alternative for Benzodiazepines/Tranquilizers?

[musclestack]

So, I suffer from anxiety attacks. They have come and gone throughout the years. To help with this, I take Ativan. Sometimes I'll need to take it months at a time, then I'll have a long period (ranging from months to a year or so) that I don't need to take them at all. I really can't place exactly what causes them. Every time they've crept up on me, it's not like something changed in my life that would affect me emotionally. They just come and go.

Does anyone here know of any "alternatives" to a prescription drug? These drugs have the ability to make you dependant on them over time, and they are not recommended for long term use anyway. I know there's probably nothing out there that will compare to prescriptions like this, but does anyone else here who suffers from anxiety use something else to help alleviate the symptoms?

Thanks a lot!

[Black]

I've suffered some anxiety attacks over the years. Once I had a full-on panic attack and went to the hospital. Ever since then, I've kept some type of benzo around for situational use ONLY. I've gone from months to years without even using one, then all of a sudden, maybe I'll need a couple for a week.

If you saw a doctor, they would most likely prescribe you an SSRI, since it is happening frequently. Alternatives would be an herbal supplement. You'll have to do some research on which is recommended. I've heard St. John's Wort can help ( although it can conflict with several medications). Also read a few things about high dosed niacin.

[musclestack]

I've suffered some anxiety attacks over the years. Once I had a full-on panic attack and went to the hospital. Ever since then, I've kept some type of benzo around for situational use ONLY. I've gone from months to years without even using one, then all of a sudden, maybe I'll need a couple for a week.

If you saw a doctor, they would most likely prescribe you an SSRI, since it is happening frequently. Alternatives would be an herbal supplement. You'll have to do some research on which is recommended. I've heard St. John's Wort can help ( although it can conflict with several medications). Also read a few things about high dosed niacin.

Thank you for the advice, Dante! My doctor actually gave me an SSRI (Zoloft). I found that when I take it, it actually puts me on edge and makes me lose my appetite. The doc told me if this happened, it would go away within a few weeks, but I'm trying to get to a point where I don't have too much anxiety already before I try it again. Do you have any experience with Zoloft? I will also look into the Niacin. Thanks!

[JJ78]

Mary Jane? No joke. Talk about being focused and relaxed. Much better for you than any SSRI

[lovbyts]

Mary Jane? No joke. Talk about being focused and relaxed. Much better for you than any SSRI

I don't partake but there is a lot of medical proof to back this up and a lot more proof from users. Its best to go natural if at all possible.

[JJ78]

Much safer than SSRI's

nobody is shooting up schools high on the plant. You can eat it as well if you do not want to smoke.

All the side effects form prescribed medicine. No thanks.

[Black]

I'm a big supporter of Miss Mary Jane myself. The medical benefits are astounding.

[Cody95]

Too bad you don't live near me. I suffered from Anxiety for 17 years, 3-4 nights a week i would lay on the couch for 2 hours or so feeling like i was going to throw up, it was so bad exactly like if i have the stomach flu, don't know why, for no reason. Or just randomly throughout the day i would feel sick. But i did homeopathic, in the first 4 months i was feeling so much better it was amazing, i couldn't ever imagine it. Was on homeopathic for almost 2 years and it's all over, i'm just like everyone else now. Maybe once ever 6 months or so ill feel sick for about 30 seconds then it's gone. it completely changed my life.

[Black]

Thank you for the advice, Dante! My doctor actually gave me an SSRI (Zoloft). I found that when I take it, it actually puts me on edge and makes me lose my appetite. The doc told me if this happened, it would go away within a few weeks, but I'm trying to get to a point where I don't have too much anxiety already before I try it again. Do you have any experience with Zoloft? I will also look into the Niacin. Thanks!

Before I was prescribed TRT, I was on/off/on SSRIs. Last one I took was Zoloft. I can't say it helped, but withdraws were horrendous. Be very careful if you decide to stop. I even tapered off and it was terrible.

I remember not sleeping well on Zoloft. I was definitely more alert and not the typical 'zombie' they can make some people. Zoloft is known to do that.

Most SSRIs that I've heard of people taking, make them feel weird at first. Then the medicine takes effect and that is the new you. Try and come off, and you are in a whirlwind of emotions, sometimes worse that before the drugs.

Scary that something called an anti-depressant has a major side-effect of suicide.

I'm sure there are some people that need them. But these are powerful drugs that are freely and frequently prescribed by physicians.

[Bonaparte]

Guys, this entire thread is against board rules. Shut it down now.

[thegodfather]

Guys, this entire thread is against board rules. Shut it down now.

The OP's thread isn't against board rules, he's not asking about recreational drugs, he's asking whether there are alternatives to prescription drugs for his condition. I'll agree some of the responses do violate the rules however.

Anyway, to the OP, look into Phenibut powder, it's available on Amazon, is completely legal and non-prescription, and much less habit forming than Benzo's, without the detrimental side effects of SSRI's.

To the other poster who is perplexed by anti-depressants penchant for causing suicidality, it's actually because people are SO depressed they cant even get off the couch to kill themselves, the anti-depressant actually gives the person the boost of energy and determination to end it all.

[JJ78]

Didnt mean to break any rules. I am aware of them. I was not speaking of recreational use of anything.

I apologize if I did. I speaking from a medical standpoint. Giving a healthier option.

[lovbyts]

I didnt mean to break any rules either and was only suggesting prescription organic alternatives.

[Black]

Apologies.

[JJ78]

It will be legal country wide in 2 years anyway. That is all.