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Xanax question

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Posted 1/8/2014 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
I just needed to take one, real bad. It has helped calm me down. I was thisclose to calling 911 again. How does it work? Shouldn't it totally get rid of all anxiety symptoms? I mean my heart doesn't feel like it's going crazy, but I still feel some tingling and a burning-like feeling in my throat/chest, just not as bad. I still feel tense, but considerably calmer.

Thanks for any help.

ME
Posted 1/8/2014 5:15 AM (GMT 0)
I've taken Xanax (0.25mg) a few times to stop severe panic attacks. On occasion there were a few symptoms that persisted even after it had kicked in and I was much calmer - most of mine come in the evening and ultimately it would knock me out and that's how I escaped them...

I went to the ER once because all my symptoms didn't go away after I took Xanax so it 'had' to be something else... They ran EKG, Blood work, Vitals, Chest X-Ray and concluded it was a panic attack.

Its so hard not to be afraid but apparently that's the key. I haven't mastered it yet but that's what we all have to work on.
Posted 1/8/2014 6:56 AM (GMT 0)
From what I understand, benzodiazepines bind to Gaba receptors in the brain, relieving anxiety...but not necessarily eliminating it completely.

A combination of therapy/self-help skills and medication ususally brings about the best results in anxiety management.

I would encourage you to explore all the coping skills that you can at this time to get you through.:)

S.C.
Posted 1/8/2014 1:10 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, that's helpful to know. I had one attack and was able to calm myself without Xanax, but then since other things continued, even though it was on a lesser degree, it snowballed into another attack so I gave in and took the Xanax. It did calm me considerably. And helped me sleep better.

I am definitely reading up on self help, too. I feel like I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I look at my child's little face and I see it there.
Posted 1/8/2014 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Aww, that is wonderful inspiration!

I felt the same way. I knew that I needed to get help, not only for myself, but so that I could be the person, wife and mother that I needed and wanted to be.

You will get there.:) You are taking the right steps and making progress already.

Be patient with yourself and the process!

...and keep talking with us.:)

S.C.
Posted 1/8/2014 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
Xanax is a great medicine, if used the way it should. 3 plus yrs since i got anxiety i still take xanac from time to time when anxiety is spiking and troublesome.
Posted 1/8/2014 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
I have used Xanax for years--regular basis--not saying it is the best way, but it does work. I would always encourage OTHER ways to reduce anxiety: like deep breathing, meditation or prayer, or doing something active--hang in there. Many of us need medication and should never feel ashamed of it. I try to tell myself that because I suffer from anxiety and that is the way it is. xoxo
Posted 1/9/2014 3:38 AM (GMT 0)
Please be careful how long you take it...I'm at my wits end trying to come off it now that my life has calmed down. Its VERY addictive. I've never had a problem dropping tobacco, alcohol, ANYTHING... but your body physically needs xanax whether you want it or not, whether you abuse it or not... And you'll work up a tolerance the longer you're on it. Its WONDERFUL to get thru rough times...but I just posted asking for help to come off it :-/
Posted 1/9/2014 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
How do you unignore someone? I thought i did a thumbs up :-(
Posted 1/9/2014 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Oops...we have all done that mymichele. ;p

Go into your profile. (icon upper left of the page, blue toolbar)

You will see (to the upper right of that page) an icon for 'Edit Ignored Users'

Simply click on that icon to undo the ignore.;)

S.C.

Posted 1/9/2014 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice, mymichele!
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