thx Amy. I tried Zoloft but it made me too tired, almost non functional. A lot of my migraines are allergy related and stress. I didn't have hardly any til I moved to TX and began living w/my family! Anyhow, I agree, CBT therapy (cognitive behavioral right?) would be helpful. I tried Klonopin but it didnt work as well as xanax for panic.
I meant to write all benzodiazepines should be tapered.... Not taken. :)
I agree that Xanax needs to be tapered. I am rather conservative and think every benzodiazepine should be taken. As I don't know your health or panic situation...ie related to trauma or more biological in nature, I will
Say I have had better success with oscillator or zoloft that effexor as this can tend to have withdrawal symptoms and anecdotally known to make migraines worth. I like imipramine, clonidine, or enem clonapine to treat anxiety disorders. CBT and/or trauma therapy when combined with mess can be helpful. Again I encourage you to see a psychiatrist or psychiatric NP as we tend to becable to prescribe psych meds more accurately than PCP. I wish you the best. Keep us posted.
I think i was too premature to think I could go off xanax cause I have had bad panic attacks last 2 days. I think once I can exercise again ( had surgery that went bad, in pain 24/7) I will not need the xanax much and will have less panic. I see a psychiatrist but cannot afford to go much. I really need a good therapist. Until I get good therapy and other healthier ways to deal w/my panic attacks I will have to take it occasionally I guess.
If you really want to get off xanax, speak to your doctor first. They will need to taper you off. I stopped cold turkey, and it wasn't fun. Sounds like you are taking very small doses though, so hopefully it won't be too tough. Good luck!
Hi, thank u for responding. Last night I realized it had been 7 days, not 4 since taking xanax. I also felt better. I am also about to start period so those symptoms are similiar so I am confused what is causing this! I DID experience bad anxiety/panic last night so maybe all those weird physical symptoms were the precursor to my panic attack ( dizzy, disoriented, hot/cold, withdrawn, etc.) I did just take 1/2 of a pill now cause I am worried about seizures. I will talk to my dr.
Definitely discuss your desire to get off the Xanax with your doctor. Even though you didn't take it on a daily basis, as you said, you've taken it for YEARS. I'm not a pharmacists, so I'm not 100% sure, but by now you certainly have a tolerance for the Xanax, your body is use to getting it, to quit cold turkey could be a very unwise choice. PLEASE see your doctor and work out a slow taper plan that is comfortable for YOU. Don't let your doctor push you too fast.
The flu like symptoms you're feeling after 4 days without any Xanax are almost definitely signs of withdrawal. Please don't be alarmed by this, it's simply your body/mind telling you that you can't just stop.
If you were to take a prescribed dose right now and your flu like symptoms went away. you could be fairly certain it's the Xanax you need, not a bowl of chicken soup. But take only the amount prescribed. And see your doctor.
Xanax is a tough med to quit, but if you really want to, you can do it!
I wish you the best and hope you will let us know how it's going for you.
Peace
Greenlydia