What are some immediate relief options for severe panic/stress/anxiety attacks? A friend told me about St. Johns Wort from the nutrition store, but I would like more information about other options as well as the St. Johns Wort.

Rhodiola Force 100 by New Chapter is a perfect natural herb. It works great, and its cheap!!! It's the best thing I have found for instant relief, along with an ongoing peace. I buy it at www.vitacost.com ...hope this helps! ~Blessings~

Here is my best advice: the best way to deal with extreme panic, anxiety, or stress is to seek comprehensive care, including some form of therapy. This is actually the most natural way to cope and resolve the underlying reasons for the strong feelings that are symptomatic of a larger issue.

That being said, when in the midst of a panic attack or anxiety, it can seem overwhelming. Often, physicians will prescribe medications to assist a patient with these feelings. One medication they may use could be a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Traditionally these medications have been used for depression, but in the long term, they work very well for anxiety disorders. St. John's Wort is an herb that is thought to work in the same manner as SSRI's. However, all these substances take up to 4 weeks to work, so they would not help with immediate relief. Consult with your regular healthcare professional before beginning any herbal product as they are not risk free. For instance St. John's Wort can interact with other medications such as birth control or HIV medications, and it is only appropriate for mild to moderate cases of depression or anxiety. It may not be appropriate so checking with your doctor is necessary.

There are other herbal products used for anxiety like kava kava but they, too, carry risks that can be severe (liver damage has been reported). The medications traditionally used to treat panic disorders for immediate relief are called benzodiazepines and they are highly addictive.

Again, the best way treat anxiety, stress, and OCD, unfortunately isn't necessarily a quick fix. See appropriate and comprehensive care so that you can resolve the issue causing these debilitating symptoms and cope healthily in the future.