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Benzos and long term use.

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Posted 3/5/2008 10:35 PM (GMT 0)
Tootie,
I was not dx until I was 37 when I had a full blown panic attack and my dear friend who is a nurse too came right over and recognized what was going on. I had anxiety and would be up at night. She would have me call her and we would go walking our neighborhood at 0300 in the morning with me crying and not knowing why. She got me to my first therapist. Bless her heart. I had 4 young kids at home.
I believe we share a lot. I hope I can help you and you me.
Hugs
Kitt
Posted 3/6/2008 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All...Thanks to everyone for your replies. To badgenetics1...it encourages me to hear that your grandmother is able to take the Seroquel...I'd actually be trying 6.25mg due to my sensitivity to so many drugs. I will keep the Lexapro in mind, in the event that things don't go well. One of my worries about Seroquel is that the 'Pill Book' mentions that some individuals need to take a thyroid hormone when taking this drug...I have Hypothyroidism & have been really under the weather (nausea w/ severe fatifue) for several weeks. My PCP can't figure out what's causing these symptoms but, they seem to have coincided w/ the increase dosage of my thyroid med., Levothyroxin. We've decided to drop back the dosage to see if I improve. I'm concerned though, that it may turn out that I do need to take the higher dosage but that, once again, it's my drug sensitivity that's causing the problem (a friend of mine says that she has to take Synthroid; that her trial of Levo really bothered her). Unfortunately, under my HMO, Synthroid is a Tier 3 drug & would end up costing $50mo. vs. $10 for Levo. Hopefully, this will get resolved & then I'll start the Seroquel.
Welcome, marvelous!
Posted 3/6/2008 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt
Thank you for your post. It sure will be nice to share with someone our experiences.
When I started going thru my SEVERE anxiety, my sons were only 4 and 5. I had
them late in life. I feel as though I missed out a lot because I was unable to cope.
My husband was not supportive, he just didnt understand. Things are better now,
but I still battle the demons. It seems it comes even after something that is
GOOD, like my son getting engaged. I started to get the panic attacks when I
was planning his engagement party in Dec. One never knows when anxiety will
rear its ugly head. I have to go out today, first time in two weeks, due to the fact I broke two ribs 3 weeks ago, and yep, my anxiety is starting to hit. Will just believe
that NOTHING will go wrong, and I will get my two very small errands done. To a normal person, this would be nothing, but to people like us, it is quite an accomplishment. Will write later, friend
Posted 3/6/2008 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
gud luck tootie and congrats on your son's engagement.
Posted 3/6/2008 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Tootie
And yes it is great to share with those that know what this DD is all about living with it day to day
Keep posting and stay with us
Again a warm welcome o you
Congrats are in order as well I see
Take care of you .......LYN
Posted 3/6/2008 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
Tootie
You are so right, having other members to talk to that understand what your going through and where your coming from makes a difference in your life. It helps to realize that you are not alone in this disorder.
When I start feeling anxious and panicky about doing something I try to put a time frame on it I.E. if I have to got to the dentist at 2:00PM, I will keep telling myself that by dinner time it will all be behind me. Sometimes it seems like I am walking to the "chair" but in reality I know I will be ok. What is the worse that could happen.............
Lady runs out of dentist office with silly bib around her neck?
Sending you good vibes to help you get through your day out of the house.
Hugs
Kitt
Posted 3/6/2008 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Fuzzy

Justa quick note, I am also very drug sensitive. I mean like I took a Claritin once and was up for 2 days! (really) and holy hell once someone gave me a Dayquil for a cold and I thought I was going to have a heart attack! I also have pretty bad migraines, and my Dr. mentioned that some people have a Liver enzyme that causes them to metablolize drugs and toxins differnetly (hence the migrains and drug probs) Anyway just thought I would share. Lexapro and benzos are really the only things I have been able to tolerate so far. I do not want to have this liver enzyme test bc what would it tell me? It would just make me worry and I would still be super drug sensative.

Oh, also (ok, not really a quick note anymore) people with anxiety tend to be hypersensative to EVERYTHING, particularly body sensations. I know I am.

:)

Spring is comming!
Posted 3/6/2008 3:14 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt
You sure put a smile on my face. I just did three errands and am proud of myself.
Came home to rest for a bit because of my ribs, but will go out again later.
When I have an appt at the drs or dentist I do the exact same thing.......about
48 hours ahead of the appt I start my countdown. I think, okkkkkk, in 35 hours it will be over, then in 24 hours it will be over, etc. etc. In some strange way this does help. And when it is finally over, what a relief. My whole body relaxes and
I feel great.........it sounds strange, but will do what it takes.
Keep up the great work. WE WILL MAKE IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 3/6/2008 3:19 PM (GMT 0)
Howlyncat
Thanks for the welcome, is always nice to meet new friends. Have a relaxed stress free day and hope to see many more of your posts
Posted 3/6/2008 3:23 PM (GMT 0)
Badfish
Thanks for the congrats. Will be a BIG wedding, about 250 people. Will really need to get my anxiety under control by then. But for now, I take one day at a tiime, enjoying the preparations and seeing my son and future daughter in law so happy. I REFUSE to let this anxiety ruin this very special tiime in our lives. Was nice meeting you
Posted 3/7/2008 12:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks badgenetics1...you sound just like me...actually, I didn't have this problem when I was younger. In fact, I am a former drug user (as in street drugs) & was quite addicted to cocaine (I was unaware that I had Crohn's & the drug gave me so much energy...I worked full-time, traveled, partied (of course) &, except for some insecurities & mild anxiety, I was very outgoing). Eventually, the Crohn's really became pronounced (I knew that there was a problem but when I finally got over the embarassment of seeing a doctor, I was told that it was in my head). This sent me further into my drug & alcohol descent...finally, at 24, I was properly diagnosed & while it took awhile, I eventually stopped all the drugs & eventually, cut back on the alcohol (I rarely drink now because I physically can't handle it). The problem is, I ended-up w/ the severe anxiety/panic & finally depression. Ironic, I was happier back then...I managed to quit all the addictions but have since been in a downward spiral-30yrs. (I find this really unfair!). Oddly, I now have trouble handling a simple antibiotic. Anyway, I'm rambling & really getting off the subject. The one thing I was planning to comment on is that, my therapist is trying the Seroquel because I tried approx. 12 SSRI's & couldn't deal w/ the side-effects. If I could, I wouldn't be depressed! Crossing my fingers...I'll let you know how it goes...planning to give it a try next week...Fuzzy
Posted 3/7/2008 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
Hi !
I've taken Klonopin for 2 yrs. I take 0.5. I take half a pill twice a day. Sometimes less (1/2) sometimes more(1 1/2). It works so well for me. My psychiatrist says that I'm taking such a small amount that I should'nt have problems with it. I'm so happy to have a med that works. Best to all, Dee
Posted 3/7/2008 7:22 AM (GMT 0)
your signature artpainter hurt my eyes..why so bold!!

yana
Posted 3/7/2008 12:20 PM (GMT 0)
Regarding eyes, I use the bold too when my eyes are tired. Some of us have old eyes, lol. I know if I watch TV for a couple of hours and then use the computer things appear blurry and I make types too.

I think it is time for new glasses but they are so expensive now and I am retired.

Tootie,
All four times I found out I was pregnant I would tell myself in 9 months this will be behind me..............joke was on me. 3 of my children were 10 month babies. Even the Dr. said your just a 10 monther. Hey I never read that in Dr. Spock's book.

Dee,
I am glad the Klonopin is working for you. I know the Valium works for me smile

fuzzyw
Congratulations, Hurrah and Kudos to you, you have seen the devil and you have beat him...........I am so happy for you and proud of you for sharing your success with us.

You know when we look back, the past often seems like it was a bit happier, we were younger and we forget the hardtime memories.

I have great faith in your ability to build happiness into your life and please keep posting here. There is much support in this forum..
Posted 3/7/2008 3:28 PM (GMT 0)
Fuzzy,

I cant imagine going through what you have been through! Congratulations on just surviving! I have always been terrified of all drugs, even alcohol to some degree because it makes me feel "funny" I think its part of the anxiety. I think Benzos work so well for because they make me feel "un-funny" Like all the weird feelings go away...anyway I ramble.

I also seem not to be able to tolerate even antibiotics, I have had severe allergic reactions to many.

I believe you will feel better, you have survived do much already, and you are still here. :)
Posted 3/7/2008 3:40 PM (GMT 0)
Great input Badgenetics as always you do have way about you
you take care
Luvs .......Lyn........see ya around the boards
YES fuzzy definitely is a survivor ........and an inspiration to all
Posted 3/7/2008 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Lyn :)

I have heard that before, "A way about me" If only I could figure it out! :)

Its Friday! Yeah!
Posted 3/7/2008 3:53 PM (GMT 0)
YEAH ya got that right my friend
TGIF...........
Ya got plans I know I do ......on here this weekend .........lol and everyday it seems I am a yapper.......
Have a great weeekend my friend see ya around the boards I hope ...
Luvs ya........LYN
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