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.