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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Shyone on June 19, 2010, at 17:16:02
Hi,
I just switched to Xanax from Ativan, because it just wasn't strong enough to control my depressive anxiety. But even though I'm on a dose of less than 1mg. per day, I'm having breathing problems with it. In fact, I've had this problem with all the Benzodiazepines I've ever been on over the years (Valium. Klonopin, and Ativan). I seem to have some type of allergic asthma or chronic inflammation that's aggravated by this type of anxiety medication. I would hate to have to go on an inhaler because of all their side effects and because they can raise the blood pressure, and can also have an effect on the heart rythm.
Since I already developed such problems on my previous antidepressant medication (Nardil) that I used to take with Ativan, where I had to get off of it right away, I can't take a chance. I don't even know if my depression will return in time, since I was on the Nardil for a very long time and am not on any type of antidepressant right now. I pray with all my heart that it doesn't. Though my current symptoms are not from depression, since I know my body real well and because of my previous history of difficulty breathing while on different Benzodiazepines.
The GABA effect from this group of drugs, esp. Xanax, seems to work wonders on severe anxiety and panic attacks. But one of the side effects for people who have asthma or other breathing problems is that it can aggravate them. I cough all day long. I used to get a break in the summer when I could finally open windows and get fresh and humid air from outside, but I don't even get that anymore. This problem is not psychological because I had it even when I was stable on the Nardil/Ativan combination. It just wasn't quite as bad as it's been on the Xanax.
I don't know what to do and am really scared and getting depressed because I can barely breathe.
And I can hardly go out anymore because of my shortness of breath and coughing. I plan to remove everything in my house that could be irritating to my airway, even though the allergist I just saw said all my allergy tests were negative. Has anyone else experienced such side effects with Xanax or the other drugs in its class, and if so, do you have any suggestions as to what could work with it without the side effects I mentioned? Or what else can work on anxiety in a different family of drugs? Any input would be appreciated.
Posted by Phillipa on June 19, 2010, at 17:29:35
In reply to Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems, posted by Shyone on June 19, 2010, at 17:16:02
That's horrible and in my 40 years of benzo use never had this happen. Could you possibly have bronchitis? No temp. Phillipa
Posted by Christ_empowered on June 19, 2010, at 17:55:49
In reply to Re: Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems » Shyone, posted by Phillipa on June 19, 2010, at 17:29:35
Hey...sorry this is happening to you. That really, really sucks. All I can think of is maybe avoiding the benzos for now, since they seem to make breathing difficult and...ummm..you need to breathe, obviously.
I'm always recommending high-dose niacinamide (b3) to people, because its cheap, non-prescription, and might even have health benefits (better skin, anti-cancer, etc.). You have to take several grams over 3 doses daily and it works better when you also take a good bit of vitamin c with it at each dose.
Aside from that...there's BuSpar (which kinda sucks) for anxiety; you could also explore self-help, biofeedback (they even make at home machines for that these days) and maybe stress-relieving hobbies. Lyrica is used for anxiety sometimes, but its more expensive and I think it tends to be more sedating than high-potency benzos like ativan, klonopin, and xanax. Still, its a possible option...
good luck.
Posted by Shyone on June 19, 2010, at 18:19:23
In reply to Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems, posted by Shyone on June 19, 2010, at 17:16:02
Hi Phillipa,
I was diagnosed many years ago with chronic bronchitis after first being started on Valium at age 20. But when I eventually stopped the Valium, the problem seemed to go away. It reappeared a few years later, when I was put on Ativan, then switched to Klonopin. I either have a sensitivity to Benzodiazepines, or some chronic lung inflammation or infection. I seem to do better when I wear a face mask in the house or chew spearmint gum (though the gum has a shorter effect). I might have to give away my cat and plan to remove my moldy carpeting ASAP. That's my last hope.
But if that doesn't work, then I don't know what other medication to take to control the anxiety that has plagued me most of my life. I'm also terrified to fall into a severe depression because of the extreme discomfort I've been in with no hope for relief in sight. I used an Albuterol inhaler a couple of days ago (a sample the allergist gave me) and felt like I was going to faint. My head started spinning and I felt the arteries in my head and neck throbbing. I must have had a sudden rise in my blood pressure. I already have high blood pressure and can't afford to get a stroke.
I've seen three doctors so far and just get dismissed after being told they can't see anything that could be causing it. Yet, in many places on the Internet, there are warnings not to take this drug if you have asthma, bronchitis, etc.
I remember reading in the past that Benzodiazepines can disrupt the HPA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) which can cause an inflammatory reaction and upper respiratory congestion. The only thing the allergist did for me was put me on antibiotics for 3 weeks, after I told her that I sometimes cough up a tiny amount of phlegm in my throat that tastes like pus (sorry, didn't mean to gross you out). Otherwise, it's just a dry cough. I'm seeing a second pulmonologist on July 9th and pray to God he'll try to help me -- at least by running some tests.
I feel that if I stopped this tiny amount of Xanax I'm taking, my breathing problems would disappear. My prescribing doctor told me to take more, but I'm scared that I'll suffocate. I don't know what to do! I also know that my anxiety will increase and probably my depression will return as the Nardil is leaving my body (going into my 6th week). If it weren't for my difficulties breathing, I would take the 1/2 Mg. three times a day instead of the 1/4 mg. twice a day I'm staying on with a constant dread of the anxiety breaking through.
Thanks for your response and show of concern.
Suzanne
Posted by Shyone on June 19, 2010, at 18:32:53
In reply to Re: Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems, posted by Christ_empowered on June 19, 2010, at 17:55:49
Hi Christ__Empowered,
Thanks for the advice and I'll check out the medications you suggested. I know how to do relaxation exercises and even self-hypnosis, but believe me this is totally physical.
When I got on the Nardil 30 years ago, it literally saved my life. I was suicidally depressed and had lost all hope, until I was put on the miraculous little orange pills called "NARDIL." Unfortunately
though, Pfizer changed the formula 7 years ago and removed the hard shell coating. This medication now works hit or miss because it seems to have a much shorter shelf-life. And on top of that, I got an expired refill from Walgreen's which landed me in coronary ICU. That's when I was taken off the Nardil cold-turkey.The Xanax has kept me going so far, but the breathing side effects I'm experiencing have become unbearable. I also take real good vitamins including Niacin, 1,000 mg. Vit. C, etc.
Thanks again for your response and advice.Regards,
Suzanne
Posted by Phillipa on June 19, 2010, at 22:00:40
In reply to Re: Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems, posted by Shyone on June 19, 2010, at 18:19:23
What a mess. Don't know what to say but you must breath. And you can have an allergy to anything. Lots are allergic to certain antibiotics why not benzos? I don't know what to say. Phillipa
Posted by Shyone on June 20, 2010, at 5:18:19
In reply to Re: Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems » Shyone, posted by Phillipa on June 19, 2010, at 22:00:40
Hi Philipa,
I noticed that when I went to sleep in my smaller bedroom, I felt better. I was told in the past to sleep in a room where my cat is not allowed. So this gives me some new hope. And with any illness or distress, it's after all hope that keeps us going.
The therapist I was seeing for a pretty long time who gave me some of the best advice and support I ever got in my life, and who unfortunately died of lung cancer 3 years ago, used to tell me that depression usually happens when we lose all hope. My not being able to breathe without coughing my lungs up every second of the day has been slowly plunging me into a deep depression. I know the feeling because I've been there before.
I will now also have to find some type of antihistamine that could give me some more help with what seems to be a srong allergy to my "Sweetie" -- even though the tests came back negative? Who knows if they were even done accurately. I'm convinced the doctor who did them rushed through the process, as it was the end of the day and she was in a rush to get out.
I also seem to remember that around the times I was on a Benzodiazepine, coincidentally I had a cat -- for a total of 23 out of the 40 odd years I've been on them. And when I've worn a surgical type mask recently, things seemed to improve. The warnings I've read on Xanax say to take it with caution if you have asthma, chronic bronchitis, etc. That's why most people don't have such a reaction, because their breathing is normal in the first place.
I'll try to find some antihistamine that doesn't have too many side effects and take it together with some Ace Inhibitor to help bring down my blood pressure. Then I could increase my Xanax to three times a day. I'll also avoid the cat as much as possible and replace all my carpeting with hardwood floors -- so she can't bring me the dust from the carpeting that gets on her hair, where I breathe it in -- when I do have any contact with her. She's 12 1/2 and I figure 16 could be a good age for her to be put to sleep (even though it would still kill me when that time comes).
No-kill shelters are all full. I've already checked, just in case I have no more choice but to give her away immediately. So I just need to manage for another 3 1/2 years. After age 16, they start getting sick just like an 80 year old person would be -- since the equivalent is 5 to 1 between cat and human years. And vet bills can cost in the thousands to maintain a sick cat, which I just can't afford.
I just hope I'm on the right track. Thanks again for your concern.
Suzanne
Posted by violette on June 20, 2010, at 11:56:50
In reply to Re: Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems, posted by Shyone on June 20, 2010, at 5:18:19
With your breathing problems, it seems you should definitely ditch the benzos. Xanax does relax your breathing as it relaxes your nervous system. And another problem with xanax, is if you have current breathing problems, it is also likely affecting your breathing when you sleep and whether or not you know it, it can cause a vicious cycle of lack of quality sleep which actually causes more anxiety.
SSRIs can stop anxiety. Zoloft, Lexapro are good ones to start with. I don't like the side effects of ssris, but those may be a better option for you considering your breathing difficulties.
Taking anthisthimines could be a feasible option. Benedryl works for some people. If you do try an ssri, they take a few weeks. My experience is that when I started them for anxiety, they stopped my nxiety for 2 weeks.
Hormones, thyroid, diabetes, PCOS, hyperglycemia, and other medical issues can also cause the physical anxiety you describe. Sorry to hear of your troubles. :( Did your doctor who prescribed you think you might be developing pneumonia?
Oral magnesium can also help greatly....epsom salt baths can be a quick fix.
I hope you get better soon!
Posted by Shyone on June 21, 2010, at 2:38:04
In reply to Re: Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems » Shyone, posted by violette on June 20, 2010, at 11:56:50
Hi Violette,
Thanks so much for your response and advice. I think I finally pinned down the source of my problem. As I mentioned before, I noticed that there's a definite connection between my cat getting close to me and my coughing and shortness of breath. I don't care if the allergist said the tests she gave me were negative. All I know is how I feel. The other two cats I had in my life seemed to do the same thing, and because I was on a Benzodiazepine around the same time, where as you said it depresses breathing, it made my growing irritation to each cat's dander worse.
My dilemma now is that I love my cat who's 12 years old and could easily live 6 to 8 more years. The thought of putting her to sleep simply kills me. I also don't want to poison myself with allergy shots to the protein she produces -- if they would even work. I miraculously almost breathe perfectly when I wear a surgical type face mask, even though it's not very comfortable to have to breathe that way. So that convinces me even more that it's the cat.
I'll see if I can get someone in my building to take care of her for money, plus food and litter, while I see if there's a difference; and permanently if necessary, so I can visit her regularly and make sure she's well taken care of. I just hope I can afford it. I pray that I can find such a person who's decent and responsible. No matter what, it will kill me. But keeping the cat will literally "kill me!"
I just hope that this would solve the problem and that it's not something more serious that's going on with me, like Pulmonary Hypertension for example, COPD, or who knows what else.My other problem is that I have high blood pressure after recently leaving the hospital where I had to get a pacemaker for a very slow and irregular heart beat. The doctors think it was the Nardil (MAO Inhibitor antidepressant) that I had been taking for 30 years -- which did a great job at controlling my panic disorder/depressive illness -- that was the cause of the damage to my heart (the nerve cells that conduct the electrical signals).
Any antidepressant or stimulant drug can stress out my heart, which is why they're reluctant to start me on any other one. Also, antihistamines can affect the heart. And both of these medications can also affect the blood pressure negatively. So far, since the Nardil suddenly stopped working after getting an expired refill, my blood pressure has been seriously high and I'll probably have to take an ace inhibitor in addition to the water pills I've been put on.
Again, thanks for the kind advice and I'll look into it and every other possibility. I wore the mask all day long today and can already breathe much better and am coughing a lot less. In fact, I'm wearing it as I'm typing this post.
Warm regards,
Suzanne
Posted by violette on June 27, 2010, at 11:57:48
In reply to Re: Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems, posted by Shyone on June 21, 2010, at 2:38:04
Shyone,
It sounds like you need a (((hug))). I am sorry about your cat but am glad to hear you were able to determine to source of your shortness of breath.
I wasn't aware that all ADs are a risk for you and can potentially cause stress to the heart though i can relate to the feeling in your chest from antihistamines (they make my anxiety worse and I can't take them either). Not that you wouldn't talk to your dr. first, but since I had brought it up- be careful of magnesium if you are thinking about that-too much can affect your heart.
Did you find someone in the building to take care of your cat?
Hoping you are doing ok...It sounds like you have a lot of stress to cope with right now. Take good care of yourself. :(
Posted by Shyone on June 27, 2010, at 14:41:14
In reply to Re: Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems » Shyone, posted by violette on June 27, 2010, at 11:57:48
Hi Violette,
Thanks again for your support. My needing a "Hug" right now is an understatement. Violette, I'm so scared at this moment that I fell like a 2 year old who lost her mommy in the middle of a large department store. I'm anxious, depressed, and on top of it feeling awful physically. One small break I got so far is that I started taking Zyrtec last night and my breathing seems to have significantly improved. And to think that the two nincompoop allergists I saw said that I have no allergies that they could see. Those idiots!!
If it were all left up to doctors -- who just seem to chase the almighty dollar and give less than a rat's *ss about their pts. welfare, more of us would be in an early grave; as I've seen happen to many people I've know. I've seen -- either misdiagnosed, underdiagnosed, or where their symptoms totally ignored. Thank God for the Internet where we can look up stuff ourselves and try to find some answers.
My cat will definitely have to go. I'll put a note in my laundry room and hope that in this 500 unit condo building, there will be some kind soul willing to take her and love her the way I did. I'm no good to her this way anyway, as I try to avoid her like the plague, and I know that she can feel the distance that I've placed between us both physically and psychologically.
I'm rushing to put things away and get rid of all the junk I've collected over the years so I can clear out my apt. and quickly get this moldy carpet removed. I'm also seriously looking into moving to Florida where I can get fresh air all year round. I can no longer take these dusty confined quarters 9 months out of the year where I feel that I'm literally suffocating.
I've been put on two new meds. The new Psych. I've been seeing started me on Zoloft 25mg. daily for two weeks, then he's increasing it ot 50 mg. if I can tolerate it. I'm just afraid because of the side effects, esp. of the nausea that it can cause. I'm terrified of nausea, because before I got on Nardil 30 years ago, one of my worst physical symptoms was constant nausea and vomiting, severe acid reflux and irritable bowel, and great weight loss, where I went down below 100 lbs. I can take most of the other side effects, but not the nausea. I loved Nardil so much in fact because it made me gain 60 lbs., whereas for most of my life before that, I feared dying from malnutrition.
I was also put on a low dose of a calcium channel blocker to try to help bring my blood pressure further under contol. The diuretics and my making a real effort at eating less salt have helped some.
Again, thanks for the support and for knowing there's someone out there who cares.
Warm regards,
Suzanne
This is the end of the thread.
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