How to Effectively Treat Severe Anxiety When Antidepressants and Benzos Aren't an Option

CBT has not been effective either, and I also can't do any real exercise.

 

Herbal tea like chamomile helps me calm down a bit

 

For me 450mg of Valdispert/Valerian root extract works really well as long as you take the recommended dosage of 3-4 pills. I was prescribed valerian root for my anxiety and for my trouble getting to sleep, it worked very well for anxiety but I still couldn't fall asleep, if you need you can add another pill or two but I've read that there's a high chance of feeling very tired with such a high dose.

My doctor told me there's no side effects to it but I've read online otherwise, anyway I went with the medical opinion just because I felt safer by his word, also Valerian root works by inhibiting the excitation in your central nervous system by increasing the amount of GABA neurotransmitters in your body.

This decrease in neural excitation in your brain might make your T less audible, it has happened to me before but since I haven't felt anxious lately I haven't taken it.

Another possible alternative is Melatonin in small doses, which has also helped me relax but I'm not sure if it will be as effective as Valerian, if that doesn't work consult a Doctor and talk with the Forum we might find something else that works for you.

PS: My anxiety used to be so strong and intense that it would make my whole body shake and convulse violently. Holding my breath and controlling it did give me some quick relief.

 

Wouldn't this affect benzo withdrawal? I'm currently in protracted benzodiazepine withdrawal and do not want to take something that is essentially a legal benzo.

 

I'm not sure actually, valerian does have a similar mechanism of action compared to a regular benzo. Can you consult with an addiction specialist? From what I know on how these molecules work benzos work by scaling the effects of GABA in your system while Valerian actually contains GABA and therefore increases the amount of GABA in your system.
It is in general considered safe to take that's why there's no proper regulation. If you're still not convinced on valerian we can try and find some alternatives.