is it common......

.... For xanax, ativan, any benzo really, to have a lesser effect after 2 weeks?

Reason I ask, is I needed twice the dose yesterday, and today so far. That said, as i have stated before, i have GERD, and was diagnosed with IBS(which i dont believe) years ago. Yesterday it seemd like my normal nexium dose wasnt working asnit usually does, and i was extremely bloated, more so in the intestines than stomach area, although i had pain from breast bone to pelvis. Today, i had pretty severe diarrhea.

Im not sure what is happening. Maybe just a stomach bug, maybe IBS. Either way, I am wondering if that episode required more Xanax than normal? Could that be possible? Or, does your body normally get acustomed to benzo within weeks and require a higher dose to get the same effect?

I have a doc appointment tomorrow, and im going to try to convince him to give me a longer acting benzo(klonopin) but i also need to talk about this bloating problem that seems to occur more frequently. But I just want a little more knowledge about the benzos and this episode yesterday/today before i see him.

Ok, off to run errands, hope i can focus, anxiety a little high today with diarrhea and worries about tomorrows visit. Hope everyones having a great day. Thank you.

Thanks SC!

Hi trader, I think we have same case of GERD and anxiety. Have you try drinking warm ginger tea? it helps me a lot to calm my stomach and bloating. I usually drink it after meals and as needed if i feel bloated and feeling panicky.. It's been over 8 months now and only taking zantac as needed. I quit all PPI, i developed IBS from that and increase anxiety.

If you want to quit PPI, take it slowly until you can tolerate with H2 Blocker (zantac) once a day until as needed. Our stomach needs acid.

For Benzo (xanax), i just take it when badly needed (e.g. while driving and stuck in a traffic). Usually when I feel a panic is coming due to my acid reflux, i just drink warm ginger tea then lie down, feel relax, listen music using my headset until it calms down.

@arnel

I tried just about everything for my GERD. Ginger can be extremely upsetting to some with GERD, for others it works great. My GERD isnt actually traditional GERD, but caustic burns in the esophagus and stomach from drinking ACV straight. At the time, I was extremely bloated, and with the decreased motility in the intestines, the ACV had a longer time to damage the stomach lining than normal. Because everything was backed up, the body acted normally, and pushed the ACV into the esophagus. I never had true GERD symptoms.

Because of the stomach damage, the severe irritation messes with the vagus nerve which boosts my heart rate...which creates panic attacks. I developed anxiety from constant worry it was a heart issue. The IBS, well as I said years ago I didnt believe in it. As years went on, I still dont believe IBS is anything but a catchall phrase for messed up digestive system :) But, whatever it is, I got it.

As far as PPI's, I dont want off them. Too many people give them a bad rap. They serve a purpose. And until a damaged stomach or esophageal lining heals, face it, they are your best option. No H2 Blocker or natural remedy is as efficient at lowering acid levels enough to heal damaged lining, on their own. The body will eventually heal, using those options, in a much longer time span. There simply is no sense in using an inferior med and subjecting oneself to misery because one read PPI's are bad. PPI's dont eliminate acid, but greatly reduce it to give your body time to heal.

Everyone is different, and reacts to meds differently. PPI's can cause their own problems, but for treating damaged lining, there is nothing better.


Thanks again all on the benzos. Soon off to the docs. Kind of nervous. I am extremely adamant regarding AD's and im sure since the Celexa didnt work out for me he will try to persuade me to try another. That I will not do, and will make my point very quickly in the conversation. I have been with this doc for 8 years, but if he insists on an AD or resists the idea of more benzos until the stomach heals, i will find another doc. The Xanax has been so great at helping me deal with the panic attacks, and minimizing or eliminating anxiety that im just not taking no for an answer. If he thinks my stomach is on the right track to healing, there is simply no reason to deny benzos for a short while longer.

Sorry for the rant, wish me luck! Thanks.

You likely have needed more bc of the GERD/gastro issues acting up. Dont be afraid to have to take more. I've had to take more before and been upset abt it too bit it's better to be chilled out then panicking!

Also, I wonder of any of your stomach meds could be making the Xanax less effective? Just a thought. You might google interactions or space out your stomach meds and Xanax if possible.

Take care!
Lisa

trader,

Sounds like you have a very knowledgeable doctor. I wish I could find one. I have similar issues. Anxiety, "IBS", etc. I've been trying to find someone who knows more about the IBS other than - get your stress under control and it will stop. I take klonopin but only when I really need it (a few days out of the week).
It sounds like he has a plan for you and that's awesome! I hope the medications do the job right and you start to feel better.
Good Luck!

trader,

Thank you for the advice. I'm searching online for another GI practice around my location. I have a app with my primary on Tues and we'll see how it goes! Thank you again and good luck to you too!