I need a breakthrough anxiety med

Posted by mightyw @mightyw, Jun 28 4:47pm

I am currently dealing with some liver issues which are causing my liver enzymes to be off. I have been on antidepressants/antianxiety meds for quite some time, unfortunately with these liver enzyme issues, I needed to stop taking those meds as they all metabolize in the liver.

So far, my depression is controllable however my anxiety is definitely not under control. I find myself with more triggers than I realized and a short anxiety fuse. Years ago I had been on something that I could take for breakthrough anxiety, something I could take as needed, not daily. Though it will still go through my liver, it won't be an every day thing. Unfortunately, whenever I bring it up to my provider, I get a blank stare as if they had never heard of such a thing.

My question to you all is if you know of any type of anxiety med that is immediate in reaction yet can be taken on a "need be" basis only?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Jun 28 5:04pm

@mightyw
Welcome to Mayo Connect. Can not answer your question about drugs and which are taken as needed or do not affect your liver.

I have been in a similar situation when a provider ask if I have ever taken xxx? Been on too many drugs to remember. I now keep track of my meds each year in a spreadsheet for tax purposes so I can go back and search, but I never have that info in the provider's office.

Sometimes your pharmacy or insurance keeps records of previously prescribed medications. Might check with them if they have any history.

colely | @colely | Jun 29 9:43am

The two medications that can be taken, as needed, are Benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Ativan. They can become addictive if you take them every day, so be careful. The other one is from the Beta-Blocker family. Propranolol. It is used for blood pressure, but people are actually given it short-term when they have to testify in court! So it has been used for as needed anxiety attacks. Another help is Diaphramatic Breathing. There are several methods with several subtle differences, so you need to see which one works best for you and practice when you aren't in an anxiety attack so it is very easy to do.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jun 29 11:11am

Hi @mightyw,

Sorry to hear about the liver enzymes getting off and the need to stop taking your antidepressant and antianxiety medications as a result.

I have had breakthrough anxiety when tapering off an antidepressant, around 15 years ago. I ended up asking my husband to take me to urgent care. It just felt very uncontrolled, and it was a weekend. They did prescribe me something just to get through the weekend. I likely was prescribed something like what @colely mentioned, but I don't recall what it was. I remember it was a "temporary only" type of medication, as it was described to me at urgent care.

Wondering what antidepressants and antianxiety medications you have been taking?

david707 | @david707 | Jun 29 1:50pm

I only know Xanax and Valium with immediate relief. I am having great success with a natural remedy with a hilarious name. It is called F'ing Anxiety. I am familiar with all it's ingredients...a combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbs. It worked for me within 2 days and is reasonably priced. It actually helps me feel good. I take it every day. Doesn't make me sleepy, just continuous calm.

colely | @colely | Jun 29 1:58pm

OMG! I blanked out the medication Valium. I think that would be the best. I was given it by a nurse when I went into a panic attack talking about my cancer surgery.

slcromer | @slcromer | Jun 29 2:59pm

Before I was diagnosed with anxiety my GP gave me Buspar to take before and appointment because of white coat syndrome. I would take it 30-60 minutes before an appointment. So you can take it as needed. It still is processed through the liver but has a shirt half life.

joetex | @joetex | Jun 30 1:22pm

Ativan is effective and has a short half life. It can become addictive but only if you or your doctor are dishonest and unethical. It is calming but does not have a high.