Anxiety attacks

[+ quoththeraven]

NO doctor will write a first time script for Xanax without first seeing the patient.

 

~Boomer~

Or any drug. That's the way it should be.

 

If the anxiety is that bad, take the time off work, @Stormy.

[Deadlift1]

[+ FreshFluff]

Ok. Good to know. Had no idea

 

Be aware that he may refer you to a psychiatrist rather than giving you the meds himself. Many GPs don't want to take on the liability risk.

[Guest europeanman]

Be aware that he may refer you to a psychiatrist rather than giving you the meds himself. Many GPs don't want to take on the liability risk.

@Stormy You should not start Xanax before spending time with a psychiatrist. If you suffer from a minor psychiatric disorder, find a psychiatrist and work with him. You will need several sessions/months even years and different medications. Xanax is just first aid, not the "main" medication. You will probably take Xanax for a few weeks until the other drugs start working. Again, Xanax is first aid, just like aspirin for the headache. It will help with the symptoms but will nothing for the real cause.

[Stormy]

@Stormy You should not start Xanax before spending time with a psychiatrist. If you suffer from a minor psychiatric disorder, find a psychiatrist and work with him. You will need several sessions/months even years and different medications. Xanax is just first aid, not the "main" medication. You will probably take Xanax for a few weeks until the other drugs start working. Again, Xanax is first aid, just like aspirin for the headache. It will help with the symptoms but will nothing for the real cause.

Well I don't really want to go to a psychiatrist. My anxiety correlates to a stressful issues that pile up. I took Clonzapem 10 years ago after I showed up at a hospital for a limited amount of time to address these issues. I don't know why a GP couldn't prescribe a limited number of pills if it helps reduce the stress. That's my feeling about it

[+ FreshFluff]

Well I don't really want to go to a psychiatrist. My anxiety correlates to a stressful issues that pile up. I took Clonzapem 10 years ago after I showed up at a hospital for a limited amount of time to address these issues. I don't know why a GP couldn't prescribe a limited number of pills if it helps reduce the stress. That's my feeling about it

 

I know you don't. I hope the GP gives it to you, but some won't. Just warning you before you before you take time off.

[Guest europeanman]

Well I don't really want to go to a psychiatrist. My anxiety correlates to a stressful issues that pile up. I took Clonzapem 10 years ago after I showed up at a hospital for a limited amount of time to address these issues. I don't know why a GP couldn't prescribe a limited number of pills if it helps reduce the stress. That's my feeling about it

@FreshFluff @Stormy Sorry guys, but GPs are not qualified to deal with these conditions. Is there a reason you don't want to see a psychiatrist? Sorry I just don't get it...

[Guest]

With deference to all those stating support of meds, I’m just going to share my personal experience and it either applies or it doesn’t.

 

First, I’m guessing we’ve all had anxiety or panic attacks sometime. It’s frequency and magnitude that is different.

 

I’m not a fan of meds for myself and will always seek to find/treat the cause and not the symptom.

 

For me, the red flags of anxiety and panic emerge in my physiology - tight neck, unhealthy breathing, bad posture, and pain somewhere - and the speed of my thoughts about the situation causing my concern.

 

When I focus on slowing down my thoughts (meditation), slowing my breathing intentionally, rubbing the sore muscles in my neck, I find equilibrium. Not for everyone, but it works for me.

[rguer]

Hopefully one day i'll find someone who loves me and accepts all my flaws and won't leave me like everyone else has the first time things get tough

Have you considered the possibility that your upbringing and history have led you to seek out people who will not be there for you?

 

It's an insidious and recidivist disease, but it can be treated. You might try some ACA meetings; even if you're not actually an adult child of alcoholics, you might have a lot in common with them. Recovery is neither fast nor always pleasant, but it can happen.

[JayCeeKy]

What the OP described sounds more like a Panic Attack than an "Anxiety Attack." It is caused by a sudden dump of adrenaline into the system - the fight-or-flight mechanism - even though there is no imminent danger - thus the racing heart, pressured breathing, feelings of impending death, disorientation, dissociation. Research seems to link Panic Attacks to the buildup of stress in one's life but may have a genetic component since it seems to run in families, and is much more prevalent in females. Since everyone seems to know the risks of getting addicted to a Benzo (e.g. Xanax) - (and more people die from Benzo withdrawal than from opioid withdrawal) - most users of Benzos will swear to the efficacy and safety of Benzos (I had patients when I worked in the clinic who would literally fight you for their Xanax), I will say that many (most?) psychiatrists today will Rx a script for an SSRI (Paxil, Prozac) first, though most sufferers of Panic Attacks will say that SSRI's help "only a little bit." If indeed the precipitator of Panic Attack is the buildup of stress, learning (and more importantly, practicing) better coping skills (deep breathing techniques, positive visualization, exercise, massage) would be recommended. Generalized Anxiety, as many are reporting here, is more like a "slow dump" of adrenaline into the system, but has similar features and treatment.

[rguer]

Actually no its made me isolate myself from everyone to not get hurt again. I don't open up to anyone. I don't go out of my way to meet new people unless its escorting. My treatment is being alone because all I can trust is myself and I'm happy that way i guess.

Do what works for you.

 

You might consider getting a dog. A dog would always be happy to see you. Byron liked Newfoundlands, but they may be a bit large for a Manhattan apartment.

[Zapped]

What the OP described sounds more like a Panic Attack than an "Anxiety Attack." It is caused by a sudden dump of adrenaline into the system - the fight-or-flight mechanism - even though there is no imminent danger - thus the racing heart, pressured breathing, feelings of impending death, disorientation, dissociation. Research seems to link Panic Attacks to the buildup of stress in one's life but may have a genetic component since it seems to run in families, and is much more prevalent in females. Since everyone seems to know the risks of getting addicted to a Benzo (e.g. Xanax) - (and more people die from Benzo withdrawal than from opioid withdrawal) - most users of Benzos will swear to the efficacy and safety of Benzos (I had patients when I worked in the clinic who would literally fight you for their Xanax), I will say that many (most?) psychiatrists today will Rx a script for an SSRI (Paxil, Prozac) first, though most sufferers of Panic Attacks will say that SSRI's help "only a little bit." If indeed the precipitator of Panic Attack is the buildup of stress, learning (and more importantly, practicing) better coping skills (deep breathing techniques, positive visualization, exercise, massage) would be recommended. Generalized Anxiety, as many are reporting here, is more like a "slow dump" of adrenaline into the system, but has similar features and treatment.

 

Thanks for that great summary.

 

Years and years ago, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder with recurrence (my psychiatrist disagreed with a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder) and generalized anxiety disorder. After some experimentation, I ended up on Pristiq (which I loved for its lack of sexual side effects) for the depression, trazodone for insomnia, and and Xanax for both anxiety and insomnia (which are, I know, related).

 

After lots of therapy, regular exercise, dealing with porn addiction through the SAA 12-step program, developing friendships in which I can talk honestly and regularly, getting involved in a gay-friendly church I love, and leaving a job with a toxic work environment, plus practicing mindfulness when it comes to my automatic thoughts, I am off of both the the Pristiq and trazodone.

 

I don’t know if my depression is “cured” but certainly the work of therapy combined with getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, having genuine connection with others, and regular exercise has enabled me to not be in its clutches and prepared me to get off most of the meds.

 

I’m still taking 1m of Xanax before I go to sleep, down from a peak of 2-3 m, with some taken during the day as needed. My psychiatrist is comfortable with this 1m before bed continuing indefinitely. I’d like to get off it althogether. I considered stopping cold turkey, but read enough about withdrawal to not risk that. I suggested to my psychiatrist that we switch my prescription to 4 X .25 m per day, so that I could start by taking 3.5 X .25 m and gradually reduce from there. He hasn’t wanted to do that and suggested I start using a razor blade to just shave off a small portion of the 1 m pills, and gradually increasing the amount cut off.

 

This seems like it would be too hard to control in practice and I’ve delayed trying to implement it.

 

He seems delighted I am doing well off the Pristiq and trazodone, which I am. He also seems perfectly happy with an if-it’s-not-broke-don’t-fix-it approach and having me stay on the 1m of Xanax at bed forever.

 

So, unlike the patients who would fight for their Xanax, it’s almost like I have to fight to get off Xanax. (Yes, I could and evidently I should try the shaving technique.)

[Rudynate]

Years ago, I had a roommate whose closest friend died after a long bout with AIDS. My roommate was devastated with grief. To help him through, his doc gave him a script for xanax. After awile, I thought he was hitting the xanax a little hard and encouraged him to take less. He didn't want to hear it. Then he had a weird blackout of several hours duration from which he couldn't remember anything, which really freaked him out. I said, "It's the xanax, you should throw it away right now." He was unnerved enough that he took my advice. He didn't have any more blackouts.

[JayCeeKy]

Years ago, I had a roommate whose closest friend died after a long bout with AIDS. My roommate was devastated with grief. To help him through, his doc gave him a script for xanax. After awile, I thought he was hitting the xanax a little hard and encouraged him to take less. He didn't want to hear it. Then he had a weird blackout of several hours duration from which he couldn't remember anything, which really freaked him out. I said, "It's the xanax, you should throw it away right now." He was unnerved enough that he took my advice. He didn't have any more blackouts.

 

Xanax, like any CNS depressant, can interfere with the formation of memory.

 

Well-intentioned people, using Benzos (like Xanax) often develop what's called "Inter-dose anxiety" - i.e. they develop some tolerance to the meds and are strongly tempted to increase either their dosage or the frequency of the dosage, or both. It usually sneaks up on you and can take over your life - like any addiction there is an increasing preoccupation with protecting your "stash" and, because of taking more meds than prescribed, or starting to "doctor shop" or lie to your MD (I can't count the number of times patients have reported that "somebody stole my Xanax"). It can happen to the best of us.

Edited September 10, 2018 by JayCeeKy

[Rudynate]

Xanax, like any CNS depressant, can interfere with the formation of memory.

 

Well-intentioned people, using Benzos (like Xanax) often develop what's called "Inter-dose anxiety" - i.e. they develop some tolerance to the meds and are strongly tempted to increase either their dosage or the frequency of the dosage, or both. Is usually sneaks up on you and can take over your life - like any addiction there is an increasing preoccupation with protecting your "stash" and, because of taking more meds than prescribed, of starting to "doctor shop" or lie to your MD (I can't count the number of times patients have reported that "somebody stole my Xanax"). It can happen to the best of us.

 

Exactly what happened with him. It was originally prescribed 1-2 tablets 3-4 times per day, or something like that. Initially he started at the lower dose but was soon taking the dose at the high end of the range.

[+ WilliamM]

Xanax, like any CNS depressant, can interfere with the formation of memory.

 

Well-intentioned people, using Benzos (like Xanax) often develop what's called "Inter-dose anxiety" - i.e. they develop some tolerance to the meds and are strongly tempted to increase either their dosage or the frequency of the dosage, or both. Is usually sneaks up on you and can take over your life - like any addiction there is an increasing preoccupation with protecting your "stash" and, because of taking more meds than prescribed, of starting to "doctor shop" or lie to your MD (I can't count the number of times patients have reported that "somebody stole my Xanax"). It can happen to the best of us.

 

As important, most people slowly reduce xanax, not stop all at once. Stopping all at once could end in a hospital emergency room.

[Rudynate]

As important, most people slowly reduce xanax, not stop all at once. Stopping all at once could end in a hospital emergency room.

 

 

Well sure, if you've been taking it for months or years. My roommate was fortunate to have gotten scared straight after only a few weeks of use.

[+ WilliamM]

Well sure, if you've been taking it for months or years. My roommate was fortunate to have gotten scared straight after only a few weeks of use.

 

Xanax is addictive, and you mentioned he was it beyond what his doctor recommended.

[+ Keith30309]

I’ve read that it’s virtually impossible to deal with a benzo addiction as an outpatient.

[Lookin]

So, unlike the patients who would fight for their Xanax, it’s almost like I have to fight to get off Xanax. (Yes, I could and evidently I should try the shaving technique.)

 

For some reason, getting off psych meds cold turkey seems harder than getting off other meds. I guess it's because our brains are very good at noticing small changes in chemistry.

 

Haven't used Xanax but, several years ago, I found an easy way to get off Prozac: just take six pills the first week, five pills the second week, and so on. Don't skip consecutive days at first. I skipped Monday the first week, then Monday and Thursday the second week. After seven weeks, I was off, with no noticeable effects.

 

If you want to go off even more gradually, all pharmacies sell pill cutters, so you could drop back by one-half pill a week and take fourteen weeks to get down to zero. Pill cutters are easy to use and get you out of the shaving business.

 

 

I read that Xanax has a half-life of twelve hours so it won't drop with a thud even cold turkey. A gradual reduction in dosage, along with the persistence of the drug itself, should give you a smooth ride to the bottom.

[Rudynate]

Xanax is addictive, and you mentioned he was it beyond what his doctor recommended.

 

I think he was predisposed to substance abuse, always had a glass of wine in his hand. One time we were at brunch. He picked up his water glass to take a sip, the glass slipped from his hand, fell to the table aND shattered. I thought that the glass had slipped from his hand because he was half-tanked. But he immediately said, "Did you see that!? That glass shattered in my hand!" He raised a fuss with the server, with the restaurant owner, told the story to several people. And that wasn't what happened at all. I clearly saw what had actually happened. Another one of those "denial is an amazing thing" moments.

[JayCeeKy]

I read that Xanax has a half-life of twelve hours so it won't drop with a thud even cold turkey. A gradual reduction in dosage, along with the persistence of the drug itself, should give you a smooth ride to the bottom.

 

The half-life of Xanax is a lengthy 11 hours. Xanax reaches peak levels in the blood within 2 hours. However, despite taking several days to leave the body, the effects of Xanax tend to wear off after about 4 hours, so it may need to be taken several times throughout the day.

 

Per The American Addiction Center:

 

"There is only one recommended method for coming off Xanax and that is to taper the dose under medical supervision. Since medical detox is the only safe method, any other form of withdrawal from Xanax is not recommended."

[Lookin]

"There is only one recommended method for coming off Xanax and that is to taper the dose under medical supervision. Since medical detox is the only safe method, any other form of withdrawal from Xanax is not recommended."

 

Sorry! I shouldn't have tried giving advice on something I was clearly ignorant about. Thanks for clarifying.

 

I had a friend who took Xanax and, when he stopped cold turkey, he was grouchy for days. Personally, I've never wanted to go near it.

 

Seems odd that a drug with such a strict protocol for stopping its use should be so widely prescribed. There must be many thousands of folks run into trouble with it.

 

Thanks again for highlighting the risks!

[Rudynate]

Sorry! I shouldn't have tried giving advice on something I was clearly ignorant about. Thanks for clarifying.

 

I had a friend who took Xanax and, when he stopped cold turkey, he was grouchy for days. Personally, I've never wanted to go near it.

 

Seems odd that a drug with such a strict protocol for stopping its use should be so widely prescribed. There must be many thousands of folks run into trouble with it.

 

Thanks again for highlighting the risks!

 

I've taken just a few doses of it. It makes me terribly absent minded. On the occasion that I take that sort of drug, half an ativan does the trick.

[Guest]

I called my doctors office and asked for a prescription. He won't write a scrip unless I take time away from work for an appointment. Such bull crap! I just don't have the time

Hmm. I would be more inclined to say that "I just don't have the time" is such bull crap. A physician who'd start a new prescription for a controlled substance without an office evaluation could be disciplined for unprofessional conduct. As a primary care physician, I would generally try a patient with panic disorder on Paxil, Zoloft, or another SSRI. Occasional benzos such as Xanax for breakthrough symptoms once or twice a week would be fine, but otherwise the patient would need to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. SSRI's will work over time, with really not much if any danger of tolerance or serious withdrawal issues. The effect of benzos tends to wear off over time (tolerance), and, as others have mentioned, withdrawal can be a serious issue.