G.P's and anti-anxiety meds

jopax

suicide_circus wrote: »

i was once put on an SSRI which caused depression to turn into a manic waking nightmare. never again, depression is a holiday in comparison.

Can you describe what you mean by manic walking nightmare? if you don't mind me asking

Spanish Eyes

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Would be better to prescribe conservatively than make people get them on the streets.

Say a maximum of ten per month, for emergencies. I know some people in my circle who are seriously compromised with panic attacks. They take propranolol, but often need something to soothe them down.

I would give such people anything that helped, seems very cruel not to help them.

I think ten benzos a month would be the beginning of a very slippery slope. Also there is no guarantee they would be used only when necessary.

So many people today want a quick fix for their moods. Unfortunately there aren't any. Psychotropic medication can be very useful for some people but there are other ways. For example a daily meditation practice can help greatly with panic attacks. CBT also. People need to start treating medication with respect.

suicide_circus

jopax wrote: »

Can you describe what you mean by manic walking nightmare? if you don't mind me asking

hard to describe but essentially i felt like i was losing my mind. They were literally crazy pills; in that they made me crazy. Lost my grip on what was real, felt like running around screaming. Increased suicide ideation. Dissociation. Elation. Panic. Huge energy. Awful couple of days.

ArchXStanton

ArchXStanton wrote: »

Wait until you try come off the Lexapro... Oh boy the brain zaps, feels like someone's hitting you with a stun gun every few minutes or glitches in the matrix

That's why you taper. The amount of misinformation on this thread is astonishing. Talk to GP/pharmacist about stopping medications.

Airyfairy12

Airyfairy12 wrote: »

I was on Lexapro years ago and had the same reaction, I was drowsy all the time, sleeping 18 hours a day, missing college and had no motivation, head was in a fog all of the time. Doctor wouldnt believe me, said Lexapro doesnt cause drowsiness so I had to come off them myself cold turkey, for the following year I felt like my brain was being randomly electrocuted.

The problem here yet again is no tapering. Always talk to GP/pharmacist if going to stop medication.

goose2005

goose2005 wrote: »

Lyrica (Pregabalin) is also used recreationally, it gives a mild buzz with no real side-effects

https://www.quora.com/Do-people-use-Lyrica-recreationally-Why

https://emj.bmj.com/content/30/10/874.2

Apart from that you can get addicted to pregabalin and suffer withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly

suicide_circus

suicide_circus wrote: »

hard to describe but essentially i felt like i was losing my mind. They were literally crazy pills; in that they made me crazy. Lost my grip on what was real, felt like running around screaming. Increased suicide ideation. Dissociation. Elation. Panic. Huge energy. Awful couple of days.

Sorry to hear that, mate. The effect antidepressants have on people can be quite varied unfortunately.

suicide_circus

Deleted User wrote: »

Sorry to hear that, mate. The effect antidepressants have on people can be quite varied unfortunately.

thanks, i just flushed the rest of the prescription after the first week. will never go near SSRIs again.

Spanish Eyes

Deleted User wrote: »

I think ten benzos a month would be the beginning of a very slippery slope. Also there is no guarantee they would be used only when necessary.

So many people today want a quick fix for their moods. Unfortunately there aren't any. Psychotropic medication can be very useful for some people but there are other ways. For example a daily meditation practice can help greatly with panic attacks. CBT also. People need to start treating medication with respect.

Sad that you might think that. Many people do not have the time or the headspace to do daily meditation, and CBT costs a lot of money. Is CBT free and how available is it?

The only result is to make benzos illegal to prescribe so? I do not agree...all drugs have their place.

They have their place just like every other drug. That's my feeling anyway

Spanish Eyes

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Sad that you might think that. Many people do not have the time or the headspace to do daily meditation, and CBT costs a lot of money. Is CBT free and how available is it?

The only result is to make benzos illegal to prescribe so? I do not agree...all drugs have their place.

They have their place just like every other drug. That's my feeling anyway

Starting off doing five minutes focusing on the breath. There are loads of guided meditations on YouTube as well. Looking after our mental health is a commitment. Sometimes you need a complete lifestyle change.

There are plenty of low cost counselling centres where CBT can be accessed. Again it is prioritising getting well and learning tools which you will have for the rest of your life. For some people drugs are needed. Antidepressants for example can get a person to a place where they can begin to make positive changes in their lives and engage with therapy.

Foweva Awone

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

Would be better to prescribe conservatively than make people get them on the streets.

Say a maximum of ten per month, for emergencies. I know some people in my circle who are seriously compromised with panic attacks. They take propranolol, but often need something to soothe them down.

I would give such people anything that helped, seems very cruel not to help them.

Prevention is better than cure. For people with panic disorder, something like a low dose of Seroquel every day will start working immediately and will usually eliminate the panic attacks, or at least reduce the severity of them, without being addictive.

Benzos have their place in certain cases e.g. short-term following a serious trauma, and then only exactly as prescribed. Giving someone 10 a month is often going to only leave the person craving more, and if they can't get them legally they'll often find other ways.

Foweva Awone

Foweva Awone wrote: »

Prevention is better than cure. For people with panic disorder, something like a low dose of Seroquel every day will start working immediately and will usually eliminate the panic attacks, or at least reduce the severity of them, without being addictive.

Benzos have their place in certain cases e.g. short-term following a serious trauma, and then only exactly as prescribed. Giving someone 10 a month is often going to only leave the person craving more, and if they can't get them legally they'll often find other ways.

Olanzapine isn't licensed for panic attacks and I doubt any gp would prescribe unless directed to by a psychiatric consultant.
It has numerous side effects such as weight gain that may actually increase anxiety.

[Deleted User]

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Olanzapine isn't licensed for panic attacks and I doubt any gp would prescribe unless directed to by a psychiatric consultant.
It has numerous side effects such as weight gain that may actually increase anxiety.

There are plenty of armchair pharmacists and doctors on this thread.

Although isn't Olanzapine different to Seroquel?

Ice Storm

Deleted User wrote: »

That's why you taper. The amount of misinformation on this thread is astonishing. Talk to GP/pharmacist about stopping medications.

Not necessarily. I got brain zaps coming off Lexapro despite tapering as recommended by my GP.

Graces7

Abba987 wrote: »

I'm glad for you that you cope well. We were not so lucky. I have had older family members commit suicide rather than get help. Clinical depression unfortunately won't be cured by getting out for a walk. It's a medical condition . Same as a diabetic needs insulin for people who genuinely have a mental illness

sorry for your troubles. But you misread me. As I am sure you are aware. Improving lifestyle can help and give that edge of help. As it will for many medical conditions including the major systemic illness I am inhabited by. I did not say going for a walk as that is beyond me; but getting out into the air will help. I can choose to lie abed all day and get weaker or keep trying. Just get up for a few minutes .

And I was referring to the widespread use of meds for any and every small problem and did not mention clinical depression . or diabetes :rolleyes:

Graces7

Foweva Awone wrote: »

Prevention is better than cure. For people with panic disorder, something like a low dose of Seroquel every day will start working immediately and will usually eliminate the panic attacks, or at least reduce the severity of them, without being addictive.

Benzos have their place in certain cases e.g. short-term following a serious trauma, and then only exactly as prescribed. Giving someone 10 a month is often going to only leave the person craving more, and if they can't get them legally they'll often find other ways.

disagree. I am on a stable dose of codeine, the same dose as for over a decade. Still alleviates pain and no craving. It was the same with Valium for many years; always the same dose. ##Occasional use ie not every day is going to avoid addiction. Every three days sounds right .

ArchXStanton

Graces7 wrote: »

they say 6 days is all it takes for addiction. I was late middle age when I ditched them

They were hailed as miracle drugs when they came out... aka chemical strait jackets. Reduced the numbers of in patient admissions and cut costs. ( yes slightly cynical ) Most GPs I met knew almost nothing re withdrawal etc

Did your gp give you a tapering program?

katiek102010

mr_fegelien wrote: »

escitalopram is bull**** tbh..

I'm not saying it doesn't work for anxiety but the fact is, there's a reason benzos are the drug of choice for many addicts. It works instantly and potentiates alcohol.

I've been on citlapram since 2015. It's crap doesn't help anxiety at all. I wouldn't be getting panic attacks otherwise. It's helping with the depression that's it

BalcombeSt4

katiek102010 wrote: »

I've been on citlapram since 2015. It's crap doesn't help anxiety at all. I wouldn't be getting panic attacks otherwise. It's helping with the depression that's it

Citalopram is a anti-depressant tho, not a benzo or anti-anxiety med. It's used for panic attacks the odd time, but really I've never heard of an anti-depressant being much use for anxiety, even tho some doctors do prescribe them for that reason.

Ash.J.Williams

Abel Ruiz wrote: »

FFS.
I feel sorry for anyone working in Medicine.
A lot of the public are so braindead.

I'm no expert but I think that's exactly what you're not meant to say in these situations

BalcombeSt4

Graces7 wrote: »

disagree. I am on a stable dose of codeine, the same dose as for over a decade. Still alleviates pain and no craving. It was the same with Valium for many years; always the same dose. ##Occasional use ie not every day is going to avoid addiction. Every three days sounds right .

Agree. I'm on 12mg (6 2mg tabs) of Valium a day & have been on them for a couple of years, but have slowly reduced the dose from 60mg a day & not had any noticeable side effects, also on 7.5mg of Zopiclone for sleep. I would use Codeine the odd time for a recurring back pain & have never had any problems with craving for it, Codeine is a very weak Opiate,Opioid tho having said that.

I go to N.A. on occasion, and every young lad that's in there, in their mid twenties or whatever.. every single one of them is in there for benzos first.. according to them they're worse than half the illegal drugs..

I found taking Phosphatidylserine for a couple of months really calmed my anxiety/edginess..

Forty Seven

Deleted User wrote: »

Apart from that you can get addicted to pregabalin and suffer withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly

I have been on Pregabalin for 2 years after a breakdown. Tried stopping off the bat, would not recommend it. I'm tapering off now as I am recovered, it is not easy. There is a facebook group full of horror stories.

Personally, I have turned my mental health around by abstaining from alcohol, some CBT that I try to actively practice throughout the day and meditation for 15 minutes a day.

I believe a lot of anxiety stems from self esteem issues and mine took a blow a few years ago. I get a lot of confidence from learning new skills in my spare time and just putting myself out there.

Two years ago I was in a psych ward, unable to function and suicidal. I'm now about to start a business and have a good, stable life. Pregabalin certainly helped in the beginning but it has left me clouded in the mind and I will be glad when I'm done. So far moved down from 300mg daily to 75mg daily. Feel much better.

This is just my way of dealing with things, might not work for everyone but I think it can be easy to get lazy with your mental health and never actually fix it. Pills are a temporary measure IMHO. Self esteem and a feeling of self worth are much better in the long run and that does take work.

Graces7

BalcombeSt4 wrote: »

Agree. I'm on 12mg (6 2mg tabs) of Valium a day & have been on them for a couple of years, but have slowly reduced the dose from 60mg a day & not had any noticeable side effects, also on 7.5mg of Zopiclone for sleep. I would use Codeine the odd time for a recurring back pain & have never had any problems with craving for it, Codeine is a very weak Opiate,Opioid tho having said that.

Yes; the opioids that started the panic in the US were a very different matter. The drs here do not seem to realise that. I was on a US forum a while.

And codeine zaps my pain mightily. The others do not touch it.

Would personally never ever touch benzos or any other psych drug ever again. Prefer to know what my mind is up to! ;) I have terrible memories of my zombie years.

mr_fegelien

BalcombeSt4 wrote: »

Agree. I'm on 12mg (6 2mg tabs) of Valium a day & have been on them for a couple of years, but have slowly reduced the dose from 60mg a day & not had any noticeable side effects, also on 7.5mg of Zopiclone for sleep. I would use Codeine the odd time for a recurring back pain & have never had any problems with craving for it, Codeine is a very weak Opiate,Opioid tho having said that.

How did do you get a stable supply of valium? Do you have a disorder?

Do you also drink alcohol with them?

Graces7

ArchXStanton wrote: »

Did your gp give you a tapering program?

Did not ask. The one time I did it was suggested to cut from 20 mg Valium to 2mg! I was mightily supported by a voluntary UK group, Involuntary Tranquilliser Addiction. Then simply sense and will power. Took me a year during which I rediscovered colour and light and taste. benzos numb the senses

That was over 20 years ago . Terrible times. Took my body nearly 15 years to recover from Valium

ArchXStanton

Graces7 wrote: »

Did not ask. The one time I did it was suggested to cut from 20 mg Valium to 2mg! I was mightily supported by a voluntary UK group, Involuntary Tranquilliser Addiction. Then simply sense and will power. Took me a year during which I rediscovered colour and light and taste. benzos numb the senses

That was over 20 years ago . Terrible times. Took my body nearly 15 years to recover from Valium

I think I might have a benzo problem,just from reading this thread I've been taking 5mg - 7mg valium nightly for the last 30 days to help with insomnia and the odd 5mg during the day for anxiety, with a day or 2 off here and there, took none thursday or Friday and yesterday and anxiety was through the roof,I've heard valium stays in the system for a while and withdrawal doesn't kick in for a day or 2, it was like alcohol withdrawal, looks like I'll need to make a trip to the gp in the morning about tapering off,how much were you taking when you realised it was a problem?

Graces7

ArchXStanton wrote: »

I think I might have a benzo problem,just from reading this thread I've been taking 5mg - 7mg valium nightly for the last 30 days to help with insomnia and the odd 5mg during the day for anxiety, with a day or 2 off here and there, took none thursday or Friday and yesterday and anxiety was through the roof,I've heard valium stays in the system for a while and withdrawal doesn't kick in for a day or 2, it was like alcohol withdrawal, looks like I'll need to make a trip to the gp in the morning about tapering off,how much were you taking when you realised it was a problem?

It was different for me as I had just learned that I had been wrongly diagnosed for 30 years and the drs were not about to apologise!

I wanted to know who and what I really was; was on over 20 assorted tabs a day. The valium was the last thing I tackled and the hardest and I was on 20 mg at night. Two blue 10s. I reduced a very small amount each two to three weeks and I really have seen hell. I did not have a GP I could trust so had no contact with them; they were just sending out repeats regardless. Sent all the spares to a medical charity.

The only thing they had ever said was a suggestion to cut from 20 to 2 mg, which made me see I needed better help! You need to stop very very gradually indeed so please do not just stop.

Good luck with it; there are other ways to tackle panic as I do now.

GooglePlus

The Benzos are highly addictive but the SSRIs are terrifying. Both are rotten but very necessary for so many people. The doctors tend to throw the SSRIs out like they're candy but they have an intrusive feel about them, I just couldn't hack them.

After years, I narrowed my issue down to my lifestyle which I'm sorting now. Wish the doctor delved in a bit deeper before filling me full of that ****e.

ArchXStanton

Graces7 wrote: »

It was different for me as I had just learned that I had been wrongly diagnosed for 30 years and the drs were not about to apologise!

I wanted to know who and what I really was; was on over 20 assorted tabs a day. The valium was the last thing I tackled and the hardest and I was on 20 mg at night. Two blue 10s. I reduced a very small amount each two to three weeks and I really have seen hell. I did not have a GP I could trust so had no contact with them; they were just sending out repeats regardless. Sent all the spares to a medical charity.

The only thing they had ever said was a suggestion to cut from 20 to 2 mg, which made me see I needed better help! You need to stop very very gradually indeed so please do not just stop.

Good luck with it; there are other ways to tackle panic as I do now.

Yeah it was panic disorder that started me down this slope of alcohol /benzo, from what I've read a reduction by 1mg a week seems to be the norm, how long were you on the 20mg? As I've read the longer you are on them the harder it can be to ditch them, also how do you deal with panic now? CBT? Thanks for your insight by the way

Graces7

GooglePlus wrote: »

The Benzos are highly addictive but the SSRIs are terrifying. Both are rotten but very necessary for so many people. The doctors tend to throw the SSRIs out like they're candy but they have an intrusive feel about them, I just couldn't hack them.

After years, I narrowed my issue down to my lifestyle which I'm sorting now. Wish the doctor delved in a bit deeper before filling me full of that ****e.

disagree on that. and your last para says it all. all these drugs are quick fixes

Graces7

ArchXStanton wrote: »

Yeah it was panic disorder that started me down this slope of alcohol /benzo, from what I've read a reduction by 1mg a week seems to be the norm, how long were you on the 20mg? As I've read the longer you are on them the harder it can be to ditch them, also how do you deal with panic now? CBT? Thanks for your insight by the way

Years...many years. . I don't believe in CBT etc; my choice. Take a deep breath and let time pass. Panic is a swift reaction that passes.
And clean up your lifestyle. Exercise, fresh air, decent food.

I have a serious systemic illness which the drs misdiagnosed for 30 years so it is easier now I know what is really wrong. Oh and I stay away from doctors!

Used to be a web site called Benzo Island and there are other specialist forums if you google? People going through the same things.

ArchXStanton

Graces7 wrote: »

Years...many years. . I don't believe in CBT etc; my choice. Take a deep breath and let time pass. Panic is a swift reaction that passes.
And clean up your lifestyle. Exercise, fresh air, decent food.

I have a serious systemic illness which the drs misdiagnosed for 30 years so it is easier now I know what is really wrong. Oh and I stay away from doctors!

Used to be a web site called Benzo Island and there are other specialist forums if you google? People going through the same things.

I think my only saving grace(pardon the pun) is its not a hugely high mg I'm on and it hasn't been for long, I exercise everyday and eat healthy enough, though I've been on benzo short term at different times down through the years, whilst it's an uncomfortable, edgy flu like feeling, I just took half a dose this morning and maybe the rest tonight and I'll see my gp in the morning, plus I'm pretty stubborn, I don't like anything having that power over me, so would stick rigidly to a tapering regime

fussyonion

I was put on Lexapro 10mg but after eight months, I didn't feel they were working anymore so my GP increased them to 15mg.

Nine months later, I had to get them upped to 20mg but now I feel I need something else.
Lexapro only go to 20mg.

I do yoga and meditation and I practice mindfulness but I am feeling increasingly anxious again and I don't know what else I could be prescribed

GooglePlus

Graces7 wrote: »

disagree on that. and your last para says it all. all these drugs are quick fixes

I know people who wouldn't be with us today without them, so I would say they're very necessary for some. A quick fix maybe, but the alternative therapy can take time, which some people don't have.

mr_fegelien

GooglePlus wrote: »

I know people who wouldn't be with us today without them, so I would say they're very necessary for some. A quick fix maybe, but the alternative therapy can take time, which some people don't have.

I think that people who say that it's a "crutch" are forgetting that in the past, they didn't have benzos/antidepresssants but alcohol to medicate with. Alcoholism was more rampant than it is now.

Graces7

mr_fegelien wrote: »

I think that people who say that it's a "crutch" are forgetting that in the past, they didn't have benzos/antidepresssants but alcohol to medicate with. Alcoholism was more rampant than it is now.

they did have other medications eg laudanum. alcoholism is rampant now!

Seanachai

I've never used them, but I've come close to asking for them a few times. I notice a lot of the empty blister packs for xanax, valium and generic versions on the footpaths around town, pills from Sunpharma too who are an Indian company. Are people getting prescriptions from docs and selling the meds or are they being rerouted from the pharma plants?

Foweva Awone

Seanachai wrote: »

I've never used them, but I've come close to asking for them a few times. I notice a lot of the empty blister packs for xanax, valium and generic versions on the footpaths around town, pills from Sunpharma too who are an Indian company. Are people getting prescriptions from docs and selling the meds or are they being rerouted from the pharma plants?

Mostly they buy them online.

Seanachai

Foweva Awone wrote: »

Mostly they buy them online.

I thought the depot in Portlaoise was on top of seizing contraband medication, I was thinking about ordering some meds online and I was warned by others who'd tried it that there was a high chance they'd be sized.

Mangofrozo

This afternoon I had to give my first big presentation in my new job, was very anxious. Does this mean I should be on some form of medication?

If you have a serious systemic illness it might possibly be directly affecting your nervous system. An example of such might be Lupus, an autoimmune condition. In which case the systemic illness might need more attention in addition with a consultation with a psychiatrist who might prescribe a mood stabilizer if s/he thinks this is appropriate. An inflammatory illness can affect how the brain works and coping mechanisms. Also, steroids used to treat some systemic illnesses can have a very agitating effect. I have experienced this when treated for colitis, which thankfully is not needed since I had colectomy & ileostomy. Sometimes withdrawal from any number of medicines can cause agitation, including antidepressants. And sometimes an antidepressant can actually cause mania and agitation. Whatever you do, you need a careful evaluation with an emphasis on both your physical and mental wellbeing. Being agitated is no fun st all.

Spanish Eyes

Mangofrozo wrote: »

This afternoon I had to give my first big presentation in my new job, was very anxious. Does this mean I should be on some form of medication?

That's normal nerves and can be good for you. If you weren't a bit nervous giving a presentation you wouldn't care about your performance.

There is a beta blocker (non addictive) called propranolol which helps calm down the fast beating heart and slows down the physical response. But if you do suffer from REAL diagnosed anxiety it will not help the underlying symptoms.

I have read that many performers and professional singers, and those who have to make speeches in front of large audiences use them when they need them.

Forty Seven

Mangofrozo wrote: »

This afternoon I had to give my first big presentation in my new job, was very anxious. Does this mean I should be on some form of medication?

Try an easier job. Perhaps Mcdonalds or a car wash may suit you better?

ceadaoin.

Spanish Eyes wrote: »

That's normal nerves and can be good for you. If you weren't a bit nervous giving a presentation you wouldn't care about your performance.

There is a beta blocker (non addictive) called propranolol which helps calm down the fast beating heart and slows down the physical response. But if you do suffer from REAL diagnosed anxiety it will not help the underlying symptoms.

I have read that many performers and professional singers, and those who have to make speeches in front of large audiences use them when they need them.

I asked my doctor about this but was told that because I already have a low resting heart rate, it wouldn't be suitable. So I stick to xanax for the occasional time I need it which is usually when flying. Here they only give me 6 or 7 pills but when I'm back in ireland I go to my parents doctor and he gives a months supply to me no questions asked which lasts me ages. He's old and will probably be retiring soon, dont know what I'll do then!

railer201

Graces7 wrote: »

Years...many years. . I don't believe in CBT etc; my choice. Take a deep breath and let time pass. Panic is a swift reaction that passes.
And clean up your lifestyle. Exercise, fresh air, decent food.

I have a serious systemic illness which the drs misdiagnosed for 30 years so it is easier now I know what is really wrong. Oh and I stay away from doctors!

Used to be a web site called Benzo Island and there are other specialist forums if you google? People going through the same things.

Excellent advice - anxiety or depression sufferers should heed this one. The returns are well worth the effort. A daily cycle for 1 hour and a half or a brisk walk for an hour minimum is what I do.

GooglePlus

Mangofrozo wrote: »

This afternoon I had to give my first big presentation in my new job, was very anxious. Does this mean I should be on some form of medication?

Just be your "true self" :'D

ILoveYourVibes

Its not about people being snowflakes. Its just about really educating people about the side effects of such medication so they go in with their eyes wide open.

They are not pleasant drugs. I have never heard someone say 'Oh i love being on them'. Most people will have some issue with them at some point.

If they help you fine. But just be fully aware of the risks etc.

Forty Seven

Forty Seven wrote: »

Try an easier job. Perhaps Mcdonalds or a car wash may suit you better?

Seriously? It may just be 'regular' nerves the person is experiencing and they may love their job.

Forty Seven

Deleted User wrote: »

Seriously? It may just be 'regular' nerves the person is experiencing and they may love their job.

Perhaps I read that wrong but I read their post as sarcasm? Apologies if misconstrued.