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Xanax or something else?

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Posted 9/22/2016 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
Hey friends,

I know I need to go to my PCP about this, which I am, but I wanted to check with others like me. I take .25 Xanax, prescribed to be taken as needed. Now what I'm wondering is...is xanax what I should be taking or should I ask my doctor about something else? I like that Xanax is the quick fix. If I'm having a panic attack or freaking out, I can take one or two Xanax and boom, I calm down. But I know there are other kind of anxiety medications out there. I am generally just freaking out all day, GAD. From your experience, is there something else I should be on that kind of fights the anxiety throughout the day instead of just the quick temporary fix like Xanax? I hope that made sense...
Posted 9/22/2016 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
MD,

You made perfect sense. :)

Do talk to your doctor...but in general, there are maintenance meds...meant to be taken daily, and kept at a steady level in the system...

...and rescue meds, meant to be taken PRN/as needed for panic and episodes of acute anxiety.

A maintenance med would be taken for GAD, and the most commonly prescribed examples are SSRI'S and SNRI's.

Rescue medications include benzodiazepines and antihistamines taken off label for anxiety.

It is common practice to have both a prescription for a daily/maintenance med...as well as one for rescue medication when it's necessary.

Talking to your doctor should help you come up with the best plan to meet your recovery needs.

Best wishes, and keep us posted on your progress!

S.C.
Posted 9/22/2016 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you. So Xanax is something that I should keep on hand for panic attacks, but it sounds like I should be taking something else to keep me balanced. Doesn't sound like Xanax is something I should be taking for long term, daily.
Posted 9/22/2016 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
Correct.

It is a wonderful 'sometimes' tool! However, the risk of tolerance/dependency makes it one that is better kept for 'as needed' use.

The maintenance meds don't have those concerns (though can carry some side effects for some people), and should help you to maintain a level daily mood.

If you can...ask for a consult with a psychiatrist. This type of doctor has specialized in medications for managing anxiety (and other mental health concerns)...and will be best able to help you explore your options. :)

S.C.
Posted 9/22/2016 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
That sounds like what I need. Something to keep me chill and my mood up all day. I like force myself to not take the Xanax for the reasons you just said, and because I do enjoy to drink so when I know I have something coming up I avoid taking the Xanax but I feel like my anxiety gets worse when I fight it. I do see a therapist, she can't prescribe anything. I'll ask my doctor about a psychiatrist. Sounds stupid but to be honest I thought therapist and psychiatrist were the same thing.
Posted 9/22/2016 7:08 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Yes one of the ssri's would be a good option so have a chat with your prescribing doctor.

Hibee
Posted 9/22/2016 1:32 PM (GMT 0)
Don't feel stupid Mike! Some therapists are psychiatrists, so it can be very confusing! ;D

A psychiatrist is an MD, so has prescribing authority, and is an expert on psych meds.

A therapist is anyone trained and licensed (qualifications vary by state, but usually requires a Masters degree) to provide psychotherapy/counseling services. There are different styles/techniques/theories that different therapists use, so if you aren't meshing well with one, it's worth trying a different person. And like you said, they don't prescribe meds (though they can give recommendations or things to ask you doctor about).

Strength to you while you figure out your situation!
Posted 9/22/2016 7:25 PM (GMT 0)
I'm just really nervous about going on something else. Of course I read and over analyze everything and I know that pills can just make thing worse. Kind of how I feel my anxiety has gotten worse ever since I began taking the Xanax. I don't want to get even crazier than I already feel by taking meds.
Posted 9/22/2016 10:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have an appointment tomorrow morning with a psychiatrist so we'll see. They said this will be to see what's going on and prescribe what they think is best, not for discussion therapy, which is fine because I have a therapist for that. We'll see what she says. Just very nervous to start another medication. I don't want it to make me worse. I've tried natural ways to calm my anxiety but it's just taking over my life. Someone rang my doorbell today and my heart jumped out of my chest. I need something to chance and I think meds at this point look like my only option, along with therapy.
Posted 9/23/2016 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
MD,

Don't be worried about a new med...ask questions tomorrow...get educated about what your best choices are. This will help you to feel informed and empowered!

Remember this is your decision, so take the offered guidance, but don't feel pressured to make a quick decision. The P-doc should take his/her time thoroughly explaining everything to you.

Between this step and your therapy, you are making great strides towards recovery...great work!

Let us know how it goes, okay?

S.C.
Posted 9/23/2016 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
I think you're making the right decisions, Mike!
Posted 9/23/2016 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks all. I will let you know how it goes. Side note, my Xanax had no refills because the kind of medicine it is. Every time i need a refill I have to go in to see my doc and she gives me another script. Is that the same for SSRIs? Or can those he prescriptions that have refills without having to make an appointment every time?
Posted 9/23/2016 5:06 AM (GMT 0)
SSRI's are not a controlled substance like a benzodiazepine is...so you should have no problem with getting an ongoing prescription/refills.

S.C.
Posted 9/23/2016 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there! Just got done seeing the psychiatrist. She said that there's a few things going on. She says what I knew, GAD, OCD, but actually OCD being the main problem. She said that most people think of OCD as like excessive hand washing, things in certain order, etc., but that it's also in thoughts. I somewhat knew that but she said that the main issue is my obsession with thinking I have health(heart) issues, then that is what I stress and have anxiety about. She gave me a prescription for 20mg Prozac. Not going to lie, I am pretty nervous about this for many reasons. I hage really only heard negative things about Prozac in the past. She told me there can be increased thoughts of suicide, but that I'm out of that age group, she said it's mainly in patients 25 and younger. Though she said nausea is rare in this medicine, I am worried it will throw me into a panic if I do get nauseous. The reason for that is because I always think I have a heart problem and all the stupid reading I've done, I associate nausea as the onset of cardiac arrest. So I'm worried if I take it and start getting nauseous that I'm about to die.
She wants to see me in two weeks for a follow up and possibly increase the dose because she isn't confident that 20mg will be enough for me. Anyone have any insight or experience with Prozac that they can share?
Posted 9/23/2016 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
MD,

Sounds like you had a productive and informative appointment! :)

Keep In mind that everyone is going to have a different experience on any given med...so you will want to remember this when reading user reviews!

That said...you can do a 'Search ' right here for threads on Prozac... (use the upper right blue toolbar for Search icon)

...as well as starting a new thread with a title such as 'Please Share Your Prozac Experience'...so our members who take it can chime in.

Wishing you the best with your start up! Use your coping skills, and keep us posted, so we can cheer you on!

S.C.
Posted 9/23/2016 8:42 PM (GMT 0)
I'd also add to remember that psychiatrists are truly experts on psych meds. They want their prescriptions to be the right med and for you to be successful - so this probably is the best option for you! Best of luck!
Posted 9/23/2016 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
She definitely seemed confident in her decision to go with Prozac. Ughhh I just know the first little side effect I get in going to freak out and think it's something health related. I expressed that to her and she said to blame the meds and push through it, unless it's just too much to handle.
Posted 9/24/2016 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Try not to go there in your thinking...otherwise you are already projecting/expecting a negative outcome. You may very well not have any side effects that cause you much issue! :)

Using your coping skills and relying on support here...

...and most of all only expecting a positive outcome from your start up will help ensure a good experience!

S.C.
Posted 9/24/2016 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
^^ yes I think what SC said is critical. If you go in to it looking for a bad outcome or for bad side effects or whatever, you're going to find that. Many people have zero to totally tolerable/temporary issues!
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