Anti Anxiety Medication

[golfnutter]

Quick question

Does anyone take medication to manage their stress levels when tapering to a lower dose to avoid flares ?

[piglette]

I had never even thought of doing so.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

No - I take enough without adding something else!!!

[Kendrew]

No....really don't want to add to all medications I'm already taking and feel that for me, yoga, relaxation and taking control of my own life stressors, is a much better way of bringing about the same result. Throwing a pill at the problem might be a quick fix but in the long term could cause more problems than it resolves.

[golfnutter in reply to Kendrew]

Fair enough everyone, As you say, adding another pill to the the concoction that I’m already taking could/would be “another spanner to the works” Keeping my mind and body free from undue stress is working at the moment, but no day is ever the same as something unexpectedly always jumps out at me and tests my ability to withstand my physical and mental stamina. I’ve always been a decision maker and a planner. ( work and home life.)That way I’ve been really good at reducing the unnecessary stress for myself and those around me. PMR is now my decision maker and I now have to be a follower..

[SheffieldJane]

Your last sentence pinpoints where the stressful feelings are coming from, I think. There comes a point beyond acceptance when we have to surrender to an extent and concentrate on self care and getting well. It’s hard and necessary.

[HeronNS in reply to SheffieldJane]

Very well put!

[herdysheep]

Tapering is tricky at best and learning to 'read' your body plays a big part. I would be concerned that medication to manage stress levels may mask something that would be more useful to know and respond to.

[winfong]

Xanax (when I used to have some) if absolutely necessary. CBD oil otherwise.

[Blackcatlover]

When I was going through dealing with breast cancer the doctors at Dana Farber prescribed lorazepam to help me get through dealing with a mastectomy. Sometimes medications that help take the edge off are a good thing. I could finally sleep. Not good long term but sometimes helpful.

[daworm]

Xanax once in a while, Valium would be better..because it’s somewhat of a muscle relaxer too..both addicting cuz you feel good...what a shame hey...also tried CBD and micro dose thc...legal in Michigan!!!

[winfong]

I've been using Delta 8 THC recently - legal thru loopholes in various states. Very effective - and doesn't get you too loopy, like Delta 9 THC (the normal stuff).