anxiety/panic disorder?

[valentine]

I have been battling severe panic disorder for over 6 years now....and the doctor has decided it is time to slowly get me away from my dependency on xanax. Its been a ROUGH few days...waking up sweating...severe panic attacks...nauseau...trembling...headaches...severe loss of appetite...sleeplessness....and the worst....a feelingof being disconnected from reality...its like walking in a slow moving fog....this drug has helped me from becoming a full blown agoraphobic....but had I known how dangerous and severe the detox process is....I might have gone a different route. anyone else experience panic disorder?? Just looking for some support from the best examples of humankind I have found on the net! you guys are always willing to lend a hand and a kind word. love to all of you.
thanks
Justin

[gmh1013]

Originally Posted by valentine

I have been battling severe panic disorder for over 6 years now....and the doctor has decided it is time to slowly get me away from my dependency on xanax. Its been a ROUGH few days...waking up sweating...severe panic attacks...nauseau...trembling...headaches...severe loss of appetite...sleeplessness....and the worst....a feelingof being disconnected from reality...its like walking in a slow moving fog....this drug has helped me from becoming a full blown agoraphobic....but had I known how dangerous and severe the detox process is....I might have gone a different route. anyone else experience panic disorder?? Just looking for some support from the best examples of humankind I have found on the net! you guys are always willing to lend a hand and a kind word. love to all of you.
thanks
Justin

I know how you feel, they took me off Oxycodone after years of taking it.
They gave me Xanax for the panic attacks of NOT having oxycodone.
Then I got hooked on Xanax for 6 months.
Drugs are bad

[Lion]

I'm sorry for your present condition from being taken off Xanax but as time goes on it will get easier. Are there any support groups you could join to help you through your disorder. They can really help and be a benefit to your overall well being???

[valentine]

Originally Posted by Lion

I'm sorry for your present condition from being taken off Xanax but as time goes on it will get easier. Are there any support groups you could join to help you through your disorder. They can really help and be a benefit to your overall well being???

thanks leo! and yes...I have been communicating with others in my area going through the same...it has helped...but for some reason...i cannot get the encouragment that I find here anywhere else...just another reason why iconsider this place not only a watch forum...but a blessing! my finding this place has led me to trust people again..to socialize regularly...and there is no better group of people that are willing to lend a kind word from afar like here on TRF!

[Lion]

Originally Posted by valentine

thanks leo! and yes...I have been communicating with others in my area going through the same...it has helped...but for some reason...i cannot get the encouragment that I find here anywhere else...just another reason why iconsider this place not only a watch forum...but a blessing! my finding this place has led me to trust people again..to socialize regularly...and there is no better group of people that are willing to lend a kind word from afar like here on TRF!

Well, I know I'm glad you are here and your mental state will get better as time goes on. I go to NA meeting for narcotics addiction(cocaine) and this summer I will have 10 years clean so there is hope for recovery!!!

[Jimbits76]

Justin

I don't suffer from anxiety disorder (an ex girlfriend did...she tried to stab me) but I've suffered through depression and I've also suffered withdrawal symptoms from severe chemical dependancy.

I'm still here and I'm half the man in heart and soul that you are...you'll be just fine my friend!

You know how to contact me if you ever need to chat!

Jim

[Taffi Abernathy]

I have treated numerous cases of anxiety/panic disorders and want to offer you realistic hope - you can overcome it. You didn't mention in your post whether the physician who prescribed the Xanax is a psychiatrist. It also is unclear whether you are currently receiving any psychotherapy for the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has an excellent track record in mitigating/alleviating these types of disorders, but if you are currently seeing a psychiatrist, you would want to discuss this treatment option with him/her first. I have written an article on the nature, symptoms and treatment of agoraphobia/anxiety disorders, and if you feel comfortable doing so, PM me with your address and I will send you a copy.

My very best wishes to you. While many of the feelings that you experience are frightening, they will not harm you and are transient. I know you are not feeling physically well, but if you are receiving help, as the expression goes, "this too shall pass." There are many good people on this forum and know that you are not alone and can always reach out for added support.

Faith

[Sperry]

A friend once couldn't get herself to go underground into the subway, and called me to pick her up. Panic attack all the way. I picked her up, kept it light, and got her some decent vittles.

My best advice is to stick close to friends.

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Valentine:

Keep a journal. Write down everything you feel.


Note: Amazing what something the size of an almond can do.

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by DARK_KNIGHT

Valentine:

Keep a journal. Write down everything you feel.

Yes, it's in the brain but biology influences psychology and vice versa. It's a reciprocal system so attacking the problem from various angles ensures the best results.

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

Yes, it's in the brain but biology influences psychology and vice versa. It's a reciprocal system so attacking the problem from various angles ensures the best results.

Without his or her complete history and physical, prior clinical notes, referral, previous treatments, etc.......... I have no idea. I am totally against distance diagnostics/treatments.

[Welshwatchman]

No need for the psych evaluation.

He just needs a hug.

We love you Justin.

[Taffi Abernathy]

I understand your position Dark Knight, and agree with it. Nonetheless, Justin told us his diagnosis in his initial post and I trust that after receiving treatment for six years for it, he has accurately conveyed his problem. My belief that psychology and biology are reciprocal systems, each exerting strong influence over the other remains, which is why I recommended attacking the problem multimodally. I do nonetheless understand your thinking.

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

I understand your position Dark Knight, and agree with it. Nonetheless, Justin told us his diagnosis in his initial post and I trust that after receiving treatment for six years for it, he has accurately conveyed his problem. My belief that psychology and biology are reciprocal systems, each exerting strong influence over the other remains, which is why I recommended attacking the problem multimodally. I do nonetheless understand your thinking.

AGREED !

[valentine]

thanks to all of you! and faith thank you so MUCH! PM sent

[Badfish179]

Justin, I just wish you well and send you positive thoughts and prayers.

[away36]

Originally Posted by valentine

I have been battling severe panic disorder for over 6 years now....and the doctor has decided it is time to slowly get me away from my dependency on xanax. Its been a ROUGH few days...waking up sweating...severe panic attacks...nauseau...trembling...headaches...severe loss of appetite...sleeplessness....and the worst....a feelingof being disconnected from reality...its like walking in a slow moving fog....this drug has helped me from becoming a full blown agoraphobic....but had I known how dangerous and severe the detox process is....I might have gone a different route. anyone else experience panic disorder?? Just looking for some support from the best examples of humankind I have found on the net! you guys are always willing to lend a hand and a kind word. love to all of you.
thanks
Justin

Hi Justin....I'm curious about why your doctor has encouraged you to get off the Xanax? My youngest son suffers from a severe anxiety/depression disorder and it was determined when he was at age 16 that it's caused by a chemical imbalance. He is 31 now and is still on medication although he recently came off Xanax and changed to something called Effexor. In his younger years, he tried many times to come off the medication, and realized that he has a much better quality of life while taking the medication. He knows he may not need it forever, but he also knows that HE is the only one who can decide when he is capable of coping effectively without it.

[valentine]

Originally Posted by away36

Hi Justin....I'm curious about why your doctor has encouraged you to get off the Xanax? My youngest son suffers from a severe anxiety/depression disorder and it was determined when he was at age 16 that it's caused by a chemical imbalance. He is 31 now and is still on medication although he recently came off Xanax and changed to something called Effexor. In his younger years, he tried many times to come off the medication, and realized that he has a much better quality of life while taking the medication. He knows he may not need it forever, but he also knows that HE is the only one who can decide when he is capable of coping effectively without it.

hey nancy! how have you been!? Im responding quite well to the once daily medication he prescribed....and the xanax has become an actual "burden" I have recently been fighting off MAJOR fatigue from the xanax...and I believe that the xanax is causing my panic attacks as of recent...if i know its in my pocket...Im fine...the minute i realize i left my pill case at the house...I panic....If I get too bad off...I have the option of going back...but I think he wants to see if i can start to get out of this hole on my own...if not...then I will continue the meds.....ive also been working on meditation...and breathing exercises....Im exercising more to burn off some of the adrenaline....but with that on top of the xanax...i am EXTREMELY tired...

[away36]

Originally Posted by valentine

hey nancy! how have you been!? Im responding quite well to the once daily medication he prescribed....and the xanax has become an actual "burden" I have recently been fighting off MAJOR fatigue from the xanax...and I believe that the xanax is causing my panic attacks as of recent...if i know its in my pocket...Im fine...the minute i realize i left my pill case at the house...I panic....If I get too bad off...I have the option of going back...but I think he wants to see if i can start to get out of this hole on my own...if not...then I will continue the meds.....ive also been working on meditation...and breathing exercises....Im exercising more to burn off some of the adrenaline....but with that on top of the xanax...i am EXTREMELY tired...

Your situation is quite different than my son's. You are obviously really concerned when your meds aren't right within reach. My son's fiance has to literally nag him to remember to take his meds, even though he KNOWS he functions better without them. Faith had some really good thoughts, and after reading this most recent post of yours, I get the feeling that her advice
might be the most valuable!

[AIKO]

Originally Posted by valentine

I have been battling severe panic disorder for over 6 years now....and the doctor has decided it is time to slowly get me away from my dependency on xanax. Its been a ROUGH few days...waking up sweating...severe panic attacks...nauseau...trembling...headaches...severe loss of appetite...sleeplessness....and the worst....a feelingof being disconnected from reality...its like walking in a slow moving fog....this drug has helped me from becoming a full blown agoraphobic....but had I known how dangerous and severe the detox process is....I might have gone a different route. anyone else experience panic disorder?? Just looking for some support from the best examples of humankind I have found on the net! you guys are always willing to lend a hand and a kind word. love to all of you.
thanks
Justin

I take Xanax for flying so I can appreciate the Panic. Detoxing from Xanax can be very, very uncomfortable and dangerous. Seizures are the issue. Many docs will put people on Epilepsy medicine while cutting back. As with any medicine you are physically dependent on, go slow. The withdrawl is not totally different than when stopping opiates after moderate to long term use.

Being motivated to stop is important. Also being mentally prepared for a tough road is also important. My best friend did 45 days inpatient rehab for Xanax dependency. It was tough, he was scared to death but pulled through with good care and a lot of love. You are on the right track with meditation. Not only does it help on the mental side of things but it can help from a physiological perspective as well.

You can do it, even if you are a Caps fan!