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Common cold and anxiety

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/18/2014 6:49 PM (GMT 0)
Ugh. I have a cold and I've never had one while fighting a bout of anxiety. My anxiety symptom is that I have a hard time getting a deep breath, so having a cold is terrible for me. I am on buspar and a low dose of Xanax daily. I am so upset that I may have to increase my Xanax because of this, as I can't use as many coping skills as I usually do with my congestion and super sore throat. I worked so long and hard to get my anxiety down from a 10 to 5 and I feel that this may all be compromised by a stupid head cold. Also, I worked my way down from .5 Xanax 3x a day to only taking .125 per day. Oh! And I haven't slept well the last two nights because my throat is so dry and sore. When I don't sleep, my anxiety goes through the roof.

Anybody have any suggestions? Thank you.
Posted 9/18/2014 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
M

In sorry that you're experiencing this. Anytime I get a cold, my anxiety also increases so you're not alone.

Consult with your doctor about temporilarly increasing your meds. Do whatever you can to get you through this cold and I'm sure that everything willl go back to normal after the cold has run its course. So another words, if you do in fact have to take extra xanax or meds to get you through then DON'T feel bad... You can resume back to your normal dose after the cold/ excess anxiety has gone.

Anytime that we exerpience a cold or excess anxiety and have to increase our medication does NOt mean we have lost the war. Remind yourself that this is a temporary thing and you will be back on track once the cold subsides.... You can do this! Would love to hear your progress so keep us posted!
Posted 9/18/2014 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
Definitely talk with your doc about temporarily adjusting your medication. I've been in similar situations where there are times when she'll permit me to increase, and other times when I don't need as much. If you have a good relationship with your prescribing doctor, that's the best place to start.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that benzos are respiratory depressants, so if you're having difficulty breathing, your doc may have another alternative for you to try. It can't hurt to ask! Good luck, and I do hope you feel better soon. There's something going around!! Lots of people have been posting lately about coming down with the same symptoms....so you're in good company! :)





M.
Posted 9/19/2014 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
I just had the WORST cold I've ever had, so I feel for ya. The past 4 days my nose has been running like a faucet, lol, too much info I am sure! I wasn't able to use my coping skills either and was in the same boat as you! Hang in there. It may be tough now, but it will lighten up after the cold goes away. There shouldn't be a problem with taking a little extra Xanax..I think, but I am definitely no doctor, so maybe just give a call in to the doc and see what they say.

Best wishes, stay hydrated as best as you can!!
Posted 9/19/2014 5:58 AM (GMT 0)
MTG&Q.,

Great advice and support above...I just wanted to add my sympathies and support.

This will pass, and you can get back to the good place you were once again.

Feel better soon!

S.C.
Posted 9/19/2014 11:35 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much guys. I am still congested today, but thankfully was able to sleep last night:) I did end up taking a little more Xanax than I usually do, but I still took way under my prescribed amount.

I just love this forum. The support offered here is awesome. I'm so glad to be part of it.
Posted 9/19/2014 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
I agree! I think this place is the greatest. They've helped me through soooooo many things! (And believe me, that deserved a whole lot of ooooo's in that one!)

Post when you need to, and it's comforting to know there are people who will listen and who understand.




M.
Posted 9/20/2014 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Currently suffering the same issue. Sore throat, feel like I can't take a deep breath, congestion...it really sucks.

Just took a lorazepam to try to calm down. Thankful to know I'm not alone in this. Just logged in to remind myself of this. Already feeling a bit better.
Posted 9/20/2014 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
Nice to know I'm in good company, Panic. Day three of this cold and hopefully the last day:)
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