Had really bad anxiety last year when I was into about 2-3 months after my concussion. Initially didn't even realize it was anxiety, since I never had it like that, thought it was some weird symptom of a concussion. Was prescribed Xanax for it and I believe in the end it messed me up even more since I had horrible withdrawals from it for about 3 days.

Haven't had any huge anxiety issues for about a year now, nothing that I couldn't handle by just relaxing, taking a walk or doing something else to take my mind off of it.

A lot of my symptoms have resolved or nearly resolved by now, but I do have setbacks once in a while (every time I start thinking that things have finally stabilized, I end up having something new).

Yesterday all of a sudden I started having one of those horrible anxiety attacks that I had in the beginning of my recovery. Started in the morning and slowly got better as the day progressed. Basically my mind is racing, my heart rate goes up, headache, head pressure, can't concentrate, the works.
Did my evening walk like I usually do, but it didn't help with the anxiety, made my vertigo worse while walking.
Was feeling OKish before I went to bed, but once I did, it got worse.
Took some valerian root and motherwort (natural stress/anxiety remedies) and they didn't help (usually they help with minor anxieties).
At about 4:30am was considering of taking a low dose of Xanax, but decided to take some Ambien instead and was able to fall asleep for about 3-4 hours.

So I want to figure out if asking my doctor to prescribe me some SSRI meds (which one in particular is best?) instead of taking Xanax this time.

Really don't want to mess with pills again, but I do want to make sure I control this anxiety before it gets out of hand again like it did last year.
Currently taking Gaba to see if it helps, and other over the counter remedies that I have left over from last year.

Lexapro and Effixor are good for anxiety for a daily basis... and when you have a flare up (if you do, xanax)

this is what I have been doing for years... prior to the accident I had not taken xanax in 2-3 years probably... i had to get a refill a few months ago...

SSRI's are serious drugs. They take weeks to see a benefit. The side effects can be tough, even brutal. Having a Xanax for occasional use would be better. There are other benzos that act faster and last longer (Klonopin is one) Some have used propranolol successfully.

Thanks, for the suggestions guys.

Yeah I swore last year to stay off any serious pills after being on Xanax, Trazodone, Ambien/Lunesta (felt like I was getting addicted to them way too fast even in small doses), but I also know where it can go if I don't keep my anxiety in check, so trying to figure out the best course of action.

I guess for now I'll try natural remedies, walking, meditation, etc and xanax if it gets too bad.
Will talk to my doc about SSRIs, but feel like he just prescribes stuff without really thinking it through most of the time.

Anyone had any luck maybe working with a psychiatrist on anxiety issues, or they just going to prescribe heavy pills?

If your anxiety is only an occasional issue, why take an SSRI that must be taken every day to see an effect? Lexapro is an SSRI. Effexor is an SSNRI. I've been on two different SSRI's. They are not to be taken lightly. Getting off an SSRI can be miserable. It took me three months.

Yes getting off them can be hard but if you need them they are very good drugs.

russia,

SSRI's and SSNRI's have horrible sexual side-effects that don't impact females like they impact males.

Are these effects only temporary, while taking these drugs, or they last long after one stops taking them?

I guess I wouldn't really care too much right now, as my social/personal life is pretty much non-existent, so I wouldn't even be able to check how the sexual side-effects are doing

So I guess my choices are xanax (or another benzo) or anti-depressants, and I'd hate to use either, as I've been on xanax (got used to it way to quick and withdrawals were hellish) and on trazodone (messed up my stomach, and has a side effect of lowering heart rate to the point where I thought it's going to stop).

I'll give it a week and see how the anxiety goes, really don't want to let it spiral out of control like it did a year ago.

Currently I'm trying to use natural remedies/some physical exercise and a small dose of Ambien at night so I can fall asleep, but I'm still constantly worried/anxious.
I think at least part of it is my bad sleep, it's probably catching up to me, since I pretty much haven't had a good restful sleep since my concussion (1.5 years ago). Tried going to a sleep clinic but was unable to fall asleep there.

I would recommend that you take a look at the book, "Mood Cure" by Julia Ross. While it is not specifically for head injured people, she is a therapist who uses amino acids and diet to help relieve anxiety.
I have only started to read the book, but I did hear her speak online. She has worked as a psychotherapist for many years, using natural therapies to help her patients.
I hope you find something that helps.
Shelly

While the study looked at depression, rather than anxiety, Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital did an interesting study on TBI and SSRIs. sunnybrook.ca/media/item.asp?c=1&i=258

Published in the November 2008 issue of the Journal of Psychopharmacology, it is the largest study on SSRIs in the treatment of major depression following TBI - and the only one NOT funded by the drug companies.

I feel it's good to read research that is peer reviewed, independent and based on larger samples. Maybe the link should be in our sticky.

Anyway, I second Mark's advice of treating the anxiety when it appears, rather than being medicated constantly as a preventative. You might also want to talk to a psychologist about techniques (breathing, visualization, etc...) that might help abate your symptoms.

Hang in there.