When is it OK to take xanax for anxiety?
Hi. My name is Ashley and I am thinking about getting on Xanax for my anxiety problems. Yes, I have heard of the negative effects of Xanax, that is is addictive and such things. Those things scare me but the point is that I really am desperate because my anxiety is overtaking my life. I am just asking for advice on whether you think the benefits outweigh the negatives in my situation.
Ok, well the anxiety disorders I suffer from are panic attacks, agoraphobia, post traumatic stress disorder, OCD and generalized anxiety disorder. Due to these things I dropped out of school, I don’t work (I am considered disabled from the government), I don’t really ever hang out with friends and I am afraid to leave my house. I won’t leave my house for weeks unless I have a therapist appointment. I am even afraid to leave my room and go into other rooms of the house. I constantly feel like I am on the brink of having a panic attack. Shaky and full of energy and I get depressed because it’s like my whole life is me in my room watching tv or on the computer because I can’t really do anything else. I am always tired because how anxious I always am. My parents are alcoholics and because of my PSTD I am constantly worrying that they are going to die or something bad is going to happen. It’s like all I ever think about is fear or avoiding a panic attack. Because of OCD I waste a lot of food because I have a fear of food being contaminated and it needs to pass all these tests I do that I don’t want to explain. Anyways I also have trouble with things like sleeping and taking a shower. I am afraid of being out of my room for as long as a shower takes so I end up not taking one for a week or so. I get scared of going to sleep sometimes when my anxiety is too high and that just makes it worse. I’m always moody because people want to talk with me or hang out but i’m always anxious so I always yell at them even though I feel bad later. The medications I am currently taking are effexor 75mg, buspar 15-35mg and serequel 25mg daily. I also take a blend of chinese herbs that are suppose to be calming, as well as the vitamins magnesium and vitamin d. I have been to acupuncture twice weekly and therapy once a week. I do not drink caffeine at all and I eat very limited amount of sugar. However, none of this really seems to help and it seems I just keep getting worse.
I have taken xanax and klonopin before and they seemed to really help like nothing else can. I am afraid to take it though because of stories of addiction. What do you think I should do?
Tagged with: anxiety • Take • Xanax
Filed under: Acupuncture Panic Attacks
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I think you should take it. Your anxiety is ruining your life. I take it & it helps me allot. As far as building up a tolerance to it, you might but also remember you don’t have to take it your entire life & when you are ready to go off it, your Doctor will taper you off slowly so you don’t feel withdrawal symptoms & there is no guarantee that you WILL become addicted to it. The pro’s out weigh the cons.
Hello,
I’m terribly sorry about your suffering and I’ve known alot of people who have had similar problems. I must say that although the medications do help they only mask the problem and do not cure them. You might end up being even more reclusive and will become docile from the chemical effects. My suggestion would be to look at alternative methods of treatment i.e. organic treatments, mental/meditation exercises, etc.. The brain is a very plastic device and can be molded to the user’s free will. Alot of disorders occur simply from neurons in your brain becoming locked in a certain firing path but studies have shown that over time the user can overcome the disorder from consistent free will and over-riding those temptations. You will be very suprised at how powerful the mind can be, especially the sub-conscious mind. Don’t put chemicals in your body to hide the problem, look inside yourself to remove it. It may not come as fast as you want it but in the long run it will work out alot better for you. I hoped this helps and good luck!
take it when you need it only. it’s a great drug but it is addicting. Take it when you feel a panic attack coming or in a situation you feel may cause anxiety, like going to the dentist.
You need to go to the doctor and take your meds. Don;t worry about becoming addicted to those meds. Your life is not working well right now. Those medicines can improve your life and get you happy and healthy again! Yes, xanax can be addicting – but even if that did happen, as long as you are working with your doctor and are living a happy more productive life than you are now – it will be worth it!