Over-the-counter Anxiety help?

amshum · 02-12-2005, 10:58 PM

I used to get really bad anxiety attacks. I was on all kinds of prescription drugs for anxiety, depression, and loads of other things I care not to discuss. I've been off of those kind of drugs now for two years and don't care to go back to them, as I was much worse on them then I am without them.

Its not that often that I have anxiety attacks now, but I found myself having one not long ago during a big fight with my BF. It takes a lot of stress to push me into them now it seems, and its not just walking down the aisle at the grocery anymore...

But when they come on, I really wish there was something I could take instead of having to suffer thru the feelings, that I feel like I'm dying, I can't breathe, etc. I hyper-ventaliate so bad sometimes my chest aches for a day or so.

So do you ladies know of anything anti-anxiety to take over the counter? I'm willing to try anything, minus prescription drugs.

Thanks.

Miss-Meme · 02-13-2005, 12:12 AM

I think it's b12 thats good for anxiety.

When I asked my family doctor about it he said B complex is great for mental/ anxiety problems.

So thats what I've been taking for like a year, and I really think that it has helped me.

I also lost weight, but the winter after I lost it (last winter) I still have a lot of problems, but this winter after taking B complex for almost a year, I've not had any!

amshum · 02-13-2005, 12:22 AM

Thanks! I knew that B12 was good for the nervous system, but I didn't make the connection! I looked it up and you are correct. I have thought about getting some B12 for awhile now, so I think I'm gonna pick some up.

Thanks!!

TickledPink · 02-13-2005, 12:24 AM

fish/omega fatty acids are good for depression aswell!

But my doc said the best thing was regular workouts as they release the most feel good hormones outta anything you can do besides meds, but of course there are some of us that just have to take meds too.

Miss-Meme · 02-13-2005, 12:27 AM

That's it! Fish/omega fatty acids I was trying to think of the other thing. My chro tells me to take this.

I have some up in the freezer, I only hate taking them because of the fish burps that I get from them.

I also wanted to add that walking (then running) was also good for me, because I could be by myself and think about stuff.

amshum · 02-13-2005, 12:29 AM

I didn't know omegas were good for depression! That's interesting. I took some for my high cholesterol at one point, but I couldn't stand the belching that rancid nasty fish oil taste! ICK!

Yes I need to start working out and eating better, but unfortunately I'm a lazy ass! haha I understand some people are benefited by taking Rx drugs, but it did nothing but harm me for more then the 2 yrs I took them. I guess everyone reacts differently.

amshum · 02-13-2005, 01:05 AM

Ok, I ordered me some Sublingual B12 from that Trivita place. I've heard a lot about Trivita thru the radio and their infommercial. So I'm gonna take it for 2 months (got the two month supply) and see how it helps me. Thanks ladies!

(HUGS)

TickledPink · 02-13-2005, 01:07 AM

Hope it works well for you!

Good luck

Chastity · 02-13-2005, 02:25 AM

On the news tonight they mentioned a study that said that St. John's Wort was effective as Paxil. Here's a link to the story on Fox News. Study: St. John's Wort Useful for Depression I'm not sure about anxiety, but it may be worth checking into.

amshum · 02-13-2005, 08:15 PM

Thanks for the link on the article about St. John's Wort. I think I'm gonna pick some of that up too. I don't think it can hurt. After all, I bet my anxiety has something to do with my chronic depression, right? Anyways, I have heard great things about St. John's Wort before so its not a bad idea. Thanks again.

amshum · 02-13-2005, 08:24 PM

Kava Kava... I'm looking it up now, but it says it can be used in treating stress and anxiety. I'm not sure if it can work for acute attacks, but maybe! Any ideas or comments?

Roses · 02-14-2005, 05:44 AM

Hey Amber,

You might also want to look into Bach Flower Remedies - there is a concentrated form available called 'Rescue Remedy' - it is said even to ease anxiety / high stress even after a car accident or something similar. You can either take it in times of stress in a glass of water, or drop it directly under your tongue for a more concentrated dose. I took it all the time around my wedding / in all the lead up - I was like a zombie bride! Not really, just ultra calm, no one could believe it.

I agree with the St Johns Wort, B12 and also you may want to look into Magnesium.

Good luck.

Brooke

hopeless · 02-23-2005, 11:21 PM

I ditto the Bach Flower remedies. Also, check out Calms Forte. Hm...perhaps passionflower or valerian root?

I used Calms Forte before because I used to get *really* nervous before exams as well as in other situations. I think it's also marketted as a sleep aid. I'm pretty sure that it's main ingredient is passionflower. I'm not sure how it would be for anxiety, but it might be worth looking into.

Have you tried non-med methods, like visualisations, meditation, etc.? Maybe other techniques...?

Miss-Meme · 02-24-2005, 07:39 AM

Amber, How ya doing gal? I read your post about you mom not getting that job offer.

I also have a book that I got in therapy that really helped me out. If your still having problems I can pull it out and tell you the name and you can buy it online or I can copy the pages that helped me out and snail mail them to you?

amshum · 02-27-2005, 11:09 PM

Thanks ladies. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you.

I'll look into the Bach Flowers Remedies. Never heard of them before... Do you know are they available in the USA?

I'm taking my B12 but they say it'll take 30 days for results. So far I don't see them helping much, but I've only taken it about 10 days so far. I'm definitely going to get some St. Johns Wort when I have some extra cash.

I do some breathing exercises when I feel anxiety/panic attacks coming on. When I had one with Joshua one night not too long ago he helped me by talking me thru breathing calmly. So much easier when he can help me, otherwise I try to do it on my own if they happen at other times. Lately I haven't had any success with meditation...

Right now I don't have any money to buy a book. But perhaps go ahead and just post the name of it when you have time sometime. I wouldn't ask you to copy and mail the pages to me,but very sweet of you to offer. Thank you.

Overall, I'm breathing. I'm up and I'm down a lot. Nothing much new to report... Hoping that'll change soon.

Thanks for caring so much ladies. I doubt I'll be posting much for awhile. Thanks for the concern. Many (((HUGS)))