I'm *really* trying not to go that route, because, I have a *major*,
addiction to food, already!! So, I *really* *need* to try and avoid
stuff like, that, at all, costs!!

Phyllis

My experience with Xanax. At first it worked wonders. My son was put into a facility for his psychiatric issues. I was a wreck to say the least. I was orginally prescribed three a day. It helped with my anxiety but it left me in this fog and I couldn't think right. So I cut it down and only took one at night. Occasionally one if I was having a hard time.

The addictive part is this.

My MD told me that Xanax is the "crack" of anxiety medications. I was on it for six years. I found that over time my anxiety was spiking for no reason at all. I was perplexed. My MD told me that my body is craving more Xanax. I could do two things. Take more and more or stop. I decided to wean myself off.

I will say that it was the hardest thing I ever did. It was harder than quitting smoking after twenty years. I couldn't sleep, I was a wreck. I had multiple panic attacks. But after a few weeks of dealing with it I leveled out.

So now I dont take any anxiety medications. I do take an antidepressent due to post concussion disorder. That I will discontinue when and if my brain heals.

I am now walking to ease any anxiety I have. Not only do I feel better, I look better.

I hope this helps. My anxiety is off the charts since my injury. Getting hit in the frontal part of your head can reek havok on your emotions. I have increased depression, anger and anxiety.

I have just started my walks this week. My MD said to rest if my head hurt but after four months of resting I was getting very depressed. So head pain or not I go...one foot in front of the other is my motto.

I hope this helped. Good luck...

wow... well done, crystal!

Yes, crystal... you managed a very difficult task well!

There is something you might like to try, that will help ease anxiety some without the habituation risk.

It is called theanine. It is not expensive, and is from green tea.

Taken in large dose, it calms the receptors like Xanax etc, without side effects.

Some of us on PN forum are using it and like it. It is supposed to have some effect on healing peripheral nerve damage, but I can't vouch for that aspect yet. It may be slow.

http://web-us.com/l-theanine_anxiety_reducer.htm

I've used two brands, Doctor's Best, and Swanson's form.
SunTheanine is the one to choose.

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supple...tName=THEANINE

I could not find interactions with drugs and theanine either.
I use 300mg at bedtime. I have not noticed an tolerance with it.

How are you doing now?

The holidays are over, things are a bit calmer and I hope you have found an MD who is willing to help work with you.

There are many good agents out there to help with anxiety.

Klonopin is VERY strong, and should be worked up to. it should not be your first drug.

there are three levels of that med. 1. xanax. its a mild benzodiazapeine and comes in three strengths. Many find once they start, they have trouble stopping. it works on the limbic "emotional" part of the brain by calming it down. Then you have Ativan which is stronger. Some folks have a opposite reaction to this med, and it cranks them up. its a good med, but should be taken with caution as its highly addictive. Then is klonopin which is a strong anti anxiety med. PLEASE ask your MD many many questions before starting any of these.

Buspar is non addictive, and used for anxiety.

Then we have the theory that anxiety is the other end of the spectrum as depression and if you correct the chemical imbalance of that, you will fix the anxiety. Some folks take celexa which helps depression, and helps calm anxiety before it starts by helping your body regulate serotonin. When we are anxious or depressed we tend to use, and reuse and reuse that stuff, and these SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) help us use it once and let it go.

Just because someone says "you should take this med" whether its a commercial or a friend or family member doesnt mean its the right drug for you. PLEASE seek out an MD and let them know ALL your symptoms. Sometimes anxiety can be a symptom of a bigger problem like thyroid and such and sometimes it can be controlled with things like Yoga, exercise (burning off the excess cortisol we excrete) and sometimes just talking to someone helps. It has been found that meds AND talking to someone is the best way to control depression and anxiety, not just popping a pill.

I do hope you are feeling much better now.

Yes tried Klonapin. LOVED IT! And that's the only one that I liked out of at least a dozen differn't meds that I've been on. For me Klonapin deffinitely works for anxiety. It made me feel slow but happy inside. almost giggly and euphoric, sleep comes easily. It is addictive when taken at high doses for long periods of time and you can build up a tolerance for it where you need to take more for the desired effect. I have sense let my prescription lapse but I think I'll ask my PDoc to renew the prescrption. It is great to take as needed in the event of an anxiety attack or manic episode. But what has really worked best for reducing anxiety is lifestyle management. A healthy diet, plenty of water, exercise, regular sleep and meditation and Tai chi practices. Find what works for you and put your health first.