By all means do have your GP check out your heart. If the problem is anxiety the following information may help you. Stress is perhaps worse on the body than controlled medication.
Benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZ-e-peens) belong to the group of drugs called
central nervous system (CNS) depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system).
Various benzodiazepines are used to relieve anxiety. However, benzodiazepines should not be used to relieve
nervousness or tension caused by the stress of everyday life.
Some benzodiazepines are used to treat insomnia (trouble in sleeping). However, if used regularly (for example, every day) for insomnia, they usually are not effective for more than a few weeks.
Many of the benzodiazepines are used in the treatment of other conditions, also. Diazepam, also know as Vallium, is used to help relax muscles or relieve muscle spasm. Diazepam injection is used before some medical procedures to relieve anxiety and to reduce memory of the procedure.
Chlordiazepoxide,
clorazepate, diazepam, and oxazepam are used to treat the symptoms of
alcohol withdrawal. Alprazolam and clonazepam are used in the treatment of panic disorder. Clobazam, clonazepam, clorazepate, diazepam, and lorazepam are used in the treatment of certain convulsive (seizure) disorders, such as epilepsy. The benzodiazepines may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Benzodiazepines may be habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence), especially when taken for a long time or in high doses.
These medicines are available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Antianxiety agents—Alprazolam (Xanax); Bromazepam; Chlordiazepoxide; Clorazepate; Diazepam (Vallium); Halazepam; Ketazolam; Lorazepam (Ativan); Oxazepam; Prazepam
Xanax (Alprazolam Intensol, Novo-Alprazol ) is a more mild drug for anxiety, though the body can get used to it too. Most doctors give Lorazepham (Ativan) because it is a slow release drug and even more mild than Diazepam and Alprazolam.
The key to using these drugs is to take them only when needed and make sure to have your doctor keep on eye on your usage.
Not that I advise the following personally;
The trend is to use a whole bunch of existing drugs “off-label,” which means to treat conditions that they’re not approved for by the FDA. We’re using anticonvulsants like Neurontin and Gabitril for anxiety. Seroquel, which works on
schizophrenia and
manic depression, also seems to control anxiety and stabilize sleep patterns in low doses. There was a study in which one group of dental-phobic patients were given Geodon, an anti-psychotic, and another group was given Valium before a dental visit. Geodon was just as effective as Valium, but without the sedative effect.
For something non-addictive, I would recommend half of a traditional Unisom. It is even safe for pregnant women. A Benadryl can also do wonders, and you will breath better. ;) One should never drive while on anti-anxiety drugs.