I have been suffering from anxiety for a long time now. I am constantly focusing on my breathing. Sometimes I think I am breathing too fast so it causes me to be blurred. I am taking clonazepam 1mg in the am and. 5mg in the afternoon. I am not sure whether I am building tolerance to it so my doctor wants to switch me to xanax 1mg in am and 1mg in the afternoon. I don't know what to do. Should I switch please help.

Ms. Juhi ParasharPsychologist4yrs exp

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Don't think much lybrate-user, If your doctor is changing your medication it must be pertaining to your current state, you can take it and see if you feel the difference. Make the following changes as well: Avoid high caffeine drinks as they stimulate your system and pile on more stress instead of relaxation. When you get anxious, your breathing quickens, which reduces the amount of oxygen your brain gets. This makes it more difficult to think clearly and form logical reasoning. Take a moment to focus on taking deep belly breaths. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 4 seconds, and then release it for 4 seconds. Doing this for 1-2 minutes should help to calm your nerves quickly. Take some time to exercise. Whether anxiety has just struck or you are chronically anxious, exercising is sure to help. Physical activity releases endorphins which increase happiness, and reduce cortisol - a stress producing hormone. As soon as you start to feel anxiety hit, go workout or take a walk. Aside from immediate treatment, regular exercise will decrease the amount of anxiety you feel over time. Keep a healthy diet. Although it may seem silly to link your anxiety to what you ate for breakfast, the foods you eat have a big impact on your mental functioning. Studies have shown a correlation between unhealthy eating and high anxiety and stress. Try to incorporate more fruits, veggies, and whole grains into your daily diet. Get tested to make sure you don?t have any food allergies that may be triggering your anxiety as well - a common experience. You can also apply some lavender oil to relax and distress your nerves. Just one drop near your lobes does wonders. 

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