Aa
PTSD/depression
I have sufferedd with anxiety,and PTSD for many years last two yers iam taking valium,but it doesn seem to help much, i dont sleep well ,have night mares,depression, and anger I read soem wher that valium and similar meds wernt the best fot PTSD.I dont like taking a lo of meds, been there
pointman
pointman
Not to worry ~ it's all connected. Wellbutrin used to make me wired too, but only when I was already taking the class C narcotic type of chill pills like xanax. Now that's weird. I"ve been thru several different ssri class of anti-depressants in the past five years and nothing has worked. I weaned myself off all anxiety med's a couple years ago. Have tried 5 different ssri's in the past 18 months and nothing. Doc suggested I try the Wellbutrin last month and I really seem to be doing better & am so relieved. Now I have to pick up the will to fight again...
But, back on track... with the xanax being a chill pill, you may be having withdrawal type of symptoms in between doses, and not true anxiety. Which when you're dealing with the aftermath of abuse, sexual and drug abuse, is hard to identify anyway. So just sort things through one at a time. Give yourself a break. You will know better than anyone else what works for you. Tapering off the chill pills and still dealing with the realities of PTSD and Depression are not easy things to do.
I'm beginning to think that taking some of these med's have a long term impact on how our bodies & brains respond to medical treatments and pharmaceuticals anyway... the balance for me has been pretty elusive the past year+. I think the neuro receptor cites in our brains are changed by the different med's we take trying to treat our PTSD/Depression. It's a battle but it's worth the changes we make for ourselves; at least when our heads are clear, we can be certain of the decisions and choices we're making. That too, makes the battle worth it. It's sure better than 'where I've come from'.
Not much help, I know; but thanks for letting me share anyway ~ Girl Power is stronger than we allow sometimes b/c with the abuse and rape we've learned not to trust ourselves. That's what we've got to turn around, to still trust ourselves, in our own strengths, hearts, and minds. ~ Peace ~ Wosh.
But, back on track... with the xanax being a chill pill, you may be having withdrawal type of symptoms in between doses, and not true anxiety. Which when you're dealing with the aftermath of abuse, sexual and drug abuse, is hard to identify anyway. So just sort things through one at a time. Give yourself a break. You will know better than anyone else what works for you. Tapering off the chill pills and still dealing with the realities of PTSD and Depression are not easy things to do.
I'm beginning to think that taking some of these med's have a long term impact on how our bodies & brains respond to medical treatments and pharmaceuticals anyway... the balance for me has been pretty elusive the past year+. I think the neuro receptor cites in our brains are changed by the different med's we take trying to treat our PTSD/Depression. It's a battle but it's worth the changes we make for ourselves; at least when our heads are clear, we can be certain of the decisions and choices we're making. That too, makes the battle worth it. It's sure better than 'where I've come from'.
Not much help, I know; but thanks for letting me share anyway ~ Girl Power is stronger than we allow sometimes b/c with the abuse and rape we've learned not to trust ourselves. That's what we've got to turn around, to still trust ourselves, in our own strengths, hearts, and minds. ~ Peace ~ Wosh.
Ive been taking xanax for over 2 maybe even 3 years now, god, maye 5! I think almost 3. I dont even know!! I cant keep track of time.. But I know Im addicted. I have been taking it every single night to sleep, and when I feel anxious. I started abusing it last year after a traumatic event, kinda got back on track with it, and now Im back to taking it more.. not just for fun, but because I think I need it now, or I should say my body needs it.. But I also think my anxiety is getting worse.. I dont know if its because of what happened to me last year, (drugged/raped) or because my body needs it now. Im also on Wellbutrin for depression, and I think that is exacerbating it.. Wellbutrine does make me more wired and irritable. But Im afriad to go on anything else cuz they all made me gain weight..
sorry, kinda got off topic..
sorry, kinda got off topic..
I have been on a couple of deployments to the Middle East and realize that this can be very hard. Don't feel bad for taking medications if they are prescribed to you. In my opinion, they are a valuable tool as you talk it through with a therapist. This anxiety cycle can be very vicious, but you can also break free of it with patience, hard work, and understanding. Please keep us posted.
My hubby takes several meds for his PTSD. He didn't start them all at once, but is on five different meds now. He goes to the VA Med Center. He has two different threphist and one pyst. doc who does his meds. I am uneasy when they want to change, or add to his meds. Most of the doc there are residents ones that rotate in and out of the Behavioral Health team. He never gets to know them well enough for my comfort for them to switch meds around.
Oh my gosh! You've all given so much!!! And if you'll forgive me, I'm not a Veteran.
I've been friends with many who served in Vietnam for over 20 years, and b/c of the way our Nam Vets were treated (i should say lack of treatment) for so many years, I finally found out that my Dragon had a name ~ I have PTSD. If it weren't for the way our Veterans were treated for so long, they would never have learned how to treat me! And I would have gone on just thinking I was crazy.
I used EMDR ~ for ptsd tx. and it was very successful for me. Now, instead of panicking, I have normal ranges of anxiety when my PTSD is 'triggered', rather than having the overwhelming panic attacks; though I've had a lot of nightmares this year.
At least I have a 'tool kit' to work with!
I've worked hard not to take anxiety med's anymore!!! Holy cow!
What happens with the Class C narcotic, fast acting anxiety meds, is that our body becomes dependent on them. So then, after a period of time, our body feels anxious because it is wanting the drug, ie. take one every four hours, etc.
I'm really tired of talk therapy and don't do cognitive behavioral therapy any more either, though that was very successful for me during the early 90's! And writing is still an effective tool; IF I will pick them up!
There is no one that can help a Veteran better than another Veteran!
I'm honored to be in service to our Veterans, every one of you; but I cannot possibly begin to replace the support you can give each other.
My Doc served 3 years in Vietnam as a Combat Medic with the 5th Special Forces Group. My heart breaks for him ~ such a gifted healer ~ having to live with the sights, sounds, and smells, and the memories of those left behind.
Personally, if the anxiety is constantly there, get a fast acting anxiety med: valium, xanax, or a generic??? Use it, get some relief! Just know that after a period of time the body becomes dependent on it and there may be challenges presented with that.
If you need it, use it. If it quits working for you, have the doctor increase the dose a bit.
Get a larger dose for the 'big ones', also Klonepin is slower acting. You can take a Klonepin 3x a day, and save the fast acting ones for the panic attacks. IMHO.
Blessings to each and every one of you! You'll be in my heart and prayers in the weeks and months ahead ~ Peace & Respect ~ Woshi
I've been friends with many who served in Vietnam for over 20 years, and b/c of the way our Nam Vets were treated (i should say lack of treatment) for so many years, I finally found out that my Dragon had a name ~ I have PTSD. If it weren't for the way our Veterans were treated for so long, they would never have learned how to treat me! And I would have gone on just thinking I was crazy.
I used EMDR ~ for ptsd tx. and it was very successful for me. Now, instead of panicking, I have normal ranges of anxiety when my PTSD is 'triggered', rather than having the overwhelming panic attacks; though I've had a lot of nightmares this year.
At least I have a 'tool kit' to work with!
I've worked hard not to take anxiety med's anymore!!! Holy cow!
What happens with the Class C narcotic, fast acting anxiety meds, is that our body becomes dependent on them. So then, after a period of time, our body feels anxious because it is wanting the drug, ie. take one every four hours, etc.
I'm really tired of talk therapy and don't do cognitive behavioral therapy any more either, though that was very successful for me during the early 90's! And writing is still an effective tool; IF I will pick them up!
There is no one that can help a Veteran better than another Veteran!
I'm honored to be in service to our Veterans, every one of you; but I cannot possibly begin to replace the support you can give each other.
My Doc served 3 years in Vietnam as a Combat Medic with the 5th Special Forces Group. My heart breaks for him ~ such a gifted healer ~ having to live with the sights, sounds, and smells, and the memories of those left behind.
Personally, if the anxiety is constantly there, get a fast acting anxiety med: valium, xanax, or a generic??? Use it, get some relief! Just know that after a period of time the body becomes dependent on it and there may be challenges presented with that.
If you need it, use it. If it quits working for you, have the doctor increase the dose a bit.
Get a larger dose for the 'big ones', also Klonepin is slower acting. You can take a Klonepin 3x a day, and save the fast acting ones for the panic attacks. IMHO.
Blessings to each and every one of you! You'll be in my heart and prayers in the weeks and months ahead ~ Peace & Respect ~ Woshi
I also have chronic PTSD, and I am on 2 different medications. I have bad night terrors even on the meds. I personally stop going to counseling because it did no good for me. Taking about it with someone that is close to you seem to help me when i talk to my hubby who also has PTSD ( combat veteran). But I found out talking is the best.
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