Need some advice
Posted , 3 users are following.
I work at a very tenacious company where only the best is expected from you. I normally don’t have issues sleeping but last night I woke up at 1 am and couldn’t go back to sleep until 6 am. I just sat there in my thoughts about work and forcing myself into a panic attack. So I spent like 5 hours working myself through it doing breathing exercises. Ugh why is anxiety a thing. I’ve been dragging all day and have taken like 3 Valium. I have been on anti depressants and anxiety medication since i was diagnosed with childhood trama, ptsd from a car wreck, and generalized anxiety and depression 6 years ago. I've been told "grounding" techniques from my therapist but sometimes its unbearable and difficult to work myself through panic attacks. I've ended up in the ER twice with false alarms thinking I was about to have a stoke (as I also have high blood pressure. Anyone else feel this way? Have any tips to get you through panic attacks?
0 likes, 5 replies
stella21064 Anxious.hopeful
Edited
I do.
Most of my posts are on the Menopause forums here but I can relate to every word you've said.
Even with meds (I'm on Xanax) severe panic disorder since age 12
Still sleep problems, especially during meno, and the meds wear off HARD now. Like bad hangover + creepy-crawlies... jitters, anxiety jumps right back. I wake up after only 2-3 hrs of sleep in utter terror. To make up for this crappy sleep, I put on meditation singing bowls (Youtube) and slowly drift off for maybe 10 mins kinda like a nap but it sure helps. Menopause has brought my anxiety back, and then some.
May I ask, in your opinion... does Valium wear off a bit more slowly and gently? For sleep, I mean. The next day, whether you've slept well or not, do you get that bounce back anxiety feeling? I've heard it stays in the system longer. Xanax is more in and out. Thanks in advance
sasical72 stella21064
Posted
It is not a good idea to be on Xanax or Valium long term. Benzodiazepines cause addiction, which will cause withdrawal symptoms a few hours after taking them because you the next dose, very addictive.
There are other medications out there that are better.
Also you should NEVER stop cold turkey.
Anxious.hopeful stella21064
Edited
My doctor prescribes xanax as well but she said its not the best one to take for instant relief. More for the in and out like you said. So she told me if I'm ever in panic attack mode to try the valium. In response to sasical72, I do not have addiction problems to any of my anxiety medications and only take as needed. But my doc also makes sure to only subscribe 5mg so it an extremely low dose. To be honest I hate having to rely on any medication but I've tried getting off everything and I am unable to function in daily life without it. I appreciate the tips!
sasical72 Anxious.hopeful
Posted
I'm sorry if I didn't write this correctly as English is not my first language.
I was not suggesting you are addicted, I am explaining to be careful with this kind of medications as they are very addictive, I have worked in this field, and sometimes even in small dosage, if it is taken for a long period of time, the brain and body rely on it and when the effect of a dose wears off it causes like a "mini withdrawal" that causes anxiety symptoms which then means you take another pill for the anxiety and it becomes a catch 22. That's why there are other medications that are better.
Just my experience that I am sharing. Hope it helps and sorry if you were offended, it was not my intention.
stella21064 Anxious.hopeful
Posted
Same, I hate needing my meds and I even feel guilty about taking them..
But I really cannot function normally without them, never could.