what are alternatives to benzodiazapines for anxiety?

[netsavy006]

I am currently taking Xanax for my anxiety condition.  (but have been on other benzos in the past)

I'm worried about developing a tolerance or physiological addiction to it.

I've tried several antidepressants (Zoloft, Pexeva, Remeron, Lexapro, Cymbalta), but they've induced mania.

I tried Buspar but that made me suicidal.

Are there any other options out there to treat anxiety?

Here is a list of the meds I'm on (daily totals):
Lithium 900mg + Xanax 2mg/d + Cogentin 2mg/d + Clozaril 300mg + Colace 200mg + Centrum + Vitamin C + Fish Oil

Thanks,
~ Andy

[benthic_man]

I'm not a big fan of eastern techniques to combat physical or mental illness (google 'the barefoot doctors' and you'll see why), but as Julie said in her last post, there are complementary therapies that can help you a lot.

     Medication isn't meant to cure your problem. Psychotherapy can do that, given enough time and patience with the right therapist.  If you can get your medical doctor and psychologist to work as a team, this will help, as well.
     Although it's not for everyone, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy worked very well for me. If you're not familiar with it, CBT is a series of mental exercises that helps you to learn how to rationalize your random thoughts in an organized fashion, essentially reteaching you how to identify legitimate versus irrational anxiety. It is also used to face your anxiety and overcome it, along with identifying and practicing relaxation exercises and healthy coping mechanisms.

Finally, if you're not exercising, you're also missing out on the single most effective supportive therapy for anxiety and depression. Whatever you can do that you're not doing now, it will help. A daily walk, weights, whatever. Exercise is massively helpful.

[Julie359]

P.s these alternatives are in conjunction with your medication your taking now, please do not think im suggesting you stop any med's.  Treatment is best when in a combination such as tablets, therapy and a alternative therapy such as mediation or hypnosis........

again good-luck. x

[Julie359]

Hiya,
Well there are med free alternatives that you can try, several infact that will help anxiety symptoms.  Hypnosis, reflexology, massage, accunpuncre, meditation, relaxation classes, yoga, accupressure and many more.

I suggest googling and having a look, research and find out where they perform these in your area.  If money is an issue, then what you could do is contact local colleges, universities that do beauty and alternative therapies and ask for an appointment for a massage for example..... They will charge you a very small fee, just a couple of pounds and will be under the supervision of the tutor, so you will be safe.... Mostly you will find you get a better than avergae treatment as they are doing their best to impress and get their grade.... It is def worth investigating and could make a whole load of difference to your anxiety levels.  The best thing you can do is research!!!!!!

Just remember med's have their place but there is a whole load of other ways to deal with this.  People so very often get lead into the belief that western medicine is the only way to deal with an illness, be it mental or physcial.... this is just NOT true......

Good-luck in your search and hope that you find something that siuts you.

Let us know how u got on.

[netsavy006]

I am currently in therapy.  I've been in therapy since Nov. 2010.  I go once a week for 45min per session.

[cj29]

Throughout all of this have considered counseling if you have not already?  Does your doctor recommend trying anything else?  For me, the most crucial step I took in confronting my anxiety was to gain knowledge about it...it made it much less daunting to deal with.  I also believe that we can tend to fear what we do not know, so 'learning to know' about the sources and ways to confront it really helped me in the long run.