Recently got a script from my doctor. He said daily use was okay, but he also knows I use it sparingly. In the past I've had this med for GAD and panic attacks, and used it with no problems but I only used sparingly. One script lasting 3 years.
Now things are different and I struggle to make it through each day and have terrible insomnia. I wake up at 2AM and the intrusive thoughts and worry take over. I HATE that I need meds to cope with this, but feeling like I'm losing it on a daily basis can't be good for me either.
I guess I fear physical dependency, which is bound to happen with daily use. I know my doctor would help me taper when the time comes, but it just sucks that I have been reduced to needing this. But I won't lie. It definitely helps to take the edge off. Not in a recreational high type of way, but in a "I can finally breathe" kind of way.
Any experience out there with this type of thing?
Looks like I’m the black sheep here as I don’t believe in any type of pharmaceuticals.
There are also some great CBD Oils that can be vaped, Koi and Hemplucid come to mind.
Also essential oils work wonders wether they are applied to the skin with a carrier oil or atomized with a diffuser.
Pharmaceuticals will definitely make you feel better immediately, but it’s the lasting damage they do that with get you in the end.
For me it’s just not worth poisoning my body when Mother Nature has all the answers, which are cheaper, good for you and side effect free. *when used correctly.
substances which is what affects our organs and creates a new illness. I also take natural and pure Royal Jelly.
Long term benzo use - not abuse but regular use - has been associated with cognitive decline and that cognitive decline may not reverse itself when the benzo is discontinued.
What changes can you make to your daily routine? What changes are within your control to make so that she is safe and you can "finally breathe"?
He now is also prescribed 1/2 a pill in the afternoon for anxiety and restlessness from Parkinson’s.
Take what you need to take to get you through this terrible time. Worry about stopping them when you are not so stressed and you have the patience and calm to do it.
Go with with water soluble cbd oil first. Irony is xanax cheaper.
meditation for 10 min. Just to breathe
I find that just knowing that I have the option to take the Xanax if the need arises is very helpful. There's nothing as horrible as having serious anxiety and having to white knuckle it.
I have some similar issues, including not being a great sleeper. The sleep is a problem that you can definitely address with your doctor. There are both behavioral and medication solutions to that, too. When I'm good I have a routine which includes a bath, soothing music, dark cool bedroom, sleep mask. I also do a slow yoga class once a week.
I worry about you because you are struggling to get through the day. Because of this, I would recommend you see a therapist, if you're not already. Sometimes I think of mine as the good fairy, sitting on my shoulder, guiding me through difficult times. It's so helpful to have an objective person who is experienced in how to cope. When you're tired and stressed out it can be great to have another person who can even just help you with problem solving.
Feel free to write to me if you like.
Take the meds as prescribed, and you should be o.k.
If you find you are taking them multiple times a day. Then you reach out to your doctor, I think the fact that you are preworrying shows you have an understanding of the dangers. You will find other things that help. Personally I like to sit with my feet in hot water in the bathtub (2-3 inches) and read or play games on my phone. It gets me away and gives me comfort. You will find your own thing that you can use instead of the pills for everyday incredible stress.
If you get a box of Yoga Bedtime Tea (It is Valerian root and puts you to sleep easily. Valerian follows the same pathway as benzodiazepines, which Xanax is however it is non toxic non habit forming.
Other than that, yo need to REST FULLY even if it means finding some one else to take your place for some hours.How involved are you with this person and do you recognize when you are doing far too. much, despite your feelings of caring & when yo need to realize a very real danger - that of becoming captive to your emotions & to your concept of DUTY.
wake up please!
I know my opinion on this is due to growing up with an addict. My oldest brother, now deceased was addicted to drugs since he was 13 and it was horrible to watch. No one sees it coming and they often don’t even admit it until they try to get off of a drug. Just be careful. I would try CBD oil first. I’ve heard lots of good things about it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUp5iBYroBA&list=WL&index=112
This ordeal was so much worse than what I had originally taken them for in the first place .
Bottom line if you get a prescription you'd be better off giving them to the people that are causing your anxiety.
I've long been familiar with Xanax. I had my first panic attack in my late 20's and went to the ER thinking I was having a stroke. I've used Xanax since to ward off a panic attack when I feel one coming. If you have never had one, they are very physical in nature, and they are horrible. I'm not sure why I get them. I don't even have to be feeling stressed, first time I was having lunch at Wendy's and it hit me out of nowhere. Although, they do seem to happen during stressful times. Like at that Wendy's I wasn't feeling overly stressed I was just having lunch, but my dad had cancer and overall it was a stressful time.
Through the years I've probably had 20 attacks. I'm 56 now. So my use of Xanax has never been consistent and never daily, or even weekly/monthly. Also I can't imagine 3mg a day. .5 will keep a panic attack away and then leave me exhausted. I don't like the feeling unless I am trying to sleep.
Since my original post I've rethought daily use. I'm not going to do it. The reason is because this situation with my mom is not temporary. This will likely go on for years. I'm only going to use it sparingly, and I'm going to talk to my doctor about an alternative. Something that doesn't mess with the GABA system. Gabepentin was mentioned so I plan to ask about that, and many have mentioned CBD oil so I plan to try that too.
Again, thanks for sharing your experience. I'm glad you are doing better now.