Panic Attacks and Medication
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Of all the symptoms that arise from my illness, I think having panic attacks have to be the worse. Recently I talked about how my doctor had moved me from Klonopin to Xanax to try to resolve some of the panic attacks I have been having. I get so worried about taking to much medication that I try to go without it. I worry about becoming addicted. I talked with my pdoc nurse about this and she said as long as I was taking my medication as directed not to worry. My doctor and I discussed my history with panic attacks. She noted that I have gone long periods where I have not needed meds to subside my attacks. She referenced the Xanax as like a “rescue medicine.” She also reminded me that I am on the lowest dose and through my regular visits she monitors how much I am using.
Today I had a couple of bad attacks while at work. I felt like my shirt was moving with every rapid heartbeat. I just froze in terror. I don’t have a job where I work on heavy machinery so please don’t worry about me or my coworkers, but I had to take some medicine while at work. The attack ceased and I worked through the day. Below is the best description I have found for what it feels to have a panic attack.
Therapy and Yoga have helped to give me breathing techniques that make it bearable until the medication takes affect. That all said, unless I want this illness to overtake my life, I am going to listen to and trust my doctor. I have already missed too much work lately. I refuse to feel like a criminal for taking medication that I don’t abuse and that helps contribute to my well being and allows me to a productive member of society.
Sorry, no apologies necessary.
Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I have been taking Xanex PRN for three years now. I am thankful that I have it. I only use it PRN…sometimes that could be several times a day/week/or only once a month…this is not addiction. This is using a medication for what it is prescribed for, and under the direct supervision of my doctor and his directions for use. Unless someone has experienced a panic attack they cannot understand.
Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 6:10 pm
Thank you so much, that helps a lot.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I’ve been on Xanax for 9 years. The problem I
had was it wore off between doses and work
was an issue with increased anxiety and
withdrawal symptoms(shaking, sweating, stomach
pain).So I switched to extended release.
You might give that a consideration, if you
think your anxiety med may be wearing off too
soon. It’s common, and it’s why benzos can
be tricky, because of this.
As far as using them, I say whatever works is
what we do, and yes, no apologies.
Personally, I’m reducing mine with a goal to
go off because I’ve been on it so long, I have
no idea if it helps at all, and this is just my
own personal anxiety story, but I think it
increased my anxiety level. So, time will tell.
Then, if anything, I may keep it on hand for a
PRN. For me, I think that’s what I needed to
do in the first place, but back then had no
idea.
Panic attacks are scary things, I’ve had some
crippling anxiety myself, and still do, and
it’s whatever we can learn and do etc. meds, etc
that gets us through our day that counts.
Anyway, good luck.