Hi all. I want to try and get medication prescribed. I notice when I'm anxious my headaches come back. Other than that they have gotten a lot better. What should I say to my doctor to try and get a prescription? I'm allergic to anti depressants so I can't take those. I don't have a diagnosis of anxiety but would any doctors still prescribe medication other than anti depressants?

Just my opinion, but I would really think long and hard about going down the Zanax road. That is one very addictive drug and for some people, virtually impossible to quit.
At least acquaint yourself with as much info as you can before starting it.

There are some relaxation techniques that you can learn to do, which I found to be very helpful.

Best of luck!

Kelly,

An alternative to Xanax is propranolol. It is a blood pressure lowering drug that also settle the nerves. It is well tolerated and quick acting.

I have both propranolol and clonazepam in the medicine cabinet, just in case. If propranolol works, it does not leave you drowsy like a benzo.

Have you checked to see if your headaches are related to a rise in blood pressure ? Anxiety often causes a rise in BP. This is where propranolol works good.

I actually bought a blood pressure kit recently. I just have to figure out how to use it. My heart does tend to beat really fast when I have anxiety. Do I just ask my doctor if he could prescribe propronol for my headaches caused by my anxiety?

Learn to use the BP kit. They are easy, especially if it is the wrist kind. Most wrist BP kits work this way. Wrap it around your wrist so the meter is on the inside of your wrist. Put your arm/wrist at chest level and push the on button. When it shows zero, push the start button.

Tell your doctor that you get headaches when your BP rises due to anxiety. Ask about propranolol or atenolol vs a benzo. I have propranolol. My wife has atenolol. They do the same thing. My wife can take 1/4 of a 25 mg atenolol and get results. The doc says 1/4 should not make a difference but it does.

It is always good to have a pill splitter when using drugs like benzos or beta blockers (propranolol). Then, you can split pills to find the minimum dose that works.

If I need a clonazepam, I get the relief I need from 1/2 of a 10 mg tablet. I only need either one during high stress events.

I should mention its from my concussion right? New doctor who doesn't know me. Yeah I would imagine I would only need a light dose. Thank you for your help Mark

He'll likely want some medical history. Docs don't like patients who appear to be shopping for meds.

"Doctor, Since my concussion, I have times where my anxiety gets really bad and I get a headache. My blood pressure spikes (If this is the case). Could I use a blood pressure med like propranolol or atenolol to help with these when they happen ? I know people in similar situations who have had success with BP meds for this"

Explain the frequency. That you want to try half of a usual dose first. Explain that you are concerned a benzo will make you drowsy and is addictive.

Tell him about your triggers, too much stimulation, noise, effort, emotional strain, etc.

btw, Xanax, Ativan, clonazepam, Valium are all benzos (benzodiazepines)

Have you tried your BP kit yet ?

I just got paranololol prescribed. I told her about the anxiety and head aches and the blood pressure going up when I get anxious. I'm not really sure if it does go up or not though . She still prescribed it at 20 mg. I think she prescribed it for the anxiety mainly because I read that as the diagnosis. So am I ok to take the medication in your opinion Mark? I figured out how to work my blood pressure kit btw and my reading was pretty good.

Don't take it until you have an anxiety issue. Check your BP and give the propranolol a try. Cut them in half. 20 mgs is a lot. I take 10 mgs tablets or 1/2 tablets (5 mgs) I'm 160+ pounds.

Or, take it when you get a headache.

If you take it daily, you will risk low BP and dizziness.

Fair enough. Thanks for the help! Just curious why I can't take it daily because the doctor said I could?