Is there an effective anti-anxiety non-prescription remedy out there? Ativan works well but I don't want to become dependent.
Posted by lyme in Putnam (Member # 11561) on :
If you have to take it, sometimes that's the only way. There is rescue remedy bachs, people here also say magnesium, there was a recent thread on this. Good luck.
Posted by chiquita incognita (Member # 30381) on :
THere are lots of things that can be helpful but the question is how bad the anxiety is.
See also The Mood Cure, a good book by a clinical nutritionist and family therapist.
Posted by jadams (Member # 28016) on :
I saw a naturopath who gave me a homeopathic medicine. It took my anxiety from a 10 down to a 3. And I only took it 3 times! Before my anxiety was so bad I couldn't go anywhere and I was constantly dizzy and trembling. A naturopath goes off your symptoms and prescribes a specific remedy for you, so each person has a different homeopathic remedy.
Posted by pamyla (Member # 8575) on :
My doctor has me taking L-theanine. I've been using the brand Xymogen and it has worked well for me in getting rid of anxiety.
Posted by chiquita incognita (Member # 30381) on :
GABA Holy Basil or Tulsi Adrenacalm (product name, google it) by Apex Energetics
L-Theanine caution: Do not mix with SSRI's it raises serotonin and the combination could cause excess serotonin, leading to possible "serotonin syndrome"
Combine chamomile, orange blossom water (from Middle Eastern food stores) can be very effective and smells divine, tastes yummy! Or chamomile with lemon balm, linden tea (purchase at Star West Botanicals, google them)
Passionflower, skullcap, hops see the product called Sleepy Nights by WishGarden Herbs
(Caution: Hops can cause depression in people of that tendency if pre-existing. If not pre-existing it is *less* likely. Valerian can cause drowsiness, used in moderation it should be fine).
Kava Kava do not mix with xanax or other drugs in which GABA uptake in the brain is enhanced. Avoid if liver issues exist, use in moderation and not for longterm. Short-term it can be excellent, very calming.
The above information has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. Use this under a doctor's guidance and this is adjunct support, not treatment.
Posted by riverspirit (Member # 19435) on :
Some things that help me:
~ meditation. Feel free to e mail me if you would like resources for guided meditations to listen to or easy-to read books that help with basic meditation instructions.
(short moment throughout the day can be invaluably helpful.)
~ going slowly and mindfully throughout the day. Consciously doing one thing at a time (rather than multi-tasking.)
~ motherwort, kava, scullcap, wood betony (my new favorite), blue vervain, chamomile-spearmint tea, passionflower (not all of these at once ;-)) Occassionally valerian glycerite.
~ there are various homeopathic combinations for calming the nerves. I like one by heel called "calming" which i think they have at iherb.
~allowing release to happen, such as crying, shaking, laughing in whatever ways it wants to happen.
~ limiting any unnecessary stimulation....being conscious of what one takes in (news, conversations, web sites, movies, etc.) I don't watch t.v. or watch movies and this helps me a lot.
~ finding a way to be in nature. If you can't be outdoors in nature, looking at photographs of peaceful places.
Posted by philly78 (Member # 31069) on :
Before I found out I had lyme, I had really bad anxiety and started getting panic attacks. It was so bad I put myself in cognitive behavioral therapy and went to a psychiatrist and was put on meds only to have the meds make my anxiety worse so....I went off of the meds. I do have some clonazepam for emergency use but I don't need to take it anymore.
What I did was implement some mindfulness techniques that I learned from reading the book "The Happiness Trap" which was recommended by my therapist.
My mind was racing all the time and there was one exercise which was really helpful for me in learning how to relax and "free the mind"of these racing thoughts.
Take 10 deep breaths...you can start with a lower number...as slowly as you can. As your doing the breathing, focus on the movement of your body as you inhale and again when you exhale. (the rise and fall of the ribcage, expansion of your lungs, etc.) If you are able to...you can lay while keeping one of your hands on your abdomen. You should feel the abdomen rise and fall with each breath. If it isn't, you aren't taking deep enough breaths.
Try to focus completely on only this exercise.
While you are doing this try to let any thoughts that pop into your mind (which they will) just come and go as they please while continuing to keep your focus/observing self on the breathing exercises...which is much easier said than done!
When doing this exercise, it allows one to see how easily we can get roped into certain thoughts, while letting others just pass on by. I also found it to be very helpful in recognizing just how damn crazy some of my thoughts can be at times! Lol. I also didn't realize how much I paid attention to the thoughts either.
I've also noticed that since I have been 'officially' diagnosed with lyme, my anxiety has increased a bit. In doing this exercise I realized I was thinking too much about the "what ifs" on regards to treatment....how long this will take...will I ever be my normal self again?
When I start to feel anxious at work, I do what is called 4-4-8 breathing. Inhale for 4 seconds....hold for 4 seconds....then exhale for 4 seconds. It helps bring me back to 'my center'.
At the recommendation of my chiropractor, I started adding 1 tablespoon of calcium lactate to my tea every night since my anxiety gets worse as the day goes on. It is a natural sleep aid and has a calming affect.
And of course, exercise works wonders. If you don't have the energy or are in too much pain, simple stretches can be a good starting point. When you stretch, you are relieving tension which is always good!
Posted by jlp38 (Member # 27221) on :
Magnesium helps me.
Posted by lymeinhell (Member # 4622) on :
Topical magnesium oil will help most immediately.
Posted by chiquita incognita (Member # 30381) on :
Topical coconut oil helps me instantly, and lots. I know, it's greasy, ugh. But for me, it does the job. I rub it alongside both sides of the spine, to get to nerve roots, and all along the body, from neck to the soles of my feet. At first it took me a lot of it, but later it only took a very fine film of it. So it doesn't show. You could do this at night (slather on) before going to sleep, and then just a fine film before going to work. See if it helps.
Best, CI
Posted by lymie_in_md (Member # 14197) on :
I'm a big fan of Susun Weed, I've never had an issue with anxiety ever in my life. So, I can't be very helpful, but Susun wrote a pretty insightful article. I hope you find some help in this link: