Xanax

I have been going thru alot lately and have been getting bad panic attacks. I got prescribed .5 mg Xanax. They gave me a 60ct bottle with 2 refills. The dr said to take 2 of them a day.

From what I've read people like me with a anxiety/panic disorder are taking 4mg up to 10mg a day. I have taken 2 today and feel fine now but I normally get the panic attacks in the morning.

I'm wondering if anyone else here takes Xanax for anxiety/panic disorder and how much do you take and how ling have you used it.
I got prescribed atarax and lexapro first but they didn't work. I found out they are actually depression pills not anxiety pills.

I feel like I took the stuff for no reason, I'm just hoping this xana. Really works.

I would REALLY research any prescribed drug. most of those anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs are bad news. And take a close look at all the many side effects....some may veven shock you...:O There are so many other alternatives out there for anxiety and depression that are all natural.

When your brain chemicals are off, anti-anxiety drugs can really help you even it out properly.
Xanax is often prescribed as something youw ould take to stave off a oncoming panic attack.. OR as a maintanance dose to keep you from having the swings in chemicals that cause the panic attacks. I was put on the maintance dose of .5mg and it did quite well. You always want the lowest possible dose of drug that helps you.

If you think the xanax isn't going to work at .5mg then you may indeed make your stress levels rise just by worrying you'll have a anxiety attack. But give it a shot.. you can always have your doctor raise the amount later on, but I'd give it at least 2-4 weeks before you say it doesn't work.

Not all of the 'natural' remedies are safe either. You should always talk over all alternatives with a acreditted doctor.

I just don't beleive drugs are the answer to people's "problems"..........and that's all I'm going to say about that :colbert2:

I have been on no less than 40 different anti-anxiety/anti-depressants for my panic attacks in the last 5 years alone, and have been having panic attacks for the past 10 years. I didn't find any medication that did even a little bit of good other than valium, but doctors don't like prescribing that particular medication, and I haven't found one that will prescribe it again since I've moved.
And you will find, that for some reason, the majority of doctors out there that are just general practitioners and not psychiatrist/psychologists will way under prescribe most anti-anxiety/anti-depressants. The reason for this is because the majority of the meds are considered "addictive", and even if you've proven that you don't become immune to the meds and need to have it increased constantly over a full year they still won't want to give you the correct dosage and will likely want to pull you off the drug and put you on something entirely different.
I finally gave up medication altogether because in the end it was only making things worse, and at this point I'm close to being at my lowest point because I spent so many years on the medication, save for the fact that I can pull myself out of bed to get to work every day, but sadly that's about the only thing I can manage to get out of bed for. I was in therapy for about 6 months until it got to be too expensive, but it had the best results thus far.
I know overall medication is cheaper for the most part, but I would really recommend finding a good therapist that deals with anxiety. There is almost always a root cause that ISN'T a chemical imbalance. And finding that cause and dealing with it is really the only way to truly fix this problem and not just cover it up with medication. It's just easier for regular doctors to point at something that can be fixed with pills.

Although I am not depressed in the slightest, I used to have a large problem with anxiety. I did have some panic attacks, and used to be somewhat agoraphobic. I couldn’t even make myself go to the doctor for medication, because I was afraid of having a panic attack. I was watching TV one night, and came across a commercial for a program called Attacking Anxiety and Depression. I figured I would give it a try. I acquired the program and listened to it. I have not had an panic attack since, and my anxiety level is way down. The main thing is learning to control your anxiety level. High levels of anxiety are what eventually cause panic attacks.

I hope this helps.

I'm studying to be a Homeopathic Dr, so take this as you like...
ALL mood stabilizing drugs, anti depressants and anxiety meds are habit forming, basically since they override the natural pathways your body simply stops producing the hormones that naturally stabilize you and then you can't function without the drugs. This should always be kept in mind when one is deciding if to take the meds or not. They are very hard to get off of once you start.
Anxiety responds well to massage therapy, and nutrition (try supporting your adrenal gland which are responsible for those fight or flight responses) Herbal sedatives and of course homeopathic treatment can also help although you shouldn't try to do that without a trained practitioner. Naturopathic Doctors can offer many alternatives as well.
Ultimately anxiety is like a gaping wound and anti anxiety meds like a band aid, they don't address the root cause of the problem and will only cover it up for so long.

I have seen a psychiatrist but it is too expensive. $25 2-3 times a week and I cannot afford that. I have a # that I call and talk to someone that is free thru my work. So I have tried something other then meds.

I mainly get it in the morning when I wake up. I'm sweaty, heart racing, feels like someone is sitting on my chest, I have dry mouth. Worried about leaving to go to work that I'll get in a wreck. It really is ruining my life. I'm off work now for 2-4 weeks but I have short term disability so I will at least get paid for it.

They gave me atarax then zoloft then lexapro first. None if these worked at all for anxiety. It just made me not give a crap since those are a anti depressant pills.

My mom dad and grandma all take Xanax. I didn't know they took it, I thought they took a anti depressant like lexapro. So maybe it's kinda hereditary I don't really know. I have researched the drug and see the side effects. It's no worse then half the stuff Ive taken before.

I just hope this helps me out and gets my life back on track. My parents take .25 mg Xanax so I wonder why I get .5 mg?
I had a bad panic attack at the dr office yesterday. I was in the waiting room waiting for the dr to come in.

My leg was shaking uncontrollably, I was sweaty, it's was hard to breathe. He came in and actually saw how bad my panic attack was, that's why I think he gave me the Xanax. He said take 2 or so a day but take one before I lay down for bed as it will help me sleep.

I fell asleep on the couch last night lol, while watching tv. I never do that so the Xanax does help me sleep. Normally when I lay down my mind races and it keeps me up for hours.

Ive taken it recreationally and I can not believe they prescribe such a terrible medication to people. I understand that anxiety and panic attacks may be difficult to live with, but to walk around in a haze like that, day in and day out...that,to me, is a hell of a lot worse.

I encourage you to find an alternative, and I wish you all the best.

As for sleep, natural sleep aids such as melatonin are sold OTC at any drugstore. Srsly, avoid the prescription stuff if you can.

Hope this helps.

i take 2mg bars for when ever i have a great deal of stress or panic attack. i will take around 2-3 depending on how bad it is. so thats 4-6 mg. I dont take them every day though.

I have known people who take Xanax....dont drink any alcohol with it...Thats my say in the matter.


You wouldnt believe how many people walking around are on it...almost everyone I know has taken it at one time.

I took 1mg of it yesterday and I'm not in a haze. There is a big difference in taking it recreationally and needing to take it. I felt fine yesterday, I didn't feel messed up or in a haze at all

The good thing about them is they work quick. I can't imagine taking 4-6mg of it now lol. I would be in a haze for sure. That's eight or ten of the pills I have now.

I am sure I will take at least two today at the same time tho. I get panic attacks if I'm around alot of people. The ole lady wants to go to ikea and it's in pa we live in Ohio. She don't drive on the expressway so I have to drive. I will just pop two of them in the parking lot when we get there so they will kick in soon.

I don't know what it is about being in a crowd of people. I instantly get nervous. I think it's because I don't trust people at all. With the way the world is today there are some crazy ass people who do bad things so I always have my eyes open and looking around especially when it comes to my 4yr old daughter

some people have built tolerances towards the drug or have a natural tolerance to it. so 4-6 mg differs from person to person

Yeah I am sure that after awhile I will need to take more. I will take my script with me today tho. I'm sure we will be there for about 4 or 5 hours so by the time we leave I will be fine.

I have taken it recreationally when I was younger and I remember being tore up off of a bar. But when you actually need the medicine you don't get messed up off of it unless you take alot.

A couple of my buddies got hooked on Xanax when we were younger but they were taking 2-4 bars a night every Friday and Saturday night. I never took it like that. Maybe a bar once a month and only when I was stressed out

I felt more messed up off the lexapro then the Xanax. Maybe because I was taking it when I didn't need it. I needed anxiety meds not anti depressant meds lol.

I just hope this medicine helps out. I think it will as it works fast. I took the 2 pills yesterday as soon as I got the script filled and by the time I got home 15minutes away I felt alot better.

I don't want to take it everyday so I'm gonna try not to. It's hard on me in the morning when I wake up and feel like I can't breathe. I'm normally fine for the rest of the day unless I have to go somewhere where there is alot of people because I feel so uncomfortable and scared.

I will give the Xanax a shot but so far so good. I will chime in later and let you guys know how my day went. I really appreciate you guys chiming in here, it feels good knowing that other people understand how I feel. It is very hard to talk to people about it when they have never experienced it

Most antidepressants are also used as anti-anxieties, too. I use atarax most frequently for itching, but it can also be used for anxiety as it can increase sedation or potentiate the effects of other medications. Many drugs, particularly psych drugs, have multiple uses. I've used Haldol (an antipsychotic) for pain, Seroquel is used for ADHD, insomnia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. I've even used Elavil, which is used most commonly as an antidepressant for humans, as an anti-anxiety med for my dog!

Lexapro is not an inappropriate prescription for anxiety.

(and by the way- when I say, "I use," I mean, "I've given." I'm a nurse, not THAT messed up! lol)

I haven't ever been on Xanax, but I would encourage you to not base your dose on what others take. In fact, just ignore any other dosages you hear about. Take it as your doctor prescribes, and if it doesn't work, talk to him/her about increasing the dosage. If you have it in your mind that your current dosage isn't going to work, chances are better that it won't.

After I was on Xanax for quite some time, I stopped taking it. I could feel anxious.. pick up the bottle and tell myself.. "If this gets bad.. I'll take a Xanax.. they're right here in the bottle ready.." and generally.. the panic would recede.. because I knew I had the med to take.

I don't believe in taking ANY drug "for fun". Basing how you feel after taking a drug you didn't need is like declaring that Immodium makes everyone horribly miserable, because when you were fine and healthy, you drank half a bottle and were stopped up for a week. You didn't NEED something for your hormones/brain chemicals/etc... yet you took something that altered it. Of course it messed you up.

Many drugs are mis-prescribed.. or simply are not the right "fit" for that particular patient. That doesn't mean that they don't work for other people. Just because some doctors over-prescribe.. or under-prescribe... drugs, doesn't mean the drugs are bad.. or that the drugs can't help people. Not everyone needs to stay on a maintanance dose of drugs for their life... some people do need that. Just like some people need high blood pressure meds despite being on a good diet/exercise program.. some folks need anxiety drugs to help balance themselves out.

And I agree.. DON'T try to base what YOU should take according to the dose someone else takes.. or what you might read. Your metabolism and problems might be different from them.

I hope that whatever path you end up using, it helps you. Panic attacks are intense and scary and can turn into a spiral of depression/anxiety/physical health issues.

I am just surprised to hear of people taking 4-6 mg of Xanax that's all. I took 1mg and it did the job fine for me. I would never just pop 6-8 xanaxs at one time, I'm surprised that some people need to take that much.

I took 1 .5 mg pill before we went into ikea and I was fine the whole time. I don't want to take them but they help me and I need the help. I figured 1mg would mess me up but I didn't feel like that at all.

Once again so far so good with the Xanax they really are helping. When I take the lexapro or atarax I just didn't give a crap about anything and I didn't like that at all

They do work quick and I understand what you are saying about the public anxiety but xanax will not last. The problem with it, and many other drugs like it, is that your body will build a resistance very fast. It will stop working. Then you will take more and more. Then you build an addiction and it is very hard to get off of it. I have taken it only about 3 times in my life and each time i made a 30 pill 30 day supply last for 6 months. Try to only take it when its needed. Try to skip a day or 2 between taking it and reserve it for the actual panic attacks or when you know you will be in a crowded place. Otherwise it wont work for long and you start a very bad cycle.

I don't want to take it everyday. I know about building a tolerance to it. My mom has been taking 2 .25 mg Xanax pills everyday for 4 years now. She said she hasn't gotten to where she needs a higher dose of it

I am like my mother when it comes to pills we have had the same reactions to the same meds so I hope I will be like her with the Xanax but without taking it everyday. I know my dad takes about 2mg of Xanax a day and my grandma takes about the same as my dad.

I fell asleep early yesterday lol and that never happens. I have been staying up to 4am every night when taking the lexapro but not with the Xanax. I really have problems sleeping but not with the Xanax..

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Originally Posted by Aleria

I have been on no less than 40 different anti-anxiety/anti-depressants for my panic attacks in the last 5 years alone, and have been having panic attacks for the past 10 years. I didn't find any medication that did even a little bit of good other than valium, but doctors don't like prescribing that particular medication, and I haven't found one that will prescribe it again since I've moved.
And you will find, that for some reason, the majority of doctors out there that are just general practitioners and not psychiatrist/psychologists will way under prescribe most anti-anxiety/anti-depressants. The reason for this is because the majority of the meds are considered "addictive", and even if you've proven that you don't become immune to the meds and need to have it increased constantly over a full year they still won't want to give you the correct dosage and will likely want to pull you off the drug and put you on something entirely different.
I finally gave up medication altogether because in the end it was only making things worse, and at this point I'm close to being at my lowest point because I spent so many years on the medication, save for the fact that I can pull myself out of bed to get to work every day, but sadly that's about the only thing I can manage to get out of bed for. I was in therapy for about 6 months until it got to be too expensive, but it had the best results thus far.
I know overall medication is cheaper for the most part, but I would really recommend finding a good therapist that deals with anxiety. There is almost always a root cause that ISN'T a chemical imbalance. And finding that cause and dealing with it is really the only way to truly fix this problem and not just cover it up with medication. It's just easier for regular doctors to point at something that can be fixed with pills.

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Well put well put. :clap:

Another thing you might want to look into are adaptogens.
I also had panic attacks and went through and intense period of stress. These helped me. Also diet is something you have to look at if you cut out caffiene you will see your panic attacks drop.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adaptogen
http://www.naturalelixir.com/stresscontrol.html
I take holy basil
I am also a chemist that works in a pharmaceutical company. I dont have much faith in the drugs put on the market. There is a healthier and better way.

I don't understand why I keep getting these panic attacks in the morning. I mean as soon as I wake up I get it. I have had one every morning now for about two weeks. I am gonna go talk to a psych today or tomorrow and try to figure this out.

I only took one Xanax yesterday compared to two during the day. I took one at night like normal and of course it knocked me out lol. I just don't want to get to where I need to take 4 mg or more a day. As long as I stay under 2 mg a day I will be ok. But of course the lower the better.

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Originally Posted by pavlovk1025

Ive taken it recreationally and I can not believe they prescribe such a terrible medication to people. I understand that anxiety and panic attacks may be difficult to live with, but to walk around in a haze like that, day in and day out...that,to me, is a hell of a lot worse.

I encourage you to find an alternative, and I wish you all the best.

As for sleep, natural sleep aids such as melatonin are sold OTC at any drugstore. Srsly, avoid the prescription stuff if you can.

Hope this helps.

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Oh for Pete's sake how radical can you get?. I have been on the antidepressant Zoloft for almost 2 years now. It has literally turned my life around. You had a "haze" because the chemicals in your brain were normal. People whose aren't it does not do that to.

People who take this stuff without needing it experience it totally different. That's why I said it's hard to talk to people about it when they have never experienced it.

I know if the Xanax continues to help me and really fix my life I will continue to take it. I try to stay on small dosage so it doesn't get out of hand. I know when I take two .5 mg pills I'm not in a haze at all. It makes me feel normal.

I think people take this kind if stuff to get messed up not because they need it. Sure some people take herbal remedies and whatever but I don't have the time to try to find stuff that works. I need the Xanax and it allows me to get out of bed and go to work.

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Originally Posted by 4theSNAKElady

I would REALLY research any prescribed drug. most of those anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs are bad news. And take a close look at all the many side effects....some may veven shock you...:O There are so many other alternatives out there for anxiety and depression that are all natural.

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Unless you are a licensed physician/nurse practitioner/etc, please don't give out medical advice regarding prescription drugs.

All prescription drugs have side effects. I hope everyone who takes them knows and understands the intended AND side effects, and understands dosage and potential risks.

"All Natural" is a myth. The word "nature" itself is contorted and meaningless, and is often used to imply that human existence itself is "unnatural".

There are many methods to combat anxiety and depression. As I'm sure anyone who has been prescribed anti-anxiety drugs knows, there is no magical happy pill that fixes all problems in life. Believe me when I say that doctors and their various counterparts that help people deal with depression and anxiety don't just toss patients out the door with a bottle of pills and call it a good day's work. No discussion about treating either problem is complete without covering exercise, diet, and sleep, and I'm sure that the OP's doctor did cover those topics.

However, to blatantly call all drugs, even all anti anxiety/depression drugs, "bad news" is misinformed.

To anyone who is dealing with depression, don't listen to anyone on the internet (including me). I can't and won't diagnose or give you treatment options. Listen to your doctor, your therapist, and your family and loved ones.

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Originally Posted by Aleria

I was in therapy for about 6 months until it got to be too expensive, but it had the best results thus far.
I know overall medication is cheaper for the most part, but I would really recommend finding a good therapist that deals with anxiety. There is almost always a root cause that ISN'T a chemical imbalance. And finding that cause and dealing with it is really the only way to truly fix this problem and not just cover it up with medication. It's just easier for regular doctors to point at something that can be fixed with pills.

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Despite my belief that no one should take medical advice off the internet, I do believe this is good advice.

Therapy is productive even if the root cause IS a chemical imbalance.

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Originally Posted by mainbutter

Unless you are a licensed physician/nurse practitioner/etc, please don't give out medical advice regarding prescription drugs.

All prescription drugs have side effects. I hope everyone who takes them knows and understands the intended AND side effects, and understands dosage and potential risks.

"All Natural" is a myth. The word "nature" itself is contorted and meaningless, and is often used to imply that human existence itself is "unnatural".

There are many methods to combat anxiety and depression. As I'm sure anyone who has been prescribed anti-anxiety drugs knows, there is no magical happy pill that fixes all problems in life. Believe me when I say that doctors and their various counterparts that help people deal with depression and anxiety don't just toss patients out the door with a bottle of pills and call it a good day's work. No discussion about treating either problem is complete without covering exercise, diet, and sleep, and I'm sure that the OP's doctor did cover those topics.

However, to blatantly call all drugs, even all anti anxiety/depression drugs, "bad news" is misinformed.

To anyone who is dealing with depression, don't listen to anyone on the internet (including me). I can't and won't diagnose or give you treatment options. Listen to your doctor, your therapist, and your family and loved ones.

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All natural in industry is mostly misleading. But if you look into the history of medicine you will find a good portion of synthetic meds were derived from natural sources.
So like anything research is key.

I was hoping to hear from people who have actually taken this med not people pretending to be dr's lol.
I do appreciate the good input I have gotten here tho. I talked to my mom everyday about this and we try to work thru it together.

I have done alot of research on this medicine, I figured there some people here that take it also. That's why I asked about it here so people can post their experiences with the drug and if it helped or not.

My mom said she wants to up her dosage to .5mg so she can break them in half or take a whole one when needed. She has been on it for 4 years now and she seems to be doing fine on the meds.

Some people don't understand if it is a chemical imbalance people may need to stay on this medication. I honestly think I have a imbalance as my mother father and grandma all take it everyday.

I had to take it prior to getting my wisdom teeth out on monday... I think it is bad news, it messed with my head and my sense of balance... just sayin

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Originally Posted by temec

I had to take it prior to getting my wisdom teeth out on monday... I think it is bad news, it messed with my head and my sense of balance... just sayin

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thats bc u dont need it. people that actually need it dont get messed up like that.

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Originally Posted by BallsUnlimited

thats bc u dont need it. people that actually need it dont get messed up like that.

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Exactly!!!

I also agree that counseling helps, but the medicine is necessary too.

You treat a problem with a solution that addresses it. If your body chemistry is causing you to have panic attacks, then you address your body chemistry. If it's something psychological, then you see a psychologist.
Seeing a psychologist isn't very helpful for a chemical issue, and seeing a medical doctor isn't very helpful for a psychological issue. This seems pretty self-evident to me.
Some issues have roots in BOTH areas--this is because emotions affect chemistry, and vice versa. But panic disorder...unless you're typically a 'worrier', it's unlikely to be psychological. People can develop issues DUE to it, though (afraid to go out in public for fear of an attack, etc).

Give the meds a chance. If you're not having any improvement after a week, then see the doc again. If you don't think the doc knows what he is doing, find a doc you're more comfortable with.
That's what I do with my car--if I don't trust the shop, I find a different one. I don't just drive the car around broken because I don't trust mechanics, though. lol

If you don't feel any better after a week, dont panic. I didn't feel anything for 2 weeks and the panic attacks weren't gone for a month. In my opinion, give them 3 weeks to a month.

I honestly have no clue what makes this happen, I am a natural worrier and I have always been that way. What would you think it is if both my parents and my grandma all have the same thing??

I just hope I can get it sorted out. If I have to stay on the meds for the rest of my life then so be it I guess. I don't want to be on them forever but if I can't solve the problem then I have no other choice but to stay medicated.

I haven't talked to my father in years and I called him today. He said that he takes a 2mg bar as soon as he wakes up, another around noon and another around 8pm. So he's taking 6mg if Xanax a day, he said he tried everythig to find a cure but he still needs the meds.

He also said my late grandpa took 6mg a day also, that's why I'm thinking it's hereditary. I'm just gla that when I take the meds it doesn't make me a zombie. I can fully function on them but I really hope that someday I can get off of them before I end up like my dad popping 6mg a day if Xanax..

It is just weird how I get the panic attacks they come out of no where. I am getting one now but I'm trying to stay busy here on the forum and not think about it.
I have taken 1 .5 mg pill this morning and I'm probably gonna take at least 1mg now. I am very shaky, it feels hard to breathe, I'm sweating.

I am literally sitting in the corner of the room with all doors/ windows locked because I feel afraid. I am on my iPhone sitting in the corner feeling like I'm going crazy. I really hate this stuff and I hope the Xanax will make these attacks go away or happen less often. I'm already past my recommended dosage of 2 .5 mg pills a day now. This will make 1.5mg of Xanax today.

I think a part of it is how bad the attack really is. I always chew up the Xanax when I have a attack coming on since it makes I kick in faster. It tastes like poop but it works so much faster.

I will chime in later hopefully I will be feeling better. Having torun to the Xanax makes me feel like a coward since I cannot deal with this problem on my own..

Wow this is a bad one. I took 1mg of Xanax and I still feel all messed up like it's hard to breathe. I'm gonna make a new dr appt and see if I can get 2mg bars instead of the .5 pills. That way I can break them in half and take them that way.
I'm gonna run thru this script of 60 .5 mg pills quick if I have to take 3or more a day

I would like to apologize to everyone here. I posted to bad words in my last post when I was having the panic attack and I didn't even realize I did it until I got the pm with my infraction in it.

I understand the rules and try not to break them but it really was a accident and I was kinda freaking out when I posted it. Sorry to everyone I hope I didn't offend anyone. Sorry

your not alone buddy. take it easy and try and relax. I know its easier said than done.

You hit the nail on the head with that statement. It is alot easier said the. Done but I am dealing with it better then I was before already. I took 1mg of Xanax and all is good now.

I just hate having to run to a drug to deal with my problems but as of now that's the only choice I have that actually works.

I'd like to say thanks again to those of you who have supplied positive info in this thread it really makes it easier on me being able to talk to people who really understand how this is. Thank you all very much

hang in there have some faith in yourself only you know what's right for you listen to your doctors and don't be afraid to ask questions do research keep yourself occupied doing things you enjoy and just know things will get better i'm bypolar and meds and therapy help tremendously hope you can get better soon it's a long row to hoe be strong

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Originally Posted by bman123

I would like to apologize to everyone here. I posted to bad words in my last post when I was having the panic attack and I didn't even realize I did it until I got the pm with my infraction in it.

I understand the rules and try not to break them but it really was a accident and I was kinda freaking out when I posted it. Sorry to everyone I hope I didn't offend anyone. Sorry

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I can sympathize. I have gotten panic attacks off and on for almost all of my life; including my childhood. I know the feelings of out-of-control, and of doing or saying things that are not in line with your normal self.

I have found that "grounding" myself helps. Not grounding as in punishment! Grounding, as in, being aware of my feet and their touching the ground. And being aware of what is around me (since my attacks often occur while driving) I will squeeze the steering wheel.. I will even sometimes bite my lip (not hard) and I do realize that this oculd feasably border on self-harm (that is another topic really) but it does help me to rein myself in and take back control.
Hugs.

I think this is the worst morning I have ever had. I wake up at 6am shaking and sweating really bad. I get up to get my pills. I open the bottle not thinking of my shaking and dump almost every pill down the drain. I managed to take 3 .5 pills as this was the worst attack I've ever had but I also dumped about 50 pills down the drain.

Now I have to call the dr office and hope he doesn't think I am just a dope head or that I am selling them as I just got this script of 60 filled just a couple days ago.

I can't win for losing guys. I have to call my insurance company and see if they cover lost medication, if not I have to pay for it again which is no problem I just don't want the dr to think that jam abusing my medication that's all.

So I called the dr office to see if the dr could just allow me to refill my script and I had to wait for the nurse to call me back. Well she never did and I've been stuck all weekend with only 2 pills left. Trying to take it easy today so I can get back in to the dr monday this sucks..

hows everything going with yo??

I am prescribed diazepam (Valium) for anxiety disorder. After trying many "maintenance" meds, mood stabilizers, and depression meds I stuck with this b/c it worked the best with no long term addictions. I would get on one and then suffer withdraw or "discontinuance syndrome" as it's called in the industry.

I agree whole heartedly that there are times when you must use them if you need them. Also with Foschi (sorry don't know your real name): use only when you need them and you can avoid addiction. There will be times when it is daily, but try to back off as soon as you can for a few days.

Another thing you should check into is FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) which covers mental disabilities and can help protect your job. It is invaluable for appointments with psychs or docs and/or those days when you just can't cope. There are conditions, but it is something you really should check into.

Hang in there. The most important thing is to just KEEP GOING. It sounds like you know this already so half your battle is already fought.