm starting to wonder if dealing with the anxiety is better suited for therapy. Although the medication helps significantly, I seem to feel that i've become really dependant on it. I've been back on it for about 1 month.
In my opinion, dealing with anxiety calls for medication to help you re-focus your energy and therapy to really treat the underlying cause of the anxiety in the first place.
I haven't actually heard of beta blockers being used to treat anxiety, so I can't comment on that.
You should definitely have your blood pressure checked and take steps right away to get it under control. Diet and exercise are the most important aspects. Reduce your caffeine, sugar and sodium intake as much as possible.
I would suggest trying some natural treatments for the anxiety and stress first. Breathing exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, visualization and thought modification are a few of the more common natural cures for anxiety attacks.