I know and understand my disorders, the what for, and how come I am taking Xanax. It works for me, & it's done the job 20 years. I have moderate to severe auditory and optical/sensory processing damage. Meaning several issues going on neurologically not just one. It's not a matter of chemistry with me it's a matter of neurological damage. I've had blood work upon blood work and MRI and CAT Scan of the brain. Cognitive Aspects of Vestibular Disorders
NINDS Myoclonus Information Page
What Is A Vestibular Disorder Lot's of info out there that wasn't twenty years ago when I began looking for answers. Levinson's book Phobia Free started me on the right direction.
I was born with this damage, it was worsened by chronic sinus allergies, compounded eventually by stress, and it worsened in my mid thirties to the point of disability. The book Phobia Free by Harold Levinson MD goes into some of it. He is a Neurologist who directly linked Vestibular Disorders to Anxiety Disorders in a good number of his patients. Certain sounds and certain optical events trigger upper torso myclonic sensitivity induced seizures. The Xanax tones down my sensory system to a somewhat functional level the direct opposite of what an antidepressant will do.
With neurological damage it's not wise to use Herbal therapy except under the strict guidance of a doctor. For example Melatonin can be dangerous to some patients. I was advised not to use herbal means due to the nature of what I have. You can have some undesirable interactions.
With this an OTC antihistamine helps some persons also. I'm on Singluar, Claratin, and immunization therapy to control the allergies to limit further damage. IOW I get allergy shots also. This in kids can even easily be mistaken for ADD ADHD.
I have a strong life long {57 year} Vestibular Damage history. Sent to Occupational Therapy at age twelve for balance and coordination, ADD ADHD type symptoms before the big Pharm push hit, I'm single eye functional vision, have severe Tinnitus, and flare ups of Menieres. I'm also at 50% hearing loss. My balance issues require I use a cane. Oddly enough I've had a life long fear of heights. My brain knew my balance was poor. If the brain senses I am in a high place such as a ladder it triggers a primitive self preservation event {anxiety} so I respond appropriately to the brains sensed danger. IOW it's not even true Phobic in nature.
Many persons who suffer from anxiety have undetected Vestibular causes. It can effect nearly all aspects of life from sleep to work to carry on a conversation to reading. Many persons don't think about that. It takes a good medical history work up from cradle to present listing all known issues plus some testing by Audiologist to help detect it.