Is there a med for anxiety which isn’t antidepressants?

[Friedbluetomatoes]

Does such a thing exist?
Gp isn’t particularly helpful when it comes to my anxiety and depression and doesn’t really go into discussions about possible alternatives (if any exist).
Antidepressants make me feel more anxious as I can’t get past the side effect stage and end up giving up as I just can not function day to day feeling worse than I already do.
BUT I also can not continue the way I am. I’ve been bad for years but am much worse right now. No motivation, depressed, very much on edge every day, lots of physical symptoms which exacerbate my anxiety but in this vicious cycle the anxiety exacerbates the physical symptoms and on and on it goes.
I constantly feel like I’m just living a half life and as life throws in more and more stresses, I find it difficult to get out of bed each day.
I feel that if I had lower levels of anxiety then the physical effects and depression would be more controllable.
Has anyone taken anything which isn’t long term like anti d’s, something which calms the levels of anxiety but you can take ‘as and when’ without many side effects (a big ask and I think realistically this doesn’t exist?!)
I feel that if I had lower levels of anxiety then the physical effects and depression would be more controllable.

I take propanalol for anxiety, it’s a beta blocker and stops the physical symptoms getting bad so I have space mentally to cope. I take 40mg as and when I need them. It’s been a life saver for me.

Tablets that you can take 'as and when' don't treat the anxiety, they can treat the symptoms but will do nothing for the cause. There are other medication options, but what about counselling/psychology/cbt? That might be more effective for you and avoids the side effects of antidepressants

Pink thanks, that’s what I need, space. I have heard of betablockers, I will look into those.
villa atm, it’s the physical symptoms which are perpetuating the anxiety (I’ve lived with anxiety for over 20 years but struggle with the physical symptoms). I’ve had CBt twice which hasn’t really helped, I am on the waiting list for my third attempt. I’ve had (and spent an small fortune) on counselling over the years.

Pregabalin

Pinkandpurplehairedlady did you suffer any side effects from the propranolol?

And try ACT instead of CBT.

5htp stops my mind from whirling

It really depends on your symptoms. Things like melatonin / seratonin / St John’s Wort / Lavender can help specific anxiety symptoms but not all. For my severe anxiety mindfulness really helps and to stay mindful I find cleaning / reading / walking / climbing the best as they make me focus on the here and now

Propranolol is good. I got it for migraines but I do suffer with some anxiety from time to time that I haven't brought up with the doctor. It was a welcome relief that propranolol was killing two birds with one stone and I didn't need to seek any help for anxiety

OP, I'm in a similar situation to you, I don't want to go back on an SSRI for different reasons (they work but long term effects aren't known and that frightens me).

So - here is what I suggest:

• take 400mg magnolia bark per day. It takes a few days to work but does seem to help a lot. Swanson is a good brand.
• get off the internet AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE!!
• listen to guided meditation tracks
• abdominal breathing exercises
• read DARE by Barry McDonagh (think that's his name)

Hope this helps

Sorry propanalol. Stupid phone

If you're in peri-menopause, you need HRT. Helps massively with anxiety and physical issues.

@msflibble Hi, what does magnolia bark do, please?

here's a good article on it
www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/sleep-newzzz/201809/is-magnolia-bark-the-missing-link-your-sleep-and-health

Thank you everyone, there’s a lot there for me to google!!
msfibble yes, I really MUST get off the internet, I often find myself down rabbit holes for hours on end!
aquamarine1029 I’m 47 and believe I’m in peri, however, trying to get my gp’s to agree is another thing!!

I started taking 40mg propranolol back in May. It's made such a difference. I've had depression for most of my life (and take ADs) but only developed anxiety a few years ago.
It got so out of control that I was suffering panic attacks daily, couldn't eat or sleep.
Propranolol has really helped.

I sometimes get prescribed fluanxol 1mg which is a mild anti-psychotic which can be taken on an as and when basis

Propranolol !

Propranolol works for me too, I take 20 mg before bed. I also take amitriptiline which the doctor is gradually increasing. This does help me with pain issues, but is also an old fashioned anti-depressant. Hope this helps

Meditation helps me a bit