Alternative to benzodiazepines

[overthinkersanonnymus]

Full disclosure, I have put this in the mental health area but I'll probably (hopefully) get more of a response in here.

Looking for the unicorn 🦄

Are there any instant anxiety relieving medications available that I can speak to my GP about?

I have a panic disorder that's well managed with an SSRI for everyday life, but I have agoraphobic tendencies and I'm desperate to get out and live my life. I need a holiday!

Any suggestions or information would be so helpful

Propranolol?

What ham said. They reduce your heart rate and BP, which means your physical symptoms ease and you can function. I love them.

Thanks girls. I do have propanalol in my bag but I haven't tried it as of yet.

Will this work on the psychological side of anxiety as well as the physical?

My main problem is my mind and overwhelming intrusive thoughts about being trapped and not able to escape. When the anxiety gets too high my mind slips in to depersonalization which can last for weeks and it's absolute hell on earth

Your SSRI should be keeping this under control with the propranolol only needed for acutely anxiety inducing situations.

@stbrandonsboat i don't think the SSRI is quite strong enough to be able to stop the intrusive thoughts and anxiety to be honest.

I've never actually tried a benzodiazepine but I think this might be the only thing that could calm my mind

Are you at the max dose of your SSRI? Is this the first one you’ve tried? Have you had any CBT since stabilising a bit on medication? Or even a CBT workbook or something so you can have a go at some graded exposure?

TBH SSRIs are the only evidence based drug treatment for the problems you describe. I’m sorry I don’t have any quick fix ideas.

I cannot stress enough how addictive benzos are. I went to rehab because of them.

Beta blockers do nothing for your mind but they calm the physiological response well enough for you to be able to think through what's happening without your body acting like you're being chased by a bear. I've managed to be relatively calm in flights now because of them whereas I used to melt down every time. It takes work though.

Have you tried Dare (there’s a book and app)? It changed my life. I’m on the highest dose of Citalopram and had a really bad bout of anxiety last year, bordering on agoraphobia and Dare gave me my life back.

Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks https://amzn.eu/d/eRqokOP

Promethazine 25mg prn two a day is useful

@GeneHuntsCowboyBoots I actually have it in my Amazon basket. Is it really as good as the reviews?

I think so. I’d recommend gettjng the app too as it compliments it. There is free content on there, as well as paid for stuff but the free stuff is helpful so you don’t have to pay. That said, my subscription is up for renewal soon and I will definitely pay again.

They (Dare) also have loads of YouTube videos, which I’ve found helpful and informative - and they also help it all gel together too.

I went through a phase where I couldn’t go anywhere without panicking - even a trip to my daughter’s school for parents’ evening, or a trip to the supermarket. Now, I don’t hesitate at all. Even this morning, I felt sick and it makes me slightly panicky at times.

So my anxiety kicked in for a while..the racing heart, the wooziness (not dizziness, just that weird feeling you get). Anyway, I ‘dared’, then half an hour later was in the car to the post office!

How has nothing been invented since benzos that do the same but don't ruin your life!

So frustrating!

Promethazine PRN is good.
Propanalol
Im on lorazepam which ive been on for the last couple of years and i do find it very helpful. Its a very low dose.