My back hurts and chest hurts, so immediately I thought I was having a heart attack or something . I am not, I know that in my head.But my body says something different. I am not currently taking medicine for anxiety. I do not like the weight gain. My question is : should I start the medicine again. I hate feeling like this.

What medicine are you taking and why did you stop?

I was taking lexapro or the generic and I stopped because the weight gain

You don't say anything about yourself, but exercise and participating is sports really helps anxiety reactions. Just being a well rounded competent person is very helpful.

Anxiety medication really can't do that much in the long term except make you addicted.

There are natural things for anxiety like vitamin B12 sublingual and Chamomile tea
And as Choux said exercise and keeping active helps a lot too.

Thanks to all . I do exercise but in Texas it is HOT so I put a hold on my 2 mile walks - I still get plenty of exercise though. My dr. called me in some citolapram - I picked it up still debating on taking it or not. Thanks again.

I have heard some people have horrid experiences with cytlopram!
I think herbal alternatives maybe worth a try, even rescue remedy?

I hope you feel better soon, sometimes counseling to tackle the reason you are having these episodes can be a good idea too!

I took lexapro for a very short time for my anxiety. I hate prescriptions, I hate being dependent upon them and with anxiety I found one of the worst things about them was that once you were on them.. you needed them even more than you did before (in other words, VERY HARD to get off of).

Some people have no choice and if nothing else works for you and your anxiety is debilitating you should stay on your prescription.

As I've recommended in other posts, St. Johns Wort is WONDERFUL, but it takes about 2 weeks to get into and through your system. I have no side affects from that what so ever. I also have a product called PURE CALM (web site native remedies). It's all natural and I take that when it's really not a good day.

Once I got the St. Johns Wort in my system I found that I was able to quit taking it when I felt better and I didn't withdraw - AT ALL. My anxiety closed off my chest at one point too, feels like you can't breathe and it's horrifying. I feel for you. I'd recommend talking to your doc about these natural options and if your doc doesn't believe in natural meds I would get a second opinion.