I'm a 31 y/o female who has had a fair share of anxiety/depression issues over the last several years. I'm at the point now where I want it all managed. About 6 months ago I was diagnosed with bipolar - stage 1 but I still don't truly believe i have that. I have major and I mean major anxiety issues. I was on Effexxor for many years, maybe 6 years and my fairly new psychiatrist took me off it and put me on lamictal. She has just had me try Abilify with some ativan for the anxiety short term. I've been given Ativan and Kolonopin for my anxiety of neither of them work. I've taken 3 at a time and alls it does is make me feel sleepy, doesn't take the anxiety away. I'm constantly worried, feeling nauseous, palmy hands, feeling like my chest is being squeezed. I'm nervous to "ask" for xanax for fear my doctor just won't give it to me (it's an addicting drug isn't it?) Do any of you have suggestions on how to talk to my doctor to make her understand that xanax might be the med for now. Have any one on here find that neither kolonopin or ativan NOT work for anxiety?

I'd appreciate your help/thoughts.

Thanks.