Okay, Worrywort. I'm going to try to give you the info I promised... but, it is an effort for me because of my ADD. Don't ask me to explain it, unless YOU can explain why you have to muster courage to leave the house. I have this same problem... which is why I'm interested. It COULD give me some insight into your problem. BTW... have you ever explored the possibility that your anxitey is based on "un diagnosed" ADD?
I'm no Psychologist, but I have read extensively on the subjects of depression, anxiety and ADD. I think the reasons should be obvious. I have researched every drug you mentioned and THEN some. I've tried most of them. However.... I would shy away from the Xanax. I STILL suffer from all of those symptoms (or conditions,) and can't even make myself find and take the natural remedies I mentioned. But then... my condition is not keeping me from driving. But, at times when I was between jobs? They most certainly kept me from getting out and applying for them. I am lucky to have a job today. When I am home... I am almost paralyzed. It is SO hard to get out of the house for ANYTHING.
Some years ago (can't even remember which period it was,) I was so down and depressed and full of anxiety that I ordered a set of tapes/cd's from Lucinda Bassett that purported to help me conquer my condition in a more "natural" method. I'd tried everything else.... what did I have to lose? I ended up sending back the cd's unused.... but, I KEPT the pills she sent with the program! NOTHING I had ever taken had worked so well to alleviate my condition, and get me headed in an upward direction.
I am not selling this product, nor "officially" endorsing it. It is highly likely that one could just get SOME of the supplements individually and have equal success. But, one thing I KNOW is... it is not a placebo, or a situation of "mind over matter" (psychosomosis.) These things worked for me... even tho I was drinking heavily at the time (which usually defeats a medical regimine.)
They were called "good days / positive mood" pills and were part of the program. She has since been forced to change her advertising claims and even alter the pills that she offers. But, they are still available on the internet. They were produced by GoodLivingLabs.com. (but that site only seems to have the new variation now.)
The basic ingredients are: L-Theanine, 5-HTP, Magnolia bark extract, Panax Ginseng, and Rhodiola Rosea. I'm not going to explain each one. I don't know WHICH part was the most effective, or IF you can get them separately.
Here are a few links I found while trying to track them down. One is a place where you can order them. About $25 per 30 tabs. Well worth it to me. One of the links describes the formula and why it supposedly works. If you "back link" some of the articles.... the whole thing seems to disappear! I don't know why. They are the long, pinkish pills.
https://www.google.com/search?q=good...ient=firefox-a
Here, you will find all the articles I found. (above link)
Windmill Good Days For Positive Mood 30 Ea - Reviews & Prices @ Yahoo! Shopping
Pretty useless link, except it shows the exact package that I received and the original claim of its effectiveness.
Live a Hectic Lifestyle: Rejuvenate with Good Days Supplements | The Supplement Cellar
This one explains each ingredient (to some extent) and why it is supposed to help. If you backlink from here... you'll never find it mentioned again.
Good Days Tablets For Positive Mood,
This link actually SHOWS the long pink pills I'm referring to, and should allow you to order them if you feel like taking a chance that could save your life.
Positive Mood Good Days - Directions for Me
A good read. More on the ingredients and their purpose. Seems to have been written by either the chemist or Lucinda Bassett herself. Just info.
There's also a link or two to the forum for those taking her course AND her pills. You'll find it on the google link I gave you at the top. I'm not going to link it. I never took the course. I agree that MUCH of it is self-talk and positive thinking. What I am saying is... I didn't TAKE the course, and didn't "self talk" myself into anything! But.... the pills worked wonders for me. I don't know if they will work for you. Could be a different problem. But... I was riddled with anxiety at the time, and these pills HELPED.
I didn't get to page 2 or later in the google search. That's up to you, if you are interested. I just know that I WANT these pills again! I saved the last empty box for YEARS now! I have tried almost every pharmaceutical that could be prescribed.... and NOTHING worked better (although Wellbutrin came close.)
Good luck my friend. I KNOW what you are going thru (somewhat.) My condition has never kept me from driving, but.... who knows what could happen down the road? I know that drinking doesn't help (though I DO,) and exercise DOES help (though I don't!) People who say it is just "mind over matter" don't understand how the mind works (and obviously don't have THIS problem.) It's about serotonin, dopamine and synapses! It IS "mind over matter" .... but, it's a dysfunction IN the mind/brain! It's a chemical imbalance causing a malfunction of a chemical reaction. It's not OUR fault!
Drugs MAY work... but, so might NUTRITION. Don't know about you... but, I don't eat a balanced diet. Everything I know about the human body tells me THAT can cause problems. I don't have time to find a magnolia tree and eat its bark! So.... I believe that there are natural remedies for my condition.
And, if it weren't for my untreated ADD.... I'd take action TODAY! lol.
Good luck. Take care. And.... take control!
Hobo