Medication

[Shalala72]

Hi everyone 😊

I am on duloxatine(cymbalta) antidepressants. I also get some Xanax for anxiety and panic attacks. I only take them when needed . I have always had problems with my mental health. And is understandably worse since sah. I am worried that my doctor will stop prescribing the Xanax .

So my question is does anyone else get this medication long term to take to stop anxiety/panic attacks? ? XX

[cat3]

Hi Sharon. It's a tricky one. I started on a Benzodiazepine (Diazepam- three 5mg daily) in the 70s and still have them, but had to start compromising 10 years ago with a lower dose (two 2m tabs daily) after GPs were alerted about their addictiveness.

I'm now only allowed only 2mg daily which I break into four and spread throughout the day. I'm told I'll be taken off them if I take more than prescribed. It's a struggle at times but I manage, and I try to take less when possible.

If you can voluntarily and gradually (very gradually) lower your doses it'll be less of a struggle if/when you're asked to cut them down officially. I've had too many arguments about how I've used them responsively for decades and kept my mental health stable -- ('So what's the problem ?') but every GP I've spoken with is on exactly the same page and won't budge.

I know the fear of having such beneficial medication withdrawn is depressing m'love, but if you have a hand in reducing it the thought might be less daunting. Cat x

[cat3 in reply to cat3]

I meant to add that after a few months on an SSRi my panic attacks ceased ! x

[Shalala72 in reply to cat3]

Thank you cat3 that helps ❤️

[Marnie22]

Have you considered other things that can help, such as relaxation, self hypnosis and breathing exercises - all available on YouTube, or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or other talking therapies? Just a thought. If you are interested, I can recommend some helpful places to start.Best wishes. 🌼

[BRLB96 in reply to Marnie22]

Meditation techniques can also be helpful for many people and anecdotally they have helped me too after my TBI. A good book that is a good teacher is “A Monks Guide to Happiness” - by Gelong Thubten. I would recommend, it is a bit of literature which certainly provides some food for thought and might well help.

[Pairofboots]

Hi I was on clonazepam for about eight years following a brief time on diazepam. Fairly recently I was weaned off these. A few years back the Dr attempted to get me off the clonazepam, with disastrous effects. This could have been because I was not mentally ready.

This time 1. I was mentally ready, 2. Other medication that had been added in between the two attempts.

Benzos which covers this type of drug (ending 'pam'), and opioids are now considered as 'dirty drugs', as they are addictive, and long term use has been linked to various dementias.

These are now only considered effective for short term crisis when no alternative is available, and that their positive effect is only short lived. The addictive nature, compounds the effects of anxiety if used for long periods, and then withdrawn. Therefore the adverse physical and psychological effects out weigh the positive.

So long term, your Dr may well discuss withdrawal of Xanax.

Best wishes 🍀

[tunas]

Hi, cbd is also an option for anxiety and helping sleep.

[JoannaHelen]

Hi Shalala,I have been on fluoxetine 60mg daily, plus duloxetine aswell if needed also Clonazepam fir panic attacks and throat and shoulder spasms caused by anxiety, Since my SAH I have been slowly come of all of them apart from the occasional Clonazepam for panic attacks. Iv been referred to IAPT therapy and in the past have had Mindfuless courses/CBT/ Cognitive analytical therapy/ group therapy and much more. Have tempted to come off meds many times in the last 30 years but couldnt cope. So am trying again. Through recent bloodtest it seems my high prolactin levels may possibly be linked to fluoxetine. Mindfulness has really helped my anxiety/panic attacks. There is a book I can post if you are interested?

Jo