Xanax and lexepro

Hello all here’s my story , I suffer from bad health anxoety, have had every test and still always have head symptoms and weakness that won’t go away, now I developed a panic disorder that has led me to even partially hone bound .... my dr prescribed me lexepro and I am terrified to try it so she said here is some Xanax to help you get through taking the lexepro ... I was terrified to take that also but I tried a quarter of one one day( .25 pill) it did help somewhat but didn’t take it all away obviously since it was a low dose but I did feel somewhat normal... so the next time I took half and it made me so drowsy that that made me anxious...any change in my body I get anxious... I find it weird bc isn’t that what it’s made for ? Now my dr said I can try ativan but I’m worried now and it is the same isn’t it ?

[deborah27]

The fear of taking medication so often goes hand in hand with health related anxiety. I believe this is because of the increase in focus on all bodily sensations that you can almost feel your hair grow! This awareness becomes so sensitive that it provokes catastrophic thoughts about health.

The leaflets for information that come with medication often increase anxiety levels due to the lists of possible side effects. Appointments with GP are time limited and it would be impossible for a doc to go through all of the info and explain everything.

Look at the info you do have based on facts. You have had tests and they have not shown reason for concern. Anxiety does cause exhaustion and all sorts of symptoms including weakness, not harmful but does require change to lifestyle more than anything.

Things like dehydration, lack of proper sleep and a good balanced diet will make your body protest that you aren't looking after you properly. You can change those things.

Pharmacies can and are very willing to talk to you about meds, Boots chemist very good. You can explain your fears about taking tablets and ask about what they do and why.

Our body is very good at telling us things, if you have an itch you scratch it, if you need the loo you go, if you feel hungry you eat, if you feel thirsty you drink, if you have a gurgly tummy you pass wind, if you find something funny you laugh, if you get chilli in your eye it stings... The list goes on, it's endless. We don't freak out or panic about any of these because we understand what our body is doing. Try to reach a better understanding of how anxiety can cause physical symptoms and how some meds can alleviate some of those symptoms. Meds aren't for everyone, it is yours and your Doc's decision and many people feel the benefits. There are alternative things too, walking and something physical, laughter therapy, mindfulness, yoga etc... again the list is endless. I really hope you find a way through this

[Scootersdad]

Hi..I can only speak of my experience. Xanax was great for EPISODES, N O T for prolonged regular use. I got addicted, and the symptoms of the craving mimicked the anxiety. 10 years. What is working best for me? Lexapro, 1 time a day, 10 mg, and , and this was crucial for me, CBT therapy. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to Scootersdad]

Did you have side affects from lexepro