Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 18:14     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
I'm on day one of Zoloft. I'm feeling spacey and dehydrated. I don't like it. Those of you who say its great....what was your experience? I'm not severely depressed -I'm more low level nervous and anxious. MD thought this might help.
Having second thoughts cause I don't like feeling "altered"......
Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 17:16     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:I wonder which antidepressants are considered most effective for anxiety.


Zoloft.
Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 17:13     Subject: Re:At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:Sudden death of a spouse or child... yes.
Need to find a nanny and back to school... no.

You should talk to a therapist and see if your life is out of balance. You should talk to your doctor and see if your hormones are out of wack.

Talk to your boss about cutting back some hours or working from home 1 day a week, maybe look for a less stressful job.


Here's the problem. If someone has generalized anxiety disorder or suffers from panic attacks, sometimes they don't even need a trigger. Your post is ridiculous.
Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 17:11     Subject: Re:At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:Ok OP I am going to tell you by experience with Xanax. When I had 3 kids under 5 I needed it....plain and simple. My days were so compact and stressed. My middle child had multiple therapy appointments, I was mainly responsible for my sick MIL, the list went on and on. And honestly it really really helped. 6 months later I am back to working out everyday, my youngest is sleeping through the night at least 50% of the time, husband is traveling less so I start to wean off it. OMG I FELT LIKE A HEROIN ADDICT. I started by taking half the dosage and I threw up multiple times, got the chills, blood sugar drops and really bad dry mouth. I could not believe it. I had never felt anything like it in my life. I truly had thought at the most I would feel a little headache or anxiousness. So in short for the 6 months I took it I felt great and think it helped, but it took me just as long to get off it without feeling like crap so I dont know if it was worth it?


There are many other medications that are used now in place of xanax. I don't even think xanax is actually (among psychiatrists) the first drug they go for for anxiety or panic attacks. I believe clonazepam or alprozelam are options they would go to first. But I am talking about PSYCHIATRISTS. Part of the problem is that people go to their regular MD, and they should go to a psychiatrist who is much more familiar with the process of taking psychotropic meds, which ones are better for specific issues, which ones are better for short-term use v. long-term use, and which ones are more difficult to wean off of.

Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 17:09     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:I wonder which antidepressants are considered most effective for anxiety.


This is best answered by a doctor, but in general some that are very good for anxiety include Zoloft, Lexapro and Paxil. Effexor, an SNRI, is also often prescribed for anxiety. A psychiatrist is in the best position to determine which medication is best for your anxiety based on a clinical interview, including a thorough medical history.
Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 17:05     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:When you are in a state of perpetual anxiety. When your anxiety moves beyond worrying. When you've taken an anti-depressant for years that's helped alleviate the debilitating, oppressive nervousness so that you can function and even enjoy life, but sometimes a life event or situation arises which makes you feel anxious.

That is when I take a Xanax. As needed, along with my daily SSRI. I take maybe 5 in a year and I don't ever up my dosage.

I'd try other stress-relievers first; exercise, rest, good diet. Had a physical recently? You could have a heart condition, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalance, any number of issues that can make you feel nervous, jittery, panicky, etc. You could have Generalized Anxiety Disorder...I don't know. consult with a doc first before going straight to a tranquilizer.


This is helpful. But I think what I'm trying to figure out is whether I've crossed from worry to anxiety, and whether it is preventing me from enjoying life. I'm not sure I can tell.


Make an appointment with a psychiatrist. Trying to get a diagnosis on an anonymous forum isn't a good idea.

A psychiatrist will help you figure out whether you just have situational anxiety or something more and what options exist (be it therapy or medication).

There are anti-anxiety medications that are far more subtle and less prone to issues than xanax or valium.

Don't just go to a general physician. It is better to go to a psychiatrist. They're experts in that field.

I find it sort of ridiculous that so many people get psych meds from their general practitioner. It's not their area of expertise. A psychiatrist is usually much better at dosing, at monitoring, at offering a full range of options.

Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 17:00     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:For all of the wine prescribers: yeah, that's called self medicating. And it's also a big step in the direction of alcoholism when you feel like you NEED that wine to relax.

Yoga, maybe. But suggesting wine as a way to deal with significant stress - maybe not so wise.


I agree. It also amazes me that people don't consider wine (e.g. alcohol) a drug. It is. So drinking alcohol to alleviate stress/anxiety isn't *better* than taking a pill, especially when usually taking psychotropic medications ALSO involve seeing a medical professional who monitors how much you are prescribed and your progress.

Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 16:36     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
I wonder which antidepressants are considered most effective for anxiety.
Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 16:19     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:if you are suffering, you need to get help because anxiety and depression are treatable. Don't listen to the shamers.

Xanax is for limited use, you really can develop a dependence. There are long term drugs like SSRIs and effexor (not quite a SSRI). When I was having really bad anxiety I did a year of medication and it rebooted my brain so i was fine when I went off the meds.

See a psychiatrist because the specialized knowledge is important and because you should have talk therapy as well as medication.

I can't tell you the number of people I know who have lived with anxiety and depression for years because they drank the kool-aid that medication is a sign of weakness. Its really sad because if they ever do treat it they will realize they sacrificed a chunk of their lives. Its medical treatment for medical disorders.


Effexor is an SNRI.

Xanax is indeed for limited use. See a psychiatrist. Beware of anyone who prescribes one or more per day. It can have a paradoxical effect if taken daily. Daily use also increases the chances of dependency.
Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 11:38     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
Xanax is a band aid fix. It will help in the instant but not in the long run and it can be addictive.

You should seek out professional support and probably a mix of therapy to help you cope and manage the stress and a longer acting antidepressant / anxiolitic would be a better option.

Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 10:47     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:Only weak people take Xanax or mind-altering drugs.


Who knew Tom Cruise was on DCUM! Hi Tommy!
Anonymous
Post 09/14/2013 04:49     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:Only weak people take Xanax or mind-altering drugs.


This is the most uneducated statement I have ever heard of. Mental illness is a true illness, just like breast cancer or diabetes. Because it is not tangible, people assume it is all in a person's head and they can simply "snap out of it." Not so. The brain is an organ just like any other and it too can get sick.


Ignorant statements like the one above just keep the stigmas regarding mental illness around and around.
We need to evolve and look forward.
Anonymous
Post 09/13/2013 16:24     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
if you are suffering, you need to get help because anxiety and depression are treatable. Don't listen to the shamers.

Xanax is for limited use, you really can develop a dependence. There are long term drugs like SSRIs and effexor (not quite a SSRI). When I was having really bad anxiety I did a year of medication and it rebooted my brain so i was fine when I went off the meds.

See a psychiatrist because the specialized knowledge is important and because you should have talk therapy as well as medication.

I can't tell you the number of people I know who have lived with anxiety and depression for years because they drank the kool-aid that medication is a sign of weakness. Its really sad because if they ever do treat it they will realize they sacrificed a chunk of their lives. Its medical treatment for medical disorders.
Anonymous
Post 09/13/2013 15:51     Subject: At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:You shouldn't take such a heavy-duty medication to deal with your stressors, OP. With the best intentions, you are taking on too much, and the answer is that you have to let go of a few things, not push yourself too hard and take drugs. (Isn't that what you would advise your own kids?) Sometimes something's got to give, and you cannot do it all. Or at least, you cannot do it all WELL. It's a hard thing for us to accept.

Figure out what you can let go of for a while. Can you take some leave from work while you get the nanny situation settled? Are you a single parent or do you have a partner who can take on more of the kid-related responsibilities and worries? Can anyone help with your move, or can you accept that things will be a mess for a while?

When you can, make time for whatever activities destress you naturally, like exercise, sex, sleep, having a laugh. That sounds facile, but every little thing helps.


Yes, your advice is facile. There are times and situations where you can give up all that you can and still be overwhelmed. OP previously stated she can't tell if she's moved from worry to anxiety. She also said she's not enjoying life. This indicates a far more significant problem than just taking on too much. Most people have figured out how to shed what they can before they reach the level OP has reached.
Anonymous
Post 09/13/2013 00:28     Subject: Re:At what point do you consider Xanax?
Anonymous wrote:
Only weak people take Xanax or mind-altering drugs.


This is why so many people who need help and don't get it...and then we have incidents of the mentally ill losing it and taking out a theater or restaurant or school.


They had anxiety? No, I don't think that was their particular disorder and Xanax wouldn't help.

Americans in general are too quick to look for the easy fix. Xanax is for weak people.


Once again, you are dispensing dangerous an callous advise. (Btw, you did not limit your original post and nether did I.). In event, anxiety is often moor bid with other conditions or a symptom of other conditions, so yes, it n be a real problem. Anxiety can be crippling and destroy a peron's life. Seeking help is not a weakness. It s the weak person who needs help and doesn't have the courage to get it. Spoke like you are precisely why people do not seek help for mental illness and then the suffering is multiplied.

OP, your dr can best help you determine if drug therapy would be beneficial. Please ignore these self righteous as shockers and get the help you need.