Posted by Elizabeth on June 14, 2001, at 13:21:51
In reply to Re:Xanax, posted by Fred Potter on June 13, 2001, at 17:56:21
> Like Elizabeth I need 2mg to help bring down severe anxiety or panic.
Hi. Glad to know I'm not alone.
> However, as my doc allows a maximum of 4mg a day this means I'm only allowed 2 panic attacks per day. I told him that was the maximum as he didn't know.
It sounds like you have pretty severe anxiety, if you need 2 mg Xanax more than twice daily. Have you thought about taking Xanax (or another benzo) around-the-clock, or adding an antidepressant? (Tricyclics seem to be more tolerable for a lot of people with panic disorder than SSRIs -- they cause less initial agitation/jitters. Nardil is probably the best choice, but it can have a lot of side effects, in particular weight gain and sexual dysfunction.)
Also, I know that this is unhelpful for a lot of people, but have you tried any nonpharmacological treatments (cognitive-behaviour therapy, etc.) I use a meditative/self-hypnosis technique that I practised under non-panic conditions, and although it doesn't prevent panic attacks (since I can't predict when one is going to come along), it has helped a lot with anticipatory anxiety.
> I wish I'd told him 12mg now. If I ask for a repeat too early questions are asked. I feel guilty for treating my condition. Weird
Sadly, that's not weird. It's very common. (I can only imagine how I'd feel if I needed an early refill of buprenorphine.)
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:65795
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010612/msgs/66472.html