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Anxiety, Valerian Root, & Benzos, Oh My!

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/3/2015 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
I don't normally start many threads but I have been having a rough week.

Benzos
Here is my crazy benzo story. Feel free to cringe... I do daily.

I am on Xanax, but I became tolerant to it. I am still taking it to avoid potential withdrawal. The plot thickens because I am also on Xanax ER, which I went on when the Xanax stopped working. The grand reveal is that I am also on Klonopin, which I went on when the Xanax ER stopped working. You might say "hey Cat, why didn't you stop the Xanax when you got on Xanax ER? And why didn't you stop the Xanax ER when you got on Klonopin?" Both very good questions. The answer is: I did in fact stop the Xanax when I went to Xanax ER, but when it pooped out two weeks later, my doctor prescribed Klonopin to take its place. At that time I stopped taking the Xanax ER so I was solely on Klonopin. However, I started getting really bad withdrawal from having no Xanax. Rather than deal with that, I threw 0.5mg Xanax and 0.5 Xanax ER back into the mix. The Klonopin ended up not working at all *sad trombone noise* (I had grown tolerant to it 5 years ago but my doctor wanted to try it again) so I tried stopping that and just sticking with the 2 Xanaxes, but went through Klonopin withdrawal so I went back on 1mg of Klonopin. I know I need to get off ALL of them, but it's a matter of how and when, since I have nothing to relieve the withdrawal symptoms/anxiety (since none of them are functional).

Anxiety
I am coming out of my depression (thankfully), but this week I am back to having a lot of anxiety and waking up super early every morning with heart palps, tremor, and of course, anxiety. The anxiety could be due to my impending period in a few days, but I am not sure why I am waking up so early with those terrible side effects again! It's either my 3 benzos fighting with each other (which has happened before, but I thought I fixed the problem by switching doses around), or it could be that I switched from breaking a 100mg Zoloft pill in half (and taking 1.5 pills), to taking a 50mg pill (same manufacturer) with one 100mg pill. It shouldn't make a difference, but it correlates to when I started having issues. Could that change be the culprit?

Valerian Root
Like I said above, I need something to stop my anxiety (other than breathing techniques and distracting myself). I bought some Valerian Root because people on the Internet said it was the best for countering anxiety of all of the herbs. I was planning to attempt a nap (which I can never usually take, because my anxiety jerks me awake whenever I start to drift off). The pills are 450mg each, and the bottle says to take 1-5 pills at a time. I took 3 pills and waited. I ended up laying in bed for 3 hours not being able to open my eyes, it made me so drowsy. But, it didn't do anything for my anxiety at all, and I kept jerking awake every few minutes. I am really upset because I was counting on the V Root to stop my anxiety! :(

So here I am, taking three benzos and not being able to relieve my anxiety. It's sad, really. I am seriously considering asking my doctor for Valium, and dumping my current benzos (in a responsible, tapering way). But the reason I haven't asked him is that I am afraid since I am tolerant to three benzos, I will grow tolerant to Valium within like 2 weeks, and then I will be stuck on 4 benzos rather than 3! Does anyone have any opinions on this worry?

If anyone has any advice or comments, please let me know. I know I am a verbose writer, so thanks for sticking with me.

-Cat
Posted 9/3/2015 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
valeren root didnt do anything for anxiety for me either but works as a sleep aid for me.
Posted 9/3/2015 1:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hey BC,

I'm sorry to hear that your still having some issues with the anxiety. It's really good to hear that you're pulling out of the depression. I don't have a lot of experience in the medication but I can say that you've helped me pick myself up in the downturns as well as other members of this community. I just want you to know that when I first joined I remember you guys being very supportive so all I can say is that I send positive vibes your way and I hope that the anxiety passes as it should. Hope you keep us updated with your progress.

Aloha,

-AK
Posted 9/3/2015 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
Aw, thanks AK! :)
Posted 9/3/2015 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
BC,

Remind me what your other management plans include...

...self help (noted the breathing and distraction...how about mindfullness or other meditation, journaling/worksheets...ect)

...or therapy currently?

Do you see a GP for your Rx's or a P-doc?

S.C.
Posted 9/3/2015 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi S.C.,

I see a p-doc. I am seeing him on Sep 14. I see him every month.

I tried meditation and I didn't like the adrenaline rush I got at the end because it reminded me too much of how I feel when I get a panic attack. It's the same with exercise... I don't like the feeling once I am done running, so I take walks instead.

I don't do worksheets, but I do journal. I keep track of how I'm feeling, what time I take my meds, how much water I'm drinking, etc. It's really helpful.

I am not in therapy because I don't have a lot wrong in my life right now. I mean, I don't have any internal issues I need to get to the bottom of. I know exactly why I get panic attacks, and I can stop 99% of them without medication. Yes, I have been taking benzos for years, but they haven't worked for a long time. So I had to figure out what my triggers are, and how to stop the attacks with my mental powers rather than with a pill. I have been in therapy before (with a few different therapists), and I didn't care for it.

I did just have a breakdown when my grandmother passed away in May (this would be the 1% of panic attacks I couldn't prevent), but it was a rare situation from which I am almost recovered. I'm almost glad it happened because I got the chance to re-evaluate what I want to do with my life. I also learned about beta blockers, which will help to prevent future depressive episodes by blocking the adrenaline rush during a really bad/long panic episode.

I think I answered all of your questions. :)

-Cat
Posted 9/3/2015 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
B.C.

Good job on the walking, journaling and other coping skills that you have found helpful to your management plan.:) I hope that you can continue these, and find more to use for getting through the adjustments you are considering.

I am sorry to hear that you do not find more benefit in therapy. I really found that it gave me the tools I needed to change my mindset and reactions to stress...but I realize not every treatment is right for everyone...

...still, I would encourage you to keep an open mind to the idea...

Have I asked you about trying Vistaril, in place of Xanax/Klono? This antihistamine, taken off label for panic could help you to come off your benzo Rx's if that is your goal. Perhaps something to talk to your P-doc about at your upcoming?

Wishing you the best...keep seeking to meet your managament goals...and keep posting.:)

S.C.
Posted 9/3/2015 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi S.C.,

Thanks for your input. I will keep therapy in mind, for sure. My p-doc has been recommending it, too.

I have tried Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) for panic/anxiety and unfortunately it has a paradoxical effect on me. I read that it is very sedating, and people raved about it. I had my p-doc prescribe me 50mg (well, he chose the dosage, not me) and started taking it at night. The first night seemed to go okay, although I noticed it didn't sedate me, which I thought was weird. The second night was not so great... I woke up every hour, all night. The third night in my brilliance I thought "people say it's sedating, maybe I just need more of it!" so I took 100mg. I was wired the entire night. Didn't sleep at all.

I truly appreciate the suggestion, though!

-Cat
Posted 9/3/2015 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
Oh no! Sorry!

Just proves not every treatment is right for everybody, right?!?

Keep looking for YOUR key recovery tools...you will find them.

With encouragement and support along your journey...

S.C.
Posted 9/3/2015 10:38 PM (GMT 0)
Update... I know why the anxiety and early waking returned. It's not the benzos or the fact that I switched to a different form of Zoloft. It's the Valerian Root! I did a ton of research before taking the V Root to make sure it was safe to take with Zoloft. The only warning signs I could find were for extra sedation. But this morning I found a post in a forum by a girl who said to never take V Root while also taking an SSRI because it interferes with the absorption. I have been taking V Root for three days, so no wonder I am feeling like I am back to square one! I did not take any V Root today (or ever again, probably) and I am not anxious anymore. I was depressed this morning which was very bizarre because I haven't been depressed in at least 3 weeks, but it all makes sense since essentially I wasn't taking Zoloft for the last three days.
Posted 9/4/2015 1:36 AM (GMT 0)
there are lots of herbal meds you cant take with an ssri. many dont know about this -including drs. i took ginsing for extra engery to get tru tough days at work while on zoloft and nearly got serotonin syndrone. i had all the sighns and went to the er. they were clueless. tru reasearch i found the link my self. i decided to quit zoloft after this . happy to say i dont need it anymore.
Posted 9/4/2015 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
I had two panic attacks. Guess what third one NEVER CAME BACK? Here is exactly what I did to prevent third one from coming:

After two panic attacks, when third one feels like it is coming:

I pronounce word OM. That is, A-U-M. Yup, this(believe it or not) prevented third panic attack occurrence.

Here is how to do OM Chant that may produce the same effect in you: prevention of next panic attack.

Sit with knees bent in yoga pose. keep your spine straight. Take 3 deep breaths. On 4th one, say AAAAAAA-UUUUU-MMMMM - all three in a sequence AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. Do this continously 50 times. This should take you approximately 15 minutes. While chating OM, make sure to think that white light is entering from up above, from universe.

Repeat this 3 times a day, 50 times each. Panic attacks either will stop entirely or will reduce to an extent, dependent on type of your body.

Explanation: you may wonder why does this work. Well, it's Physics guys! Pronoucing OM produces vibrations at a CERTAIN Frequency known to be hear human body nerves, primarily involved in anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.

Good Luck!
Posted 9/4/2015 8:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Blu

That is interesting what you are saying about Valerian Root as I take it and have found that it helps me get to sleep but does not keep me asleep. I did not know there was any interaction with ssri's but I will look into that thanks for the info.

Hibee
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