My doctor put me on Hydro/APAP (10/500 ~ 3x Daily), about 4 months ago, to help with lower back pain caused by Ankylosing Spondilitis. Unfortunately, I now find myself taking them as often as every 4 hours. I have also suffered with Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks since 1982, for which I take Paroxetine and Lithium Carbonate. And Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), for which I take Omeprazole. My doctor has also prescribed Xanax (0.5 mg), as needed for the panic.
My problem is that I'm afraid to stop taking the Hydro, due to the panic attacks which occur if I try to stretch out the time between doses. And I'm really hesitant about taking the Xanax, to help with the panic attacks, as I understand the drug interaction with Hydro is listed as "Moderate". However, the Hydro is reeking havoc with my IBS (constipation, diarrhea, lower back pain, excessive flatulence, etc.). And when an episode of diarrhea sets in, so does a panic attack (sweating, fear, feeling of doom, nausea, etc.). I feel like I'm on a merry-go-round.
My doctor has not been sympathetic with my situation so, any help I can get from here would be greatly appreciated. I need to find a way to wean myself off the Hydro, with as few withdrawal symptoms as possible, due to my fear of experiencing panic attacks.
Also, any information regarding the use of Xanax while still taking the Hydro would be helpful.
As a side note, I have recently undergone a Nuclear Stress Test, Gallbladder Ultrasound and Hida Scan, extensive blood work and an Ultrasound on my heart. These tests were ordered to rule out the possibility of a heart/coronary condition, as well as cancer. (My doctors do not currently have an explanation why my white blood count has been going up over the last several months. However, with the exception of finding stones in my gallbladder, and a thickening of the urethra walls, all tests came back negative for heart disease and/or cancer.)