Anything available for anxiety that isn't an SSRI?

[TheSconeOfStone]

Really struggling with my anxiety at the moment. It's pretty much a lifelong thing but now having a child with ASD struggling in mainstream primary I'm feeling very wobbly.

SSRIs give me awful side effects so I have tried lifestyle stuff. I sing once a week with a chorus (really good in some ways but additional pressure to learn songs etc), and manage a very lively dance aerobics class once a week. I want to go more but kids activities/work/exhaustion get in the way. I tried running but I'm embarrassed because of my size.

Is there anything else I can try? My brain is so tired and foggy that dealing with simple things is reducing me to tears.

I am on pregabalin. It is very good and I almost go anxiety free. I have tried all sorts of medicines but this the only one that works for me.

I've been taking Buspirone on and off for 10 years, and it's the best medication for anxiety I've been prescribed. Never had any side effects, but I definitely recommend!

Following with interest. My DD is too young for any kind of SSRIs. ...where would I get the above? I've never heard of them. OP. ..it's awful

There are tricyclic antidepressants which I seem to tolerate easily whereas I couldn’t have SSRI’s. They made so unwell!

I’ve just started medication but what used to work for me was,
The headspace app, moodgym online cbt, chamomile tea, cutting out all caffeine and trying to get enough sleep, I’ve also got an electric diffuser which in use lavendar oil in.
I’ve got 2 dc with ASD and another going through diagnosis so totally get how it can be hard to get time out xx

Many thanks for the replies. Some ideas there if I can face the GP again. DH was on pregablin for chronic pain and didn't get on with it all but I guess it may work for me.

bigfatmeanie some great non medication ideas. You have a lot on your plate. I actually don't struggle too badly time wise as my ASD child is generally calm at home. It's the battles at school, judgement from others, worries about her academic future and beyond. I feel pathetic really as others have so much more to cope with than me.

I took Benzopinodine (sp) on and off for 5 years it was great I had no sideeffects I don't do well with Ssris either.

Please don't think you are pathetic you have a lot going on

Have you thought about propranolol- very good for the physical symptoms of anxiety without the brain fog / mood enhancement.

Have you seen a psychiatrist? That would be the best option to find medication or a combination of medications that will work for you. Propanalol is helpful for physical symptoms of anxiety but I believe some studies have shown that it can cause/worsen depression, so it may not be appropriate. Again, pregabalin is a drug that is used for different things and might work for you even if it hasn't for your DH.

You can get promethazine over the counter (e.g. as Sominex) which is an antihistamine with a sedative effect, you could try that as a short term measure e.g. while waiting to try another medication. It is not addictive.

Your lifestyle efforts sound great. Valerian is a more sedative/calming tea than camomile (it's an acquired taste though), might be worth a try. I find walking in the fresh air is massively helpful, could you try that instead of running? I listen to a nice audiobook or podcast while I walk, or do a walking meditation with an app.

Also you are not pathetic! Not at all. You sound very proactive and motivated actually. Have some more !

Thank you for this thread op. Lots of good ideas for me as well. You sound so strong with lots of motivation.

Hi

I know this is an older thread. Ive been taking buspirone for about a week for severe anxiety. Were you able to drink a glass of wine whilst taking it? I dont drink much at all. But wouldnt mind the odd glass!

Microdosing!