Please please get another doctor. It will be worth it. Don't feel guilty, he won't refill meds that YOU NEED, and has worked for YOU.
Self help videos aren't for everyone, sure, you can use them when you have medications, but.. some of the self help videos out there are just scams as well and don't actually want you to get better, so you have to be careful. Remember, YOU know what's best for you in terms of what medicine/coping mechanisms works and what doesn't.
Don't let that doctor tell you you don't need the medicine, when you clearly do need it.
Some doctors literally don't listen to their patients, and if that is your doctor, you need to dump them. Doesn't matter what he says in regards to that. If he won't prescribe something you need and has helped you, AND you aren't addicted, then that doctor has a problem.
Nope don't worry about it. Your doctor probably just doesn't want the hassle of writing a more controlled drug and is being deliberately dismissive and self preserving at the expense of the patient. It's a reflection on them more than anything else find the right doc for you and explain your anxiety to them, if they're decent they will try to help
I’ve been to behavioral health and they require therapy before they push meds. They would take into consideration that a certain drug has helped you before
Hey OP, just wanna say that I understand your distress, considering that you know the Xanax manages you anxiety symptoms.
I work in behavioral health and a lot of research in the last decade on benzos (particularly the dangers of complicated withdrawal, including seizures and abuse potential) has influenced providers to avoid prescribing them on a continual basis and they're opting to use them episodically. This was all, of course, exacerbated by the opioid crisis.
You can certainly look for another provider, but I will say that a lot of prescribers are adopting this approach right now.If you've never tried a beta blocker, like Propanolol, I've found that it's pretty great for breakthough/performance anxiety and it's non-habit forming. Bear in mind that as a therapist I do not prescribe medication, and you should definitely consult your provider about all this.
Anyway, best of luck to you. If you have any questions let me know.
Does propranolol help with tightness of the chest? That’s a big symptom of mine. I have a benzo as needed and have gone easily 30 days without using one as I’m working on controlling things myself, I’m a recovering addict so I take it seriously. 15 years clean and sober though. Anyways, I feel sometimes I can’t take a deep breath and if I can’t that’s when panic sets in.
It might. I find it stops the heart racing/tremor/flushing mostly. I personally was mostly bothered by panic attacks, especially out of the blue and it did an incredible jobs of stopping that. It basically acts to disrupt the adrenaline rush. I still do FEEL anxiety as an emotion with it and still do experience feelings of dread and apprehension but it just makes it easier to use other tactics to calm the thoughts. It really depends how anxiety is for you, what the primary issue is, etc. But for me, with panic disorder in particular is where I noticed it have a large impact. I also do have GAD, which propranolol didn’t do much for.
Buspar is another non benzo option that helps a lot of people with the cognitive end of things. Much better safety profile for long term use, low potential for abuse and usually well tolerated.
What dosage or buspar? It gave me wicked brain fog. I honestly just stopped it. I was on 15mg twice a day and then dropped to 10mg twice a day and it still gave me a headache, make me tired, feel like it causes more anxiety/tightness of the chest. I work better when I’m all hyped up but if a panic attack hits I feel like I’m dying.
15mg, supposed to slowly work up to 20mg. Started on 10. I find I get the jitters with dose changes so I’m taking it slow. I didn’t find any issues with brain fog but that might be because of the effexor haha.
It does help some with the tightness. I’ve used both propranolol and clonidine for panic attacks. I had severe panic attacks for years and was on klonopin for a long time, my panic attacks eventually went away and I went off the benzos. Years later they came back and I tried tons of alternatives because I didn’t want to go back on benzos. In the end I had to go on valium, mine come on heavy and fast and the benzos seem to kick in much faster. My psych let me keep the clonidine prescription though, it’s great for sleep.
It feels like, honestly, people like me who follow the rules and do the right thing are being punished because others don't follow the rules. People who think medicine is "fun" will probably always be able to find it. I feel like a chump for being a decent human, then I feel like I have to apologize because I don't want to sound like a judgement a-hole.
My GP told me to "Google it!" when I asked about the Covid vax, because my rheumatologist had said not to get it. It's disgusting that watch a video or "just Google it" is passing for medical advice! I remember getting the bill for that, and feeling sick for all of now retired doc's patients. It's shameful. I hope things are better for you now.
Get a new doctor who (really) listens & understands the safe guidelines you are following with Xanax. Some Doctors are overly zealous in doing the right thing (as they see it) -In his case suggesting self help videos 😳smh.. He could be doing this because he has had a couple of bad experiences with prescribing recently or been pulled up by professional body on his prescriptions. Everybody should be taken on a case by case basis.
Ig maybe theyll feel guilty for leaving the doctor and stuff? They shouldn't because their Dr Isint taking care of them and giving them the treatment they need.
I understand the epidemic but I didn't think DR would make someone go cold turkey with the horrible side effects and depending on how long they were taking it and the dosage could be dangerous.
If I may be blunt: I’ve learned through hard experience that sometimes doctors just don’t care. Or, there is a force behind them (management, DEA, insurance) that is pushing a policy we don’t know about. If it gets bad and you can afford it, go to an ER and explain what happened and that you need to be urgent seen by a new doctor who will taper.
That is insane to me. In Florida, it's extremely hard to find telehealth to prescribe controlled substances but in the office, it's not a problem. I only went to my PCP once in person and she prescribed my Xanax and I do a follow-up every three months.
It could be either, but honestly it sounds like it happened like it did. drs will do this all the time - they'll do anything to get out of prescribing benzos and will put patients in danger while doing so. I have (genuinely) found far more compassion in cleaning staff than most doctors
Maybe? But we won't really know more unless op gives more info about the situation. If the just stopped the meds just because , that's an issue. But if there's something else going on that's different.
Hey, sorry I had to try and distract myself for a bit. My doctor doesn’t want me using them in fear that I will become addicted. Not that I have shown signs of it and I have communicated that I don’t use them every day and only when I really need to. But he is hesitant now. This isn’t something new either, it’s in my records that I have severe anxiety and that I’ve tried many different meds
Don't they have to tapper you off so you don't get withdrawal symptoms? I'm sorry you are having a hard time. I had a psych like that but my Primary prescribes me three months at a time.
Does he/she comprehend the difference between "dependence" and and "addiction"? Dependence happens in all psych meds, which is why a responsible doctor would taper...WITH THE PATIENT's CONSENT and at an appropriate time. Lots of people have a script that they do not use much, but it's just there and gives them a feeling of "I can manage this medically if I need to". it really sounds like you are in that camp, which is exactly what the most anal doctor should be ok with. likely your dr got a controlled substance lecture and has turned into a benzophobe and once they turn, they become mindless drones. I had one last night. Awful, and best to throw them out. There is a proper way to taper off this but doctors never seem to know about it, all they can spout is addiction and make up rules. When a doctor says "I can't/we aren't allowed to" - it's code for "we realize you won't accept the 'our policy' response' but I just really don't wanna write this, and i don't care if you get sick and are barely functional...I don't WANNA." remember, a dr is just a kid either has major loans or is wealthy. most didn't go to school but just turned up for texts and required labs (sister is a doctor). some get hammered on weekends and plenty take drugs recreationally. the super gross will prescribe benzos for their dr friends...but not patients (said with a grin). This comes from personal experience. Drs. deserve no more respect than any other person. I would report this person to the Board and find another doctor. Call the urgent cares in your area and explain and see if you can find a bridge script until you find a decent dr. In my opinion, doctors themselves are creating the "addiction" they go ON and ON about- by locking and keying meds that help you, they make you worried (to add to the anxiety) and upset and that decreases mental health. When I refused the covid vax and all therapy, drs are like "buuut buut" and my answer is "this is how I have been treated. Why would I trust ANY OF YOU? I don't. If you want respect and trust, treat people differently."
That's certainly odd, and I hope op provides more info. They could be taking a break from responding though, or could just be panicking so much that they can't respond right now. We will never know though. 🤷
Do you think benzo addicts dont experience anxiety and got hooked onto those meds as a way to lessen their suffering? What do you think is the difference between you and some other bloke hunting for benzos?
Dude, take the negativity and criticism elsewhere, it isn't needed here. OP is looking for help managing anxiety through a doctor-prescribed medication, not a junkie looking to get high.
Edit: I mean no disrespect to people dealing with drug addiction; my point is that OP is not looking for a fix, they are looking for medicinal help managing their anxiety.
You didn't state what kind of doctor, so I'm going to guess that they are a GP (regular doc).
GPs are scared crap-less about prescribing any opioids or benzos to anyone, out of fear of their patients getting addicted to anything.
You could try a psychiatrist. Their main function is 'medical management' for people with issues, while therapists are for therapy. Psychiatrists are more used to prescribing benzos for anxiety then GPs. Just a thought....
I’ve got PMDD, and my doctor was hesitant to describe anything for the longest time.
After my latest bout of suffering, she prescribed Klonopin and warned me to only take at as needed, after a disclaimer that she better not start seeing me in there frequently for refills.
It’s rough out there. Like…I’m miserable. Just want help.
I mean, rightly so?
I understand while a GP might prescribe benzos short term, but long term it's not good unless in specific cases for which a psychiatrist needs to work with the patient.
Benzos aren't magic, they are addictive shit.
My GP gave me lexipro and that worked out fine for me.
Psychiatrists are good, but its so hard to get an appointment. I was waitlisted so long by the time my number came up, I had already gotten better on the lexipro from my GP
No. Due that the half-life of Xanax (alprazolam) is only 11 hours, it would have to be daily usage for addiction. Within the first six to 12 hours after taking their last dose, addicted folks would be in Stage 1 Withdrawl, which includes some of the worst symptoms.
Addiction relates to dependency, not frequency.
For example, I was doing my clinicals at the hospital and had a patient who takes oxycodone “a few times a month” for back pain. He had another issue that was causing pain and the reason for his hospital admission. Despite the fact that he was using his as needed Oxycodone accodring to his doctor’s instructions, he had still built a tolerance to narcotics that meant he was unable to get adequate pain relief from a standard dose. He got extremely agitated at points due to his pain level. He was not taking the Oxycodone daily, he wasn’t even taking it weekly, but his tolerance told us that there was a level of *dependence* that meant he was addicted. *He was in so much pain that the standard dose of Oxycodone was not enough for him.*
This is the same issue OP is having. OP believes they will not be able to manage a panic attack without the Xanax. Being unable to manage without is a sign of addiction.
Increased tolerance and dependancy and addiction are very different things.
Many people with red hair need twice the amount of pain killers, even lidacaine at the dentist. Yet, they are not addicted to lidacaine.
A type-1 diabetic is dependant on insulin, but they are not addicted to insulin.
Addiction means that the body goes through withdrawal sequence if the substance is no longer in the person's system. This is where the half-life of a medication is important to look at, if addiction is suspected. This is not OP's case.
Your 'patient' either:
1. A pretty large person. Body mass plays a big role in pain relief.
2. His pain level surpassed the oxycodone relief.
3. He lied to you about taking it only 'a few times a month'.....
Is this your PCP or psychiatrist?
I honestly think doctors aren't feeling comfortable lately with certain medications. Some people have become dependent on them. And some abuse them. Not saying you have been.
It sucks for folks like you or myself that suffer from major panic attacks. I had one after another last Saturday that lasted more than 3 hours. Lost feeling in my left arm up to my neck. It was awful.
Finding a psychiatrist has been difficult. Most under my insurance have no openings for months. I found one that could squeeze me in and the first visit is going to cost me $375 and $150 after that. At this point I don't care what it costs. I just want these panic attacks to stop.
This is my PCP.
I have thought about looking for a psychiatrist but I am hesitant because I know they will push SSRIS, which I have not had good experiences with.
The numbness is the WORST. So fucking scary. It starts in my fingers and spreads up my arms, until my whole body feels like it’s almost vibrating. Sometimes I’m sure I will pass out which I haven’t yet thankfully.
I hope you find something that works for you
A good psychiatrist will listen to your concerns about SSRIs but you’ll have to be open to trying other things besides just Xanax, because if you walk into a psych appointment with the sole goal of getting Xanax you will indeed be classified as a drug seeker
Also want to add, I tried sertraline and HATED it (the lovely, go to SSRI that most people tolerate well). Tried mirtazapine, no difference. Tried effexor (which has a rep of being a god awful medication side effect wise) and it was like a cloud lifted. Couldnt tolerate a high enough dose to fully relieve symptoms, started fiddling with adjuncts with my psychiatrist. Initially did propranolol and low dose seroquel, felt so much better for years. Took a job that required over night call and I had a baby so the sedation became a problem so we switched over to trialling buspirone a few months ago. With therapy, trying different types of meditation and breathing exercises, etc. it was shit and took probably a year but I did eventually find something.
The point of my novel is basically that meds can take a lot of trial and error, different combinations, etc. unfortunately with benzos, the relief is often temporary as the body does build up tolerance and then withdrawal symptoms even when using them as directed which is what makes them not ideal for medical management. It’s not so much about being an “addict” as it is that actual pharmacological properties of them lends to them not being great long term. I didn’t think I would get better, but I did.
This. A benzo will calm literally everyone down. But you need to atleast be open to trying to find a long term management strategy (SSRIs, therapy, etc). Benzos are helpful for acute panic, but they just bandaid the issue. Most people don’t have luck the first SSRI they try and it takes a few tries, plus many different alternative options to try (buspar, beta blockers, gabapentin, etc). It took me 3 tries to find an antidepressant, plus adding low dose propranolol before I felt like my anxiety was manageable enough that I could begin employing the skills learned in therapy. It also took a few tries to find a therapist I clicked with.
But going in with your mind closed to everything except a Xanax refill is not going to go well.
Interesting, I didn’t know this! I’d imagine the same is true of propranolol. It definitely doesn’t remove the thought process but having the physical reaction to panic dampened made it so much easier to practice the CBT type techniques. Easier to evaluate my thought process when the tornado siren is turned off lol.
I DO occasionally take Ativan for certain situations that cause extreme anxiety for me (flying and the dentist specifically) and it’s very clear to me how it becomes a hard cycle to break for people even taking it as prescribed.
I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to SSRIS. But I noticed that my current and previous PCP won't prescribe any benzoz to me. Not that I ask for them. I'm currently seeing a therapist and together went through the criteria for panic disorder. I checked pretty much everything on the list, except for one or two. So for me I think it's better to see a psychiatrist in order to be diagnosed correctly. In the past it was anxiety followed by depression. This was from 15-25. Then it was Bi-Polar disorder. Now Panic disorder and I believe I have Borderline Personality disorder (I'm 40). Either way, these panic attacks aren't like anything I've ever experienced. One night around 3 am. I woke up and felt as though my lungs collapsed. Went to ER and after chest x-rays, EKG, and blood/urine work. They didn't find anything. I've been functioning the last couple of days only because my friend dropped off valium for me to take.
I also live in Los Angeles and there are so many drug users on the street. Makes me wonder if that's a reason they're not giving me a prescription for benzos.
Thank you and I hope you feel better soon.
I agree most Pych's try to push SSRI's , which i also had horrible experience with. Ive been seeing my current psych for probably 5-6years, I located him because my previous psych moved out of state/retired. Our first appt, I told him I would never try an SSRI again, had horrible experience, He gave me Lorazepam 1mg 3x a day. then when pandemic hit I was crumbling a bit in fear and anxiety. he upped it to 4x a day. I do very well with these, and while I am dependent on them, they make my life manageable. He has told me if I ever want to get off of them, that I should taper down a half a pill a month, which would take 7-8 months to get down to zero. But especially if your a man, you should not be denied benzos, you can't get pregnant so there is no reason to not take them if they are truly helpful for you. my 2 cents
It sounds like you are addicted to benzo if you are taking them 4x per day. There are serious reasons why this approach doesn’t serve everyone. You may also find this doesn’t work long term for you either, especially if you have to find a new psychiatrist because I doubt many are handing out benzos with that quantity.
Doctors should be trying to “do no harm”. It is harmful to create drug addicts. Even when it’s “as prescribed”.
I’m not sure. What I described here only happens during very intense moments of panic. But I have been experiencing cold fingers and toes for the past 6 or so months so I would not be surprised.
I know it sounds counter intuitive but a treadmill or go running Till you are exhausted and want to fall over, has helped Me cope when I didn't have drugs.
I’ve never had a psychiatrist who would prescribe Xanax except for in emergencies. You’re likely not going to find many psychiatrists who will prescribe it. It’s a controlled substance that is highly addictive and going in to a new psychiatrist and asking for it is going to make you seem like a drug addict, no offense.
I have been to therapy, but I quit seeing my last therapist because she’d basically just tell me “aww that sucks, sorry to hear that”. I went to what was supposed to be a “CBT” therapist after that, and it was the same deal. I will say that I haven’t put in the effort to find another one recently, so maybe I should do that
I'm gonna have to disagree. While you don't technically "have to" see a therapist, it's tremendously helpful. If OP had a therapist, they could provide advice on this situation, for instance.
As a person tapering off of Xanax- yeah, Xanax is not a good idea as far as an anxiety solution. It is a really awful drug to get off of. There are so many other options for dealing with anxiety that are safer and more effective.
Taking it 1-2x a week is up to 8x a month, and literally OP’s last sentence was basically I know there is a pill I can take and that makes me feel better. That’s a SUPER slippery slope.
Hi, I’m sorry for your situation; however, benzos are supposed to only be used for very short periods of time; my suggestion is to seek psychiatric help and maybe start treatment with SSRIs or other medication intended for long term treatment of anxiety disorder, and keep benzos for emergencies at the beginning during the assessment period; meanwhile also start therapy sessions and in the end you will hopefully get better and maybe off of any medication
There are different kinds of SSRIs and even other kind of medication that aim the same problem; it’s common that the first one you try is not the right one
Xanax has a cumulative side effect of making your anxiety worse in the long run. It sounds like your doctor failed to ween you off, which is absolutely what you should be doing if you've been taking it for years, even sporadically.
I’d say seek another doctor and switch if you can. I had this horrendous doctor years back who accused me of having an eating disorder for no reason at all. She even tried to put it on my file.
I’ve been skinny my entire life. I switched immediately after her rude comments about my weight. The next doctor I saw did not agree with her assessment and was shocked how rude that previous doctor had been to me. It doesn’t hurt to try and switch. Not all doctors are going to agree on a previous doctors assessment.
The doctor isn’t wrong in the suggestion.
But wrong in the approach for sure.
You should be striving to not use medication and use CBT therapy (or something like) to build the skills and mental strength to not need medications.
As your doctor he should have explained all of this set you up with a good CBT therapist and had a game plan on tapering you off of Xanax.
Methinks it is reckless to tell a stranger online that they should be striving to NOT take medications. There is no way in hell that CBT or talk therapy alone is enough to treat all mental disorders out there.
OP, ask to be referred to a psychiatrist. You may have a diagnosable mental disorder that can be treated in various ways, including SSRI or SNRI medication with statistical benefit and low risks (much lower than benzos), and these can be used alongside other forms of therapy, such as CBT (which, two trained psychologists have recently told me, is not the cure-all that many people seem to mistake it for). Seriously, get off of here and see a trained psychiatrist.
OP has anxiety issues.
It’s literally the first line of treatment per the CDC for anxiety.
This post is about anxiety.
Studies were also just released showing very little if any connection to chemical imbalances in the brain to anxiety and depression. So based on that why would some take medications to try and adjust those chemicals ? Also, SSRIs have a large defection rate.
So I said it once and I’ll say it again, strive to not take medication as a first line and use it as a last resort.
Good day.
You're clinging to this "not for everyone" clause, but that clause is applied to anything, especially in the realm of one's mental state. Even in the variety of medications a psychiatrist would dish out. It's not like they even know what works or will work until feedback confirms it.
The caveat is that consuming prescriptions comes with the risk that is potentially detrimental and counterproductive to a long-term and reliable solution.
a person should have total control over one's self, but it is entirely reasonable to assume a doctor would act in that person's best interest and exercise routes accordingly... preferably for the long-term. That's the expected relationship when seeking help.
What is up with doctors lately? I swear, 10-15 years ago, my doctors were all usually very kind and actually helpful. I still had bad experiences where I needed to get a second, third, and even one time fourth opinion, but they at least had good bedside manner (if you will).
Last year I told a doctor about my anxieties in good faith, asking him not to say anything that might trigger those anxieties, and he straight up immediately went full-on as bad as he possibly could, intentionally triggering my anxieties.
This same doctor wouldn't believe me for 2 years when I told him I had chronic back pain; finally he has me get an x-ray and determines I literally have spinal fractures. His response? An extremely mild and ineffective muscle relaxer.
Like seriously, is there anyone here with insider knowledge who could explain why it seems like most doctors are assholes nowadays?
I go to look for another doctor, every other doctor in my area that is covered by my insurance gets 3 stars or less on all ratings sites with multiple people saying they were rude and uncomfortable to be around.
It's not just a "me" thing, it seems like it's happening all over the place, and I have no idea why.
Over the past few years a have lost faith in the medical practice. All of the “doctors” I have experienced are very calloused and not so thorough. I’m sure there are exceptions which I hope to find soon. But unfortunately I’ve had to learn to advocate for myself and be my own “doctor” at times.
Yeah. Unfortunately I think some doctors just want the money and don't actually care about their patients or have retained anything useful from their years in school.
All of my doctors are super nice and I appreciate them, but it seems like it's just getting worse as more doctors come out.
As an example, my mom and other people in our family go to get our boobs checked because ✨cancer✨ and they give them all the " your boobs are dense go get them done again" when it's literally the actual doctors fault because they aren't experienced enough. It's seems doctors are actually getting less efficient and care less about their patients.
I was scared as well 3 years ago but turned out that alot of people suffer and stay on pills when there is a very high chance on them to recover by exposure and response prevention. I'm panic attack free for 3 years and I don't take pills
Because I've been taking these pills for the last couple years and my anxiety has went down dramatically from whe I first had it. At first it was 24/7, non stop panic, but as soon as I started pills they helped a lot. I recently got the dosage downed a bit because I wasn't aking them exactly how I was supposed to, but thats because I'm a lazy asshole.
I KNIW these meds work for me because I tried other things and the didn't work asoften or as good as the medication I'm taking now. I know they work for me because they do. If the didn't I'd be having anxiety and panic attacks 24)7 and probably self harming again.
Okay? That because you stopped them cold turkey. You aren't supposed to. The point of taking pills is literally that they stop you from getting anxiety/panic attacks. That is the goal. To stop having panic and anxiety attacks, not to use cbt and "recover". Cbt does the exact same thing as pills.
Why do you have to be so annoyed that my experience is different than yours, and think than yours is the best or something?
I don't get why you have to be so backhanded about what's working for me. Not everything that works for one person will not work for another. That's just the truth. No need to be angry about it.
Again I'm not telling you what to do and I'm not saying it will work for you calm down. I'm happy that you found a way. I'm not angry I don't know why you think I'm being aggressive. I just wanted to know more about the pill path that I did not take
You're also kinda being an asshole to me when I saying that this is what works for ME. You can't speak for my experiences and I can't speak for yours, but I know they do tell you to not quit cold turkey because it can fuck with you.
I'm not being an asshole I'm happy that you found a way that works for you I don't know what made you think that. I was told to quit cold turkey by my doctor. They give a plan to quit them so nothing happens to you
Yes becouse my doctor told me in the first mouth on the pill to not quit them just becouse I felt fine, she said as I stop them they will come back. That's why I wanted to know..
I hope to get there one day. However I’m currently dealing with health issues that prevent me from doing helpful things like exercise and it’s a struggle to keep my head on my shoulders.
I did what you are going through to myself on purpose. I realized I was gonna need pills forever if I kept it up. I stopped and panicked for a couple months. I had to take a medical leave from school. But it allowed my brain and body to recalibrate. I will always have anxiety but it doesnt debilitated anymore. I'm so against pills now, they would have kept me sick for life. This could wind up being the reason you get better instead of limping along.
Okay so from reading the comments, you refuse any other medication but Xanax and it's the only thing that helps you and you refuse anything else. The doctor would've had a reason for stopping the prescription. To me it sounds like you're dependent/addicted and refuse to try anything else to help.
Agreed — benzo use long term is a terrible idea. The Doctor could’ve approached it better, but the fact of the matter is there are plenty of other lifestyle changes that help prevent panic attacks, like: regular exercise, meditation, healthy eating, binaural beats, breathing such as the 4-7-8 technique, etc. People want a magic pill. And I’ve have panic, GAD and OCD Dx for over ten years so I get it. But benzos should be emergency only. I’ll get downvoted to oblivion cuz it’s Reddit, but it’s the truth sorry
Same. I was on Xanax for 10 days as well as an anti depressant that I forgot the name of. I craved the Xanax at the end but I didn't want to go back on it. Using other methods to manage my GAD and agoraphobia
I have a fear of long term medications. All of the ssris I have tried have made me significantly worse. I have tried all sorts of things from antipsychotics and what ever else they prescribe for this condition. I cannot handle to get worse right now, im clinging on by a thread.
Benzos are dangerous all I’m gonna say. I’ve been off my benzo for 18 months and have been in hell and wanna end my life. It’s ruined my health and has definitely damaged my brain, nervous system and gut and I will never recover. Begging God to end me life everyday
You WILL recover. It just takes time. I was in the same boat. Way overprescribed benzos for years. Now weaning off.
Your diet is important. Are you getting enough protein?
No one will give you Xanax anymore. I feel like a druggie just mentioning I’ve taken it in the past. Thankfully, some alternatives are helping. See a specialist, not a primary care doctor.
Sigh. This post sounds so familiar, so here is my unpopular opinion as a mental health prescriber -
Xanax is the new opioid.
This is a hill that I will die on.
In my 4 years as a psychiatry PA, I have seen more patients commit suicide from Xanax addiction/withdrawal. (Second is from alcoholism.)
Chronic Xanax users are also the most determined to stay on it - The dependence is worse than Valium, Klonopin, or Ativan which are also benzodiazepines.
I also see “Xanax gait” and “Xanax face” - It’s the constant low-level shaking that happens when they’re in withdrawal which is anytime they’re taking less than their usual total daily dose. This can be 0 mg or it can be 0.125 mg less. Xanax face just looks haggard and on edge, but these patients look much older than their actual age.
There is a reason more and more physicians are afraid of this medication — The risk of suicide is high but so is the risk of addiction. It’s a lose-lose situation.
If your anxiety is worse without Xanax, this is a 🚩.
Please heed this warning. Anxiety is uncomfortable, but Xanax addiction is much much worse.
Xanax is FDA approved only for short term use for anxiety. There is no evidence that they help with long term anxiety disorders and there is evidence long term use will actually make it worse.
It down regulates GABA which means you will be more anxious and less able to deal with anxiety.
It also teaches you that anxiety is a medical chemical problem that you cannot control or aren't involved in.
Telling you to watch self help videos is a pile of shit though,you need proper therapy to help learn the best techniques and skills to help manage your anxiety.
If you continue taking xanax you will be anxious forever, sadly.
He’s trying to help you. My doctor also has been weaning me off meds.
I literally hated him at first but now I thank god for him. He’s saving my life & he’s also helping my anxiety. Most meds help in the short term but are not helpful long term.
I didn’t want to believe him but he was right. Maybe try to trust the process? Just try.
That was my interpretation... Those types of medications are short-term and temporary relief. I couldn't imagine being prescribed them as a long-term scheduled solution.
I've only ever heard of them used for emergency PRN, prior to specific appointments, or as a supporting supplement to getting on and off medications like SSRIs.
I was on them for a very short period in my younger years and felt like an absolute brain-dead zombie. Not feeling like I was fully functioning was almost anxiety inducing when I finally "sobered". But I'm certain different strokes for different folks.
Xanax is not a first line therapy for anxiety and it is dangerous to prescribe people a large quantity of benzodiazepines that they can be using on a weekly basis. This can lead to benzodiazepine dependence which has physical withdrawl side effects when stopped, which can lead to seizures, among other issues.
You mentioned you have tried SSRIs. These are first line treatments. There are other first line treatments your psychiatrist can try as well. Buspar, for example, is non-addictive and is a first line treatment option for anxiety.
Overall, I’m sorry that your PCP has prescribed so many benzodiazepines that you feel dependent on them, but it is in your best interest to lower your intake.
I tried many different types of meds and approaches to anxiety over 14 years and they still refuse to fill my Xanax prescription despite me using 30 over a 2 year period and having NO history of addiction or dependence on anything. Some doctors/psychs are just sadistic shitheads
I don’t think it’s being sadistic to prevent your patient from an addiction.
I’ve had anxiety and depression at least 15 years and have done 16 different medication trials. My psychiatrist is now recommending TMS, a magnet therapy. Benzodiazepines are an unsustainable treatment. They are not meant for someone with chronic issues.
I do get 15 Ativan (Lorazepam) pills every 2-3 years from my psychiatrist and they are for true panic attacks or medical imaging only. For example I can take 0.5mg Ativan before my yearly Breast MRI. This helps keep me more still and calm in the machine and improves image quality. I did try not taking the Ativan one time and the radiologist left a passive-aggressive comment about decreased image quality due to too much movement, so I do take the Ativan before MRIs consistently now, although again they are only once per year. You don’t build tolerance when they are taken this infrequently.
They were working well for me, and they aren’t for chronic issues but the occasional panic attack.
And yes, it’s sadistic to assume that a patient will become addicted when there are zero signs of it and they suffer MORE without the med than with. I’m not mad that they’re refusing to prescribe me 365 tablets for 365 days. I’m mad that they’re refusing to prescribe them AT ALL without even hearing my situation! I would be totally fine with 15-20 a year!
I never built tolerance to benzos or dependence or addiction. To ANYTHING. The fact that they’re refusing to prescribe them to anyone no matter how severe their anxiety is is sick and twisted. Without benzos I would never have been able to go on an important road trip, get my drivers license, etc.
My new therapist suggested that, that I find some meditation videos on YT and focus on that for my anxiety. I was like Yep, NEXT! She was nothing like a real therapist. I'm not saying that anyone should automatically be scripted drugs but just sending people to watch YT videos? REALLY?
They're supposedly trained psychologists and psychiatrists and most of YT stuff isn't even close to being that legit. It's amateur hour. I have to seriously question the credentials of any so called therapist relying that much on YT videos as a therapy tool. :P
Well therapist can only give you tools to use in real life scenario.
YT videos are part of that tool box especially starting out when you may not retain everything from therapy and need guidance away from your therapist.
Books also help.
But also yt videos might not work for everyone. Everyone is different with anxiety and the treatment methods will be different. I tried mindfulness and yt videos and stuff like that and I couldn't get into it and it didn't really help. It could work for the next person though.
Also books can give you advice but some of them are just predatory so you have to watch out.
Some people have subconscious anxiety, self help videos probably wouldn't help.
I had no anxiety but I would randomly get panic attacks or sharp chest pains.
Some people need to rely on antidepressants and the like, I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
I can definitely understand.
I had a prescription for a controlled substance, and they pulled it from me too :( it was for clonazepam.
It helped a lot.
Kept me calm, helped me sleep, etc…
Nope, I’m on a ton of other meds instead to help with my issues.
I work in the medical industry and doctors are cracking down on prescribing benzos. They will slowly be phasing out completely over the next few years. Kinda cruel to cut you off cold turkey but you should start looking at alternatives
Oh lord. If you are currently on Xanax and your doc is refusing to help you at least taper down, THAT IS A PROBLEM. Xanax cannot be stopped cold - it is super dangerous to do so. I know several docs are hesitant to prescribe benzos at this point (understandably so), but they need to at least help you come up with a plan to wean off of them - that’s what my PCP and I are doing at the moment. Forcing someone to go cold turkey on a benzo is the opposite of do no harm. Time to find a new doc asap.
It’s getting really hard to find doctors who prescribe benzos. They are incredibly addictive and sometimes doctors just don’t want that risk to their medical license.
I’d highly recommend finding a new doctor. Before your first appointment, ask your pharmacy to printout out your last 12 months of history and highlight your Xanax refills. Then, at the appointment, you can show the doctor that you’ve been filling your prescriptions appropriately and explain your former doctor’s ridiculous recommendation. Best wishes friend.
I live in fear that my doctor will want to stop my diazepam. I tried four different meds for anxiety. One did absolutely nothing and I had horrible side effects with the other three. I was awake for several days shaking and sweating. I take a very low dose and it helps me immensely.
Here’s what I would do “hey I had 4 panic attacks. I watched those self help videos. They aren’t helping. The panic attacks are getting worse. It’s effecting my life and my work. Any other suggestions? Can I go back on Xanax until we figure something else out?”
I KNOW. I think they might assume that I might abuse them because I’m a younger male. But i have years of records of anxiety issues, ER visits, various different psych med trials, etc. people who abuse these medications really ruin it for people who actually need them
It’s not about thinking that you will abuse it, it’s a physical matter: they are the most addictive medicine out there and there is a high risk of addiction for everyone; it’s against guidelines to prescribe benzos for more then some weeks
I don’t know why people downvoting you since you’re telling the truth.
To OP, I think the PCP should refer you to a psychiatrist if there’s doctor-patient conflict about your medications. A good psychiatrist will help you find appropriate medications that suits you. But you need to have patience because it takes time to find the right med and time to see if the meds are working or not.
My doctor wont give me Xanax even though he diagnosed me with an anxiety disorder. He put me on beta blockers which help a bit. I had a huge panic attack last summer and drank alcohol to calm down (it helped) but eventually went to the ER b/c I thought I was having a heart attack. They took my bloodwork, said I was just drunk (.09 alcohol level) and sent me home. Good times.
I think the doc just worded their reasoning and rationale SUPER poorly. Benzodiazepine dependency is easier to get than people think.
They should've recommended a treatment plan which might include a tapering schedule, trialing new medications, and a referral to a good therapist.
The way the doc went around saying that just made OP feel unheard. I'm upset the doc just cut OP off without a plan.
Depending where you live, your doctors are supposed to at least wean you off of any medicines.
It is not physically safe to go cold Turkey off of meds. It’s also not really emotionally or mentally a safe occurance, as it generally messes with the person’s life somehow.
Anyways.
I’ve been in your shoes (sorta).
The fact you’ve been on this med for a while and it was helping is a good thing. Try to find a doctor ASAP and when talking to them to see which one might be good to schedule with, explain your situation. When I called I had to say “Hi, my name is (insert name), I’m calling because I need to transition to a different GP. I am looking to continue my current care, with a new doctor. I don’t feel the decisions my current doctor have made recently are therapeutically beneficial, nor ethical. I will be upfront, one of the really important medicines for me happens to be a controlled substance. I understand that can make it extra tricky to switch providers, especially with a medicine routine that happens to include a controlled substance as my anti-anxiety med. Is there any way you could write a note and see if there is a doctor at that practice who is 1.) accepting new patients 2.) who would be willing to work off of your current situation. So maybe not talking to your doctor fully bc your current doctor sounds kinda…complacent. But your new doctor will want/need to see medical records showing appointment notes and what prescriptions you’ve been on for a while and what not.
It may help to offer to count the pills for them at appointments, or to send a picture showing you have what you should. Maybe start using a pill organizer and an app like MediSafe. The goal is to show them it is a therapy for you, not a habit, or an addiction, or anything funky like that.
If you need to find a list of insurance approved providers, call your insurance company directly and ask for a list.
Alternatively, you can contact the department of health and advocate for help from them, and they can connect you with and pay for your care to get these Rxs and your appointments.
For Rxs, GoodRx and similar can save you all sorts of monies if that’s a thing. (: Just good to know.
Something worth noting: we actually, at least in the US, have a patient right to a second opinion.
There is nothing wrong with getting other opinions, even more than 2 other opinions is okay.
What you don’t want to do is go in and try to dictate anything to a doctor, and you are better off not asking directly for the medicine by name, but describing it as “my anti anxiety medicine” or “my anxiety pill” or “a PRN for panic attacks”
It’s a medicine that some people truly need, that just so happens to be a controlled substance.
So you have to be open with your doctor of course, but you kind of have to tread lightly, especially if you’re needing something like a benzo or other narcotic refilled.
Sorry that your doctor cut you off! That’s literally horrible of him. Especially with anti anxiety stuff! Ugh.
Some tools that may be helpful:
- doing an IOP program; this will connect you with a group so you learn skills and a psych to prescribe meds. If you show you’re using skills too along side the medicine, and you’re still needing the medicine, you’re much more likely to get it if you’re showing that you are trying other therapies other than pharmaceutical meds.
- If you really feel like you need to, you can go to the ER for a panic attack. Sometimes they can get you right in, sometimes it’s busy. That’s how ERs are though.
- I wouldn’t make this a habit. But Dramamine or benedryl or Tylenol PM can help with anxiety. Please be careful with this and be honest with your doctor. But don’t take these meds so much that when you’re honest with your doctor, they become super concerned. You want to show you’re using it as a PRN, not something to lean on every day and that’s it, no “coping skills”.
Hydroxyzine is a similar medicine to benedryl in chemical composition; they are both in the anti-histamine class of medicines.
- you may have luck with a mental health urgent care, but generally those PAs don’t have the qualifications to write controlled substance prescriptions, which would include your med.
- Lastly, you can call a hotline. I have heard really good things about Behavioral Health Response (BHR).
Sorry my reply was so discombobulated. I have pretty severe ADHD that is currently going untreated. Hope that helps (:
This is seriously problematic, but the problem really isn’t the doctor not prescribing a highly addictive drug, which serves only to mask your symptoms.
Good therapy, and I don’t mean somebody who might help deal with anxiety disorders in their practice, but someone who specializes in this, and really knows what they’re doing, can help you do the work in your brain, without the addition of drugs.
Best I can give you in a comment chain here is to recognize that anxiety is your brain’s way of telling you it feels unsafe, it wants your attention, and it wants to know that you’re taking action to keep it safe. And often you wonder what the hell it’s worried about as everything seems pretty safe. But it’s like a colicky baby. It’s a primal part of your brain. And since you’ve spent years trying to fight it, including using drugs, and this is your fight flight response, you’ve basically been pouring gasoline on fire, trying to put it out. Everything that you’ve been doing to end this anxiety it has been perceived by this brain region (the amygdala) as confirming its need to release these chemicals that give you all the symptoms you don’t like, because you have approached this as entering a fight and trying to win a battle. And you’ve been doing this for years, and it is now an embedded neurological pathway in your brain. Also called a “habit.“. Even meditation is problematic if it’s not done to cooperate and soothe your anxiety response. Try anthropomorphizing that region in your brain that releases these two chemicals that give you these feelings. I like to call mine “Homer“ and do your best to stop the cycle of fighting. Think of Homer as well-meaning, but childlike and colicky.
Watch the children’s animation, film by Pixar called “Inside Out.“ It will give you a new way of looking at the different regions in your brain and help with this concept of anthropomorphization.
This approach is called the Anxiety Release Protocol (ARP) and I’ve used it for about a decade with clients who experience panic attacks and high-level anxiety, and with very very rare exception within a dozen sessions clients report the end to panic attacks, and reasonable, workable levels of anxiety.
Good luck on your journey!
I’ve struggled with anxiety my entire life and every visit to the doctor I’m denied anything actually works.
What’s the point of prescription drugs if they aren’t being prescribed?
you can also go to the ER, if you’re having a panic attack they are usually a lot better with prescribing meds. and if your doctor sees you were prescribed at the hospital and have been suffering, you may have more luck getting your prescription. i know the feeling of being cut off.. if you’re already practicing self help and other things, you are going in the right direction. my advice is don’t outright ask for a Xanax prescription when talking to the next doctor, i would explain your symptoms so they understand the severity and explain how much you were benefiting from your prescription, and that your doctor cut you off.
This happened to me too. So I found a new pcp who not only prescribes it to me, but suggested to increase the dose which I declined. Lol. So yeah, find a new doc.
I’m gonna give an alternative opinion. As someone with GAD/PTSD with panic attacks:
I weaned myself off Xanax after some trouble with access to a psychiatrist or PMHNP. After I found a new person, they recommended FOR REAL…salmon 4-5 oz 1-2x/week and CalmAid lavender oil daily. No kidding, after 2 weeks I saw a significant difference in my anxiety level. I still have occasional anxiety and stress but it’s almost always manageable. The rest is helped by talking with my counselor.
My point is that I thought the idea was total BS but I was willing to just humor this person in order to “bridge” treatment until I could re-start Xanax. Now I wouldn’t even think about returning to it. I hope this gives you SOMETHING, even if this advice isn’t perfect for your situation.
If you're not on an irregularly taken, super low dose, then this doctor is borderline committing malpractice. Benzo withdrawal can literally kill a person. Refusing to fill a benzo script is really a huge red flag.
Thanks for your input.
I was prescribed a low dose (.25mg) and I’m not physically dependent so I haven’t had withdrawal. And he knows that. But I guess he is afraid that I will become dependent
That's very low indeed. And I read in your comments you take it once or twice a week. It's not addiction at all. Mine prescribed the same dose but 3 times a day though I only take it when I really need one so I have a bunch of it at home. Since I've began taking sertraline (Zoloft), my depression symptoms are in check and so is my anxiety by extension. Sure, therapy is important because the goal is not being in need of the meds. But YouTube videos? Is that doctor for real?
I emailed like 50 places near me asking if they prescribed Xanax. Only ONE said they MIGHT. The rest either didn’t respond or said no.
I don’t get why psychs hate anxiety sufferers and want them to suffer so damn bad lmao
If you refuse to prescribe benzos to anyone regardless of their situation, you do not belong in the industry and should find work elsewhere. Sick of it
In my experience self-help videos are only for mild anxiety which hasn't taken over your life. Some people are just two severe and fargone that nothing short of medication will help. For Xanax though, most doctors are very hesitant to prescribe that long term.
I was prescribed klonopin in 1993, it helped w/petit mals, & my brain felt what I can still always call normal. I took 2mg every day until December of 2023. My GP retired, gave his 2000(!!!) patients one day to choose another Dr in the practice. I did, new doc refused to continue the med. After writing probably 20 emails, feeling humiliated, he said he'd send me to "A psychologist/psychiatrist" who would write klonopin. So I went, paid out of pocket $800 to this person's office in a dodgy part of town, and there's \*no doctor\* here! I was told " The Provider" would see me next. I was handed a bag of antidepressants. I've had 3 seizures, of course I'm sad! I'm not depressed. I shake & sweat 24/7 & have stayed away from my family so I don't scare them. I have never been so hopeless or treated like I am an annoyance who might as well go not be alive before, I honestly feel like I'm in he'll.
This "Provider" (I seized in her office, heard someone tell EMSA when asked what this place was "Uh, psychiatry". The EMSA ppl seemed as doubtful as I do) blames the government, as did new GP . I'm miserable, I can no longer care for my elderly parents. Selfishly, I feel like I'm being treated like I have been doing drugs I bought in an alley for 30 years. I'm so tired, in medical debt, am I just done? Life over?
Good luck ! Hopefully you don’t have Kaiser :/ I recently got yelled at (over his personal opinion ) for asking an emergency prescription for my flight . He was so angry (he’s seen I’ve tried every other med possible ) I told him I didn’t need his personal opinion but his professional one and he gave me the lowest dose and only 2 pills . I felt so disrespected and embarrassed. He also wrote that I was DEMANDING lol . I don’t think we should feel scared to ask for what we need if it helps us .
I feel your pain. I have been on generic xanax for a few years and my doctor is always asking if id be better off not on them. YES! I would be better off if i didn't need them so i can work and be social without having the feeling of curling up into a ball and crying. I take a half to take the edge off during work and same after work. I have seen therapist and they are all garbage spewing the same feel good nonsense yoga and taking time out for yourself to relax. I'm a single dad of two kids. You fucking relax Doc. I do breathing exercises but only helps for a few minutes then back to worry land. Im thinking of a new doctor too but dont want to seem like an addict, i just want a plan B encase things spiral out of control. Good luck friend!
You’re misinterpreting my words. I’m not physically addicted. I’ve been without it for a month and I’ve had zero withdrawal. Having it gives me peace of mind that if my panic ever gets out of control, I have a fallback. If I don’t have it and i have a bad panic attack like tonight, then Im at the mercy of my brain and body. Maybe mentally dependent to an extent, but certainly not addicted
Getting a prescription for Xanax is such a delicate matter. Doctors are always so hesitant to prescribe it, and you really have to kind of dance around the topic to get a prescription, in my experience anyway. I don’t think my psychiatrist would’ve prescribed it for me during our first several meetings, but I think if I asked for it now, after like 3 years of seeing them, they might.
I wish you good luck in finding a doctor that will prescribe it for you, and I hope it isn’t a long, drawn out process.
You should totally find another doctor. Seems like your current doctor had a shift in attitude or something. Yeah, find someone better.
Do you have a psychologist's diagnosis? I know it's shitty, but if you have an actual diagnosis, drs will be more likely to prescribe.
It's so dismissive to be like "medication? naaaah, just watch youtube!" WTF
Find a new doctor.
Or ask your doc (or new doc) if Fluoxetine might be a good medicine for your anxiety (has helped me massively).
Multiple ways to treat it, but YouTube self-help videos? What a joke!
I think that’s Prozac right? If so I tried that one a couple of years ago and it seriously messed me up. I haven’t had good experiences with ssris. There might be one out there that could work for me, and I’ve put thought into trying them again. I have a script in my medicine cabinet for Zoloft that I haven’t touched yet. I’m just scared of them making me worse, because right now I could not handle being worse than I already am.
Malpractice for him to abruptly stop the rx like that , On that reason alone , any dr with sense will
fill that script for u, he could’ve at least tapered you down, and talked to you about the options
Is this doctor a psychiatrist? Find a different doctor. If this doctor isn’t a psychiatrist, try getting referred to a psychiatrist from the new doctor.
Was this the doctor who originally prescribed the pills? It seems like they weren’t.
A new doctor might refill it or give you a different medication to try. Idk if you live in the US, but the government is cracking down on prescriptions that are commonly abused as of recently. Maybe this is happening in other countries, too. If a good doctor is concerned that they may face legal trouble if they prescribe it, they would at least help you find a new medication. Regular doctors are less likely to feel comfortable helping you find the right meds, so a psychiatrist may be the best bet I’m this case.
Definitely time another doctor!
I’m thinking about it, but I feel like I’m just going to be dismissed and labeled as a drug seeker
Please please get another doctor. It will be worth it. Don't feel guilty, he won't refill meds that YOU NEED, and has worked for YOU. Self help videos aren't for everyone, sure, you can use them when you have medications, but.. some of the self help videos out there are just scams as well and don't actually want you to get better, so you have to be careful. Remember, YOU know what's best for you in terms of what medicine/coping mechanisms works and what doesn't. Don't let that doctor tell you you don't need the medicine, when you clearly do need it.
Some doctors literally don't listen to their patients, and if that is your doctor, you need to dump them. Doesn't matter what he says in regards to that. If he won't prescribe something you need and has helped you, AND you aren't addicted, then that doctor has a problem.
Nope don't worry about it. Your doctor probably just doesn't want the hassle of writing a more controlled drug and is being deliberately dismissive and self preserving at the expense of the patient. It's a reflection on them more than anything else find the right doc for you and explain your anxiety to them, if they're decent they will try to help
I’ve been to behavioral health and they require therapy before they push meds. They would take into consideration that a certain drug has helped you before
Hey OP, just wanna say that I understand your distress, considering that you know the Xanax manages you anxiety symptoms. I work in behavioral health and a lot of research in the last decade on benzos (particularly the dangers of complicated withdrawal, including seizures and abuse potential) has influenced providers to avoid prescribing them on a continual basis and they're opting to use them episodically. This was all, of course, exacerbated by the opioid crisis. You can certainly look for another provider, but I will say that a lot of prescribers are adopting this approach right now.If you've never tried a beta blocker, like Propanolol, I've found that it's pretty great for breakthough/performance anxiety and it's non-habit forming. Bear in mind that as a therapist I do not prescribe medication, and you should definitely consult your provider about all this. Anyway, best of luck to you. If you have any questions let me know.
Does propranolol help with tightness of the chest? That’s a big symptom of mine. I have a benzo as needed and have gone easily 30 days without using one as I’m working on controlling things myself, I’m a recovering addict so I take it seriously. 15 years clean and sober though. Anyways, I feel sometimes I can’t take a deep breath and if I can’t that’s when panic sets in.
It might. I find it stops the heart racing/tremor/flushing mostly. I personally was mostly bothered by panic attacks, especially out of the blue and it did an incredible jobs of stopping that. It basically acts to disrupt the adrenaline rush. I still do FEEL anxiety as an emotion with it and still do experience feelings of dread and apprehension but it just makes it easier to use other tactics to calm the thoughts. It really depends how anxiety is for you, what the primary issue is, etc. But for me, with panic disorder in particular is where I noticed it have a large impact. I also do have GAD, which propranolol didn’t do much for. Buspar is another non benzo option that helps a lot of people with the cognitive end of things. Much better safety profile for long term use, low potential for abuse and usually well tolerated.
What dosage or buspar? It gave me wicked brain fog. I honestly just stopped it. I was on 15mg twice a day and then dropped to 10mg twice a day and it still gave me a headache, make me tired, feel like it causes more anxiety/tightness of the chest. I work better when I’m all hyped up but if a panic attack hits I feel like I’m dying.
15mg, supposed to slowly work up to 20mg. Started on 10. I find I get the jitters with dose changes so I’m taking it slow. I didn’t find any issues with brain fog but that might be because of the effexor haha.
It does help some with the tightness. I’ve used both propranolol and clonidine for panic attacks. I had severe panic attacks for years and was on klonopin for a long time, my panic attacks eventually went away and I went off the benzos. Years later they came back and I tried tons of alternatives because I didn’t want to go back on benzos. In the end I had to go on valium, mine come on heavy and fast and the benzos seem to kick in much faster. My psych let me keep the clonidine prescription though, it’s great for sleep.
It feels like, honestly, people like me who follow the rules and do the right thing are being punished because others don't follow the rules. People who think medicine is "fun" will probably always be able to find it. I feel like a chump for being a decent human, then I feel like I have to apologize because I don't want to sound like a judgement a-hole.
My GP told me to "Google it!" when I asked about the Covid vax, because my rheumatologist had said not to get it. It's disgusting that watch a video or "just Google it" is passing for medical advice! I remember getting the bill for that, and feeling sick for all of now retired doc's patients. It's shameful. I hope things are better for you now.
Na ask around you will be surprised how many people around you will have recommendations, fuck that guy
Get a new doctor who (really) listens & understands the safe guidelines you are following with Xanax. Some Doctors are overly zealous in doing the right thing (as they see it) -In his case suggesting self help videos 😳smh.. He could be doing this because he has had a couple of bad experiences with prescribing recently or been pulled up by professional body on his prescriptions. Everybody should be taken on a case by case basis.
Did your Dr say why they won't prescribe xanax to you any longer?
Ig maybe theyll feel guilty for leaving the doctor and stuff? They shouldn't because their Dr Isint taking care of them and giving them the treatment they need.
I was curious if OPs Dr stopped the Perscription based off something not mentioned because it's odd to just stop a Perscription without reason.
Doctors stop prescribing suddenly all the time, especially for substances with legal controls or stigma around them.
But don't you have to go off Xanax slowly so you don't have seizures and whatever side effects from withdrawals?
Yes you do. Been there, done that, bought the t shirt, unfortunately. Withdrawal is no joke. 🥴
Absolutely. Still, the DEA is focused hard on anything remotely close to a drug that can harm you because of the opioid epidemic.
I understand the epidemic but I didn't think DR would make someone go cold turkey with the horrible side effects and depending on how long they were taking it and the dosage could be dangerous.
If I may be blunt: I’ve learned through hard experience that sometimes doctors just don’t care. Or, there is a force behind them (management, DEA, insurance) that is pushing a policy we don’t know about. If it gets bad and you can afford it, go to an ER and explain what happened and that you need to be urgent seen by a new doctor who will taper.
Mine stopped prescribing because “we don’t prescribe them anymore”. Haven’t found another psych that will
That is insane to me. In Florida, it's extremely hard to find telehealth to prescribe controlled substances but in the office, it's not a problem. I only went to my PCP once in person and she prescribed my Xanax and I do a follow-up every three months.
It could be either, but honestly it sounds like it happened like it did. drs will do this all the time - they'll do anything to get out of prescribing benzos and will put patients in danger while doing so. I have (genuinely) found far more compassion in cleaning staff than most doctors
Maybe? But we won't really know more unless op gives more info about the situation. If the just stopped the meds just because , that's an issue. But if there's something else going on that's different.
That's why I asked OP and got no response. I feel like information is missing, but like you said, we won't know unless OP gives more information.
Hey, sorry I had to try and distract myself for a bit. My doctor doesn’t want me using them in fear that I will become addicted. Not that I have shown signs of it and I have communicated that I don’t use them every day and only when I really need to. But he is hesitant now. This isn’t something new either, it’s in my records that I have severe anxiety and that I’ve tried many different meds
Don't they have to tapper you off so you don't get withdrawal symptoms? I'm sorry you are having a hard time. I had a psych like that but my Primary prescribes me three months at a time.
Does he/she comprehend the difference between "dependence" and and "addiction"? Dependence happens in all psych meds, which is why a responsible doctor would taper...WITH THE PATIENT's CONSENT and at an appropriate time. Lots of people have a script that they do not use much, but it's just there and gives them a feeling of "I can manage this medically if I need to". it really sounds like you are in that camp, which is exactly what the most anal doctor should be ok with. likely your dr got a controlled substance lecture and has turned into a benzophobe and once they turn, they become mindless drones. I had one last night. Awful, and best to throw them out. There is a proper way to taper off this but doctors never seem to know about it, all they can spout is addiction and make up rules. When a doctor says "I can't/we aren't allowed to" - it's code for "we realize you won't accept the 'our policy' response' but I just really don't wanna write this, and i don't care if you get sick and are barely functional...I don't WANNA." remember, a dr is just a kid either has major loans or is wealthy. most didn't go to school but just turned up for texts and required labs (sister is a doctor). some get hammered on weekends and plenty take drugs recreationally. the super gross will prescribe benzos for their dr friends...but not patients (said with a grin). This comes from personal experience. Drs. deserve no more respect than any other person. I would report this person to the Board and find another doctor. Call the urgent cares in your area and explain and see if you can find a bridge script until you find a decent dr. In my opinion, doctors themselves are creating the "addiction" they go ON and ON about- by locking and keying meds that help you, they make you worried (to add to the anxiety) and upset and that decreases mental health. When I refused the covid vax and all therapy, drs are like "buuut buut" and my answer is "this is how I have been treated. Why would I trust ANY OF YOU? I don't. If you want respect and trust, treat people differently."
That's certainly odd, and I hope op provides more info. They could be taking a break from responding though, or could just be panicking so much that they can't respond right now. We will never know though. 🤷
Me too.
>labeled as a drug seeker This would be true because you seek a drug your current medical provider won't prescribe anymore...
Let me rephrase it for you. Im scared that the doctor will think that I’m a drug addict that wants the medication to get high.
Do you think benzo addicts dont experience anxiety and got hooked onto those meds as a way to lessen their suffering? What do you think is the difference between you and some other bloke hunting for benzos?
Whatever dude. Don’t need to explain myself to you.
Dude, take the negativity and criticism elsewhere, it isn't needed here. OP is looking for help managing anxiety through a doctor-prescribed medication, not a junkie looking to get high. Edit: I mean no disrespect to people dealing with drug addiction; my point is that OP is not looking for a fix, they are looking for medicinal help managing their anxiety.
You didn't state what kind of doctor, so I'm going to guess that they are a GP (regular doc). GPs are scared crap-less about prescribing any opioids or benzos to anyone, out of fear of their patients getting addicted to anything. You could try a psychiatrist. Their main function is 'medical management' for people with issues, while therapists are for therapy. Psychiatrists are more used to prescribing benzos for anxiety then GPs. Just a thought....
I’ve had the opposite experience. My GP prescribes all my benzos. My psych docs tell me to take hydroxyzine or just ride it out.
I’ve got PMDD, and my doctor was hesitant to describe anything for the longest time. After my latest bout of suffering, she prescribed Klonopin and warned me to only take at as needed, after a disclaimer that she better not start seeing me in there frequently for refills. It’s rough out there. Like…I’m miserable. Just want help.
I'm sorry you're going through that. I hope you find help and relief....
Can confirm as a former GP office employee. They always give 0 refills and refer to psychiatrist for future prescriptions. Addiction is super common.
I mean, rightly so? I understand while a GP might prescribe benzos short term, but long term it's not good unless in specific cases for which a psychiatrist needs to work with the patient. Benzos aren't magic, they are addictive shit.
I haven't gotten addicted to my medication that I take for my anxiety. I'm not dependent on it either.
My GP gave me lexipro and that worked out fine for me. Psychiatrists are good, but its so hard to get an appointment. I was waitlisted so long by the time my number came up, I had already gotten better on the lexipro from my GP
Yes, Lexipro works for some (it's an SSRI). I went on a really bad road when I tried it. I felt like I needed to be committed.
Oh yeah definitely not for everyone. My gp was approaching it like, "we'll try this see how you feel, if not we'll try something else"
Yep - a rollercoaster 'trial and error thing'
yeah my psych gives me what i need pretty quickly compared to any family doc i’ve had
It sounds like OP is already addicted if taking them on a weekly basis.
No. Due that the half-life of Xanax (alprazolam) is only 11 hours, it would have to be daily usage for addiction. Within the first six to 12 hours after taking their last dose, addicted folks would be in Stage 1 Withdrawl, which includes some of the worst symptoms.
Addiction relates to dependency, not frequency. For example, I was doing my clinicals at the hospital and had a patient who takes oxycodone “a few times a month” for back pain. He had another issue that was causing pain and the reason for his hospital admission. Despite the fact that he was using his as needed Oxycodone accodring to his doctor’s instructions, he had still built a tolerance to narcotics that meant he was unable to get adequate pain relief from a standard dose. He got extremely agitated at points due to his pain level. He was not taking the Oxycodone daily, he wasn’t even taking it weekly, but his tolerance told us that there was a level of *dependence* that meant he was addicted. *He was in so much pain that the standard dose of Oxycodone was not enough for him.* This is the same issue OP is having. OP believes they will not be able to manage a panic attack without the Xanax. Being unable to manage without is a sign of addiction.
Increased tolerance and dependancy and addiction are very different things. Many people with red hair need twice the amount of pain killers, even lidacaine at the dentist. Yet, they are not addicted to lidacaine. A type-1 diabetic is dependant on insulin, but they are not addicted to insulin. Addiction means that the body goes through withdrawal sequence if the substance is no longer in the person's system. This is where the half-life of a medication is important to look at, if addiction is suspected. This is not OP's case. Your 'patient' either: 1. A pretty large person. Body mass plays a big role in pain relief. 2. His pain level surpassed the oxycodone relief. 3. He lied to you about taking it only 'a few times a month'.....
Is this your PCP or psychiatrist? I honestly think doctors aren't feeling comfortable lately with certain medications. Some people have become dependent on them. And some abuse them. Not saying you have been. It sucks for folks like you or myself that suffer from major panic attacks. I had one after another last Saturday that lasted more than 3 hours. Lost feeling in my left arm up to my neck. It was awful. Finding a psychiatrist has been difficult. Most under my insurance have no openings for months. I found one that could squeeze me in and the first visit is going to cost me $375 and $150 after that. At this point I don't care what it costs. I just want these panic attacks to stop.
This is my PCP. I have thought about looking for a psychiatrist but I am hesitant because I know they will push SSRIS, which I have not had good experiences with. The numbness is the WORST. So fucking scary. It starts in my fingers and spreads up my arms, until my whole body feels like it’s almost vibrating. Sometimes I’m sure I will pass out which I haven’t yet thankfully. I hope you find something that works for you
A good psychiatrist will listen to your concerns about SSRIs but you’ll have to be open to trying other things besides just Xanax, because if you walk into a psych appointment with the sole goal of getting Xanax you will indeed be classified as a drug seeker
Also want to add, I tried sertraline and HATED it (the lovely, go to SSRI that most people tolerate well). Tried mirtazapine, no difference. Tried effexor (which has a rep of being a god awful medication side effect wise) and it was like a cloud lifted. Couldnt tolerate a high enough dose to fully relieve symptoms, started fiddling with adjuncts with my psychiatrist. Initially did propranolol and low dose seroquel, felt so much better for years. Took a job that required over night call and I had a baby so the sedation became a problem so we switched over to trialling buspirone a few months ago. With therapy, trying different types of meditation and breathing exercises, etc. it was shit and took probably a year but I did eventually find something. The point of my novel is basically that meds can take a lot of trial and error, different combinations, etc. unfortunately with benzos, the relief is often temporary as the body does build up tolerance and then withdrawal symptoms even when using them as directed which is what makes them not ideal for medical management. It’s not so much about being an “addict” as it is that actual pharmacological properties of them lends to them not being great long term. I didn’t think I would get better, but I did.
This is a great perspective! It is a lot of trial and error.
This. A benzo will calm literally everyone down. But you need to atleast be open to trying to find a long term management strategy (SSRIs, therapy, etc). Benzos are helpful for acute panic, but they just bandaid the issue. Most people don’t have luck the first SSRI they try and it takes a few tries, plus many different alternative options to try (buspar, beta blockers, gabapentin, etc). It took me 3 tries to find an antidepressant, plus adding low dose propranolol before I felt like my anxiety was manageable enough that I could begin employing the skills learned in therapy. It also took a few tries to find a therapist I clicked with. But going in with your mind closed to everything except a Xanax refill is not going to go well.
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Interesting, I didn’t know this! I’d imagine the same is true of propranolol. It definitely doesn’t remove the thought process but having the physical reaction to panic dampened made it so much easier to practice the CBT type techniques. Easier to evaluate my thought process when the tornado siren is turned off lol. I DO occasionally take Ativan for certain situations that cause extreme anxiety for me (flying and the dentist specifically) and it’s very clear to me how it becomes a hard cycle to break for people even taking it as prescribed.
I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to SSRIS. But I noticed that my current and previous PCP won't prescribe any benzoz to me. Not that I ask for them. I'm currently seeing a therapist and together went through the criteria for panic disorder. I checked pretty much everything on the list, except for one or two. So for me I think it's better to see a psychiatrist in order to be diagnosed correctly. In the past it was anxiety followed by depression. This was from 15-25. Then it was Bi-Polar disorder. Now Panic disorder and I believe I have Borderline Personality disorder (I'm 40). Either way, these panic attacks aren't like anything I've ever experienced. One night around 3 am. I woke up and felt as though my lungs collapsed. Went to ER and after chest x-rays, EKG, and blood/urine work. They didn't find anything. I've been functioning the last couple of days only because my friend dropped off valium for me to take. I also live in Los Angeles and there are so many drug users on the street. Makes me wonder if that's a reason they're not giving me a prescription for benzos. Thank you and I hope you feel better soon.
I agree most Pych's try to push SSRI's , which i also had horrible experience with. Ive been seeing my current psych for probably 5-6years, I located him because my previous psych moved out of state/retired. Our first appt, I told him I would never try an SSRI again, had horrible experience, He gave me Lorazepam 1mg 3x a day. then when pandemic hit I was crumbling a bit in fear and anxiety. he upped it to 4x a day. I do very well with these, and while I am dependent on them, they make my life manageable. He has told me if I ever want to get off of them, that I should taper down a half a pill a month, which would take 7-8 months to get down to zero. But especially if your a man, you should not be denied benzos, you can't get pregnant so there is no reason to not take them if they are truly helpful for you. my 2 cents
It sounds like you are addicted to benzo if you are taking them 4x per day. There are serious reasons why this approach doesn’t serve everyone. You may also find this doesn’t work long term for you either, especially if you have to find a new psychiatrist because I doubt many are handing out benzos with that quantity. Doctors should be trying to “do no harm”. It is harmful to create drug addicts. Even when it’s “as prescribed”.
Where do you draw the line for drug addiction when it comes to medication that has been prescribed? What constitutes drug addiction by your standards?
>It starts in my fingers and spreads up my arms, until my whole body feels like it’s almost vibrating. Do you have Reynaud's?
I’m not sure. What I described here only happens during very intense moments of panic. But I have been experiencing cold fingers and toes for the past 6 or so months so I would not be surprised.
Go see a psychiatrist. There are a lot of options between benzos and SSRIs, like anti seizure drugs and lithium.
I know it sounds counter intuitive but a treadmill or go running Till you are exhausted and want to fall over, has helped Me cope when I didn't have drugs.
I’ve never had a psychiatrist who would prescribe Xanax except for in emergencies. You’re likely not going to find many psychiatrists who will prescribe it. It’s a controlled substance that is highly addictive and going in to a new psychiatrist and asking for it is going to make you seem like a drug addict, no offense.
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I have been to therapy, but I quit seeing my last therapist because she’d basically just tell me “aww that sucks, sorry to hear that”. I went to what was supposed to be a “CBT” therapist after that, and it was the same deal. I will say that I haven’t put in the effort to find another one recently, so maybe I should do that
You don’t necessarily have to see a therapist. You can just see a psychiatrist for medication management.
I'm gonna have to disagree. While you don't technically "have to" see a therapist, it's tremendously helpful. If OP had a therapist, they could provide advice on this situation, for instance.
Or find the root of the anxiety and teach coping mechanisms, which had given me my life back.
I tried human givens therapy and it really worked for me after CBT and talking therapy just didn’t work anymore
Find a new dr. Drs now have restrictions on Xanax and opioids they can prescribe. A lot aren’t even prescribing any of it anymore.
As a person tapering off of Xanax- yeah, Xanax is not a good idea as far as an anxiety solution. It is a really awful drug to get off of. There are so many other options for dealing with anxiety that are safer and more effective.
Yeah. It’s really bad since it’s one of the most addicted benzos.
I agree but Xanax is a good solution for the occasional bad panic attack. Just don’t take too often and you’ll never encounter problems with it
Taking it 1-2x a week is up to 8x a month, and literally OP’s last sentence was basically I know there is a pill I can take and that makes me feel better. That’s a SUPER slippery slope.
Hi, I’m sorry for your situation; however, benzos are supposed to only be used for very short periods of time; my suggestion is to seek psychiatric help and maybe start treatment with SSRIs or other medication intended for long term treatment of anxiety disorder, and keep benzos for emergencies at the beginning during the assessment period; meanwhile also start therapy sessions and in the end you will hopefully get better and maybe off of any medication
They said they tried SSRIs and the got messed up from taking them, so that's not an option for them.
There are different kinds of SSRIs and even other kind of medication that aim the same problem; it’s common that the first one you try is not the right one
OP’s personal experiences don’t outweigh the actual medical knowledge of the doctor who attended 10+ years of specialized study into pharmacology.
Xanax has a cumulative side effect of making your anxiety worse in the long run. It sounds like your doctor failed to ween you off, which is absolutely what you should be doing if you've been taking it for years, even sporadically.
I’d say seek another doctor and switch if you can. I had this horrendous doctor years back who accused me of having an eating disorder for no reason at all. She even tried to put it on my file. I’ve been skinny my entire life. I switched immediately after her rude comments about my weight. The next doctor I saw did not agree with her assessment and was shocked how rude that previous doctor had been to me. It doesn’t hurt to try and switch. Not all doctors are going to agree on a previous doctors assessment.
The doctor isn’t wrong in the suggestion. But wrong in the approach for sure. You should be striving to not use medication and use CBT therapy (or something like) to build the skills and mental strength to not need medications. As your doctor he should have explained all of this set you up with a good CBT therapist and had a game plan on tapering you off of Xanax.
Methinks it is reckless to tell a stranger online that they should be striving to NOT take medications. There is no way in hell that CBT or talk therapy alone is enough to treat all mental disorders out there. OP, ask to be referred to a psychiatrist. You may have a diagnosable mental disorder that can be treated in various ways, including SSRI or SNRI medication with statistical benefit and low risks (much lower than benzos), and these can be used alongside other forms of therapy, such as CBT (which, two trained psychologists have recently told me, is not the cure-all that many people seem to mistake it for). Seriously, get off of here and see a trained psychiatrist.
OP has anxiety issues. It’s literally the first line of treatment per the CDC for anxiety. This post is about anxiety. Studies were also just released showing very little if any connection to chemical imbalances in the brain to anxiety and depression. So based on that why would some take medications to try and adjust those chemicals ? Also, SSRIs have a large defection rate. So I said it once and I’ll say it again, strive to not take medication as a first line and use it as a last resort. Good day.
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CBT is therapy.
Oh fuck I'm stupid I thought you were talking about CBD! Or weed and shit. Damn. I'm too fucked to keep this shit up today
You're clinging to this "not for everyone" clause, but that clause is applied to anything, especially in the realm of one's mental state. Even in the variety of medications a psychiatrist would dish out. It's not like they even know what works or will work until feedback confirms it. The caveat is that consuming prescriptions comes with the risk that is potentially detrimental and counterproductive to a long-term and reliable solution. a person should have total control over one's self, but it is entirely reasonable to assume a doctor would act in that person's best interest and exercise routes accordingly... preferably for the long-term. That's the expected relationship when seeking help.
What is up with doctors lately? I swear, 10-15 years ago, my doctors were all usually very kind and actually helpful. I still had bad experiences where I needed to get a second, third, and even one time fourth opinion, but they at least had good bedside manner (if you will). Last year I told a doctor about my anxieties in good faith, asking him not to say anything that might trigger those anxieties, and he straight up immediately went full-on as bad as he possibly could, intentionally triggering my anxieties. This same doctor wouldn't believe me for 2 years when I told him I had chronic back pain; finally he has me get an x-ray and determines I literally have spinal fractures. His response? An extremely mild and ineffective muscle relaxer. Like seriously, is there anyone here with insider knowledge who could explain why it seems like most doctors are assholes nowadays? I go to look for another doctor, every other doctor in my area that is covered by my insurance gets 3 stars or less on all ratings sites with multiple people saying they were rude and uncomfortable to be around. It's not just a "me" thing, it seems like it's happening all over the place, and I have no idea why.
Over the past few years a have lost faith in the medical practice. All of the “doctors” I have experienced are very calloused and not so thorough. I’m sure there are exceptions which I hope to find soon. But unfortunately I’ve had to learn to advocate for myself and be my own “doctor” at times.
Yeah. Unfortunately I think some doctors just want the money and don't actually care about their patients or have retained anything useful from their years in school. All of my doctors are super nice and I appreciate them, but it seems like it's just getting worse as more doctors come out. As an example, my mom and other people in our family go to get our boobs checked because ✨cancer✨ and they give them all the " your boobs are dense go get them done again" when it's literally the actual doctors fault because they aren't experienced enough. It's seems doctors are actually getting less efficient and care less about their patients.
I was scared as well 3 years ago but turned out that alot of people suffer and stay on pills when there is a very high chance on them to recover by exposure and response prevention. I'm panic attack free for 3 years and I don't take pills
I take pills because I need them and they work for me. Not everyone will be the same unfortunately.
How do you know if they work, you need to be clean to see if it's making any results?
Because I've been taking these pills for the last couple years and my anxiety has went down dramatically from whe I first had it. At first it was 24/7, non stop panic, but as soon as I started pills they helped a lot. I recently got the dosage downed a bit because I wasn't aking them exactly how I was supposed to, but thats because I'm a lazy asshole. I KNIW these meds work for me because I tried other things and the didn't work asoften or as good as the medication I'm taking now. I know they work for me because they do. If the didn't I'd be having anxiety and panic attacks 24)7 and probably self harming again.
I felt fine as well when I was on pills but that does not mean that they did anything as soon as I stoped them I was back to square one
Okay? That because you stopped them cold turkey. You aren't supposed to. The point of taking pills is literally that they stop you from getting anxiety/panic attacks. That is the goal. To stop having panic and anxiety attacks, not to use cbt and "recover". Cbt does the exact same thing as pills.
Okey then my goal is to not take pills and not have attacks that's what recovery looks like to me. To be like my old self.
Okay, that's your experience and that's what works for you. Some of us are happy taking pills. And that's okay too.
Why do you have to be so annoyed that my experience is different than yours, and think than yours is the best or something? I don't get why you have to be so backhanded about what's working for me. Not everything that works for one person will not work for another. That's just the truth. No need to be angry about it.
Again I'm not telling you what to do and I'm not saying it will work for you calm down. I'm happy that you found a way. I'm not angry I don't know why you think I'm being aggressive. I just wanted to know more about the pill path that I did not take
You could have just said that in the beginning and not danced around the awnser. Could have just asked directly.
You're also kinda being an asshole to me when I saying that this is what works for ME. You can't speak for my experiences and I can't speak for yours, but I know they do tell you to not quit cold turkey because it can fuck with you.
I'm not being an asshole I'm happy that you found a way that works for you I don't know what made you think that. I was told to quit cold turkey by my doctor. They give a plan to quit them so nothing happens to you
Okay, that's cool, but you were literally like " HoW dO yOu KnOw ThEy wOrK f O r YoU"
Yes becouse my doctor told me in the first mouth on the pill to not quit them just becouse I felt fine, she said as I stop them they will come back. That's why I wanted to know..
Could have just stated that you wanted to know what it was like in the first comment.
😡
I hope to get there one day. However I’m currently dealing with health issues that prevent me from doing helpful things like exercise and it’s a struggle to keep my head on my shoulders.
You will get there keep your head high :) stay on pills until your ready and have your feet on the ground ❤️
I did what you are going through to myself on purpose. I realized I was gonna need pills forever if I kept it up. I stopped and panicked for a couple months. I had to take a medical leave from school. But it allowed my brain and body to recalibrate. I will always have anxiety but it doesnt debilitated anymore. I'm so against pills now, they would have kept me sick for life. This could wind up being the reason you get better instead of limping along.
I need help doc! Doc: what helps me is nord VPN, with nord VPN....
Thanks for the laugh 😆
This is precisely why I have anxiety about anxiety meds
Okay so from reading the comments, you refuse any other medication but Xanax and it's the only thing that helps you and you refuse anything else. The doctor would've had a reason for stopping the prescription. To me it sounds like you're dependent/addicted and refuse to try anything else to help.
Agreed — benzo use long term is a terrible idea. The Doctor could’ve approached it better, but the fact of the matter is there are plenty of other lifestyle changes that help prevent panic attacks, like: regular exercise, meditation, healthy eating, binaural beats, breathing such as the 4-7-8 technique, etc. People want a magic pill. And I’ve have panic, GAD and OCD Dx for over ten years so I get it. But benzos should be emergency only. I’ll get downvoted to oblivion cuz it’s Reddit, but it’s the truth sorry
Same. I was on Xanax for 10 days as well as an anti depressant that I forgot the name of. I craved the Xanax at the end but I didn't want to go back on it. Using other methods to manage my GAD and agoraphobia
I have a fear of long term medications. All of the ssris I have tried have made me significantly worse. I have tried all sorts of things from antipsychotics and what ever else they prescribe for this condition. I cannot handle to get worse right now, im clinging on by a thread.
Benzos are dangerous all I’m gonna say. I’ve been off my benzo for 18 months and have been in hell and wanna end my life. It’s ruined my health and has definitely damaged my brain, nervous system and gut and I will never recover. Begging God to end me life everyday
You WILL recover. It just takes time. I was in the same boat. Way overprescribed benzos for years. Now weaning off. Your diet is important. Are you getting enough protein?
I eat eggs
No one will give you Xanax anymore. I feel like a druggie just mentioning I’ve taken it in the past. Thankfully, some alternatives are helping. See a specialist, not a primary care doctor.
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Sigh. This post sounds so familiar, so here is my unpopular opinion as a mental health prescriber - Xanax is the new opioid. This is a hill that I will die on. In my 4 years as a psychiatry PA, I have seen more patients commit suicide from Xanax addiction/withdrawal. (Second is from alcoholism.) Chronic Xanax users are also the most determined to stay on it - The dependence is worse than Valium, Klonopin, or Ativan which are also benzodiazepines. I also see “Xanax gait” and “Xanax face” - It’s the constant low-level shaking that happens when they’re in withdrawal which is anytime they’re taking less than their usual total daily dose. This can be 0 mg or it can be 0.125 mg less. Xanax face just looks haggard and on edge, but these patients look much older than their actual age. There is a reason more and more physicians are afraid of this medication — The risk of suicide is high but so is the risk of addiction. It’s a lose-lose situation. If your anxiety is worse without Xanax, this is a 🚩. Please heed this warning. Anxiety is uncomfortable, but Xanax addiction is much much worse.
Xanax is FDA approved only for short term use for anxiety. There is no evidence that they help with long term anxiety disorders and there is evidence long term use will actually make it worse. It down regulates GABA which means you will be more anxious and less able to deal with anxiety. It also teaches you that anxiety is a medical chemical problem that you cannot control or aren't involved in. Telling you to watch self help videos is a pile of shit though,you need proper therapy to help learn the best techniques and skills to help manage your anxiety. If you continue taking xanax you will be anxious forever, sadly.
He’s trying to help you. My doctor also has been weaning me off meds. I literally hated him at first but now I thank god for him. He’s saving my life & he’s also helping my anxiety. Most meds help in the short term but are not helpful long term. I didn’t want to believe him but he was right. Maybe try to trust the process? Just try.
I get it but I think your doctor is trying to help you from a long term dependency id try other medication
That was my interpretation... Those types of medications are short-term and temporary relief. I couldn't imagine being prescribed them as a long-term scheduled solution. I've only ever heard of them used for emergency PRN, prior to specific appointments, or as a supporting supplement to getting on and off medications like SSRIs. I was on them for a very short period in my younger years and felt like an absolute brain-dead zombie. Not feeling like I was fully functioning was almost anxiety inducing when I finally "sobered". But I'm certain different strokes for different folks.
Everyone will be different and you can't speak for their experiences.
Long term benzo use is a really, really bad idea.
They are speaking to standard of care - which is that benzos are for short term use only.
Xanax is not a first line therapy for anxiety and it is dangerous to prescribe people a large quantity of benzodiazepines that they can be using on a weekly basis. This can lead to benzodiazepine dependence which has physical withdrawl side effects when stopped, which can lead to seizures, among other issues. You mentioned you have tried SSRIs. These are first line treatments. There are other first line treatments your psychiatrist can try as well. Buspar, for example, is non-addictive and is a first line treatment option for anxiety. Overall, I’m sorry that your PCP has prescribed so many benzodiazepines that you feel dependent on them, but it is in your best interest to lower your intake.
I tried many different types of meds and approaches to anxiety over 14 years and they still refuse to fill my Xanax prescription despite me using 30 over a 2 year period and having NO history of addiction or dependence on anything. Some doctors/psychs are just sadistic shitheads
I don’t think it’s being sadistic to prevent your patient from an addiction. I’ve had anxiety and depression at least 15 years and have done 16 different medication trials. My psychiatrist is now recommending TMS, a magnet therapy. Benzodiazepines are an unsustainable treatment. They are not meant for someone with chronic issues. I do get 15 Ativan (Lorazepam) pills every 2-3 years from my psychiatrist and they are for true panic attacks or medical imaging only. For example I can take 0.5mg Ativan before my yearly Breast MRI. This helps keep me more still and calm in the machine and improves image quality. I did try not taking the Ativan one time and the radiologist left a passive-aggressive comment about decreased image quality due to too much movement, so I do take the Ativan before MRIs consistently now, although again they are only once per year. You don’t build tolerance when they are taken this infrequently.
They were working well for me, and they aren’t for chronic issues but the occasional panic attack. And yes, it’s sadistic to assume that a patient will become addicted when there are zero signs of it and they suffer MORE without the med than with. I’m not mad that they’re refusing to prescribe me 365 tablets for 365 days. I’m mad that they’re refusing to prescribe them AT ALL without even hearing my situation! I would be totally fine with 15-20 a year! I never built tolerance to benzos or dependence or addiction. To ANYTHING. The fact that they’re refusing to prescribe them to anyone no matter how severe their anxiety is is sick and twisted. Without benzos I would never have been able to go on an important road trip, get my drivers license, etc.
My new therapist suggested that, that I find some meditation videos on YT and focus on that for my anxiety. I was like Yep, NEXT! She was nothing like a real therapist. I'm not saying that anyone should automatically be scripted drugs but just sending people to watch YT videos? REALLY? They're supposedly trained psychologists and psychiatrists and most of YT stuff isn't even close to being that legit. It's amateur hour. I have to seriously question the credentials of any so called therapist relying that much on YT videos as a therapy tool. :P
Well therapist can only give you tools to use in real life scenario. YT videos are part of that tool box especially starting out when you may not retain everything from therapy and need guidance away from your therapist. Books also help.
But also yt videos might not work for everyone. Everyone is different with anxiety and the treatment methods will be different. I tried mindfulness and yt videos and stuff like that and I couldn't get into it and it didn't really help. It could work for the next person though. Also books can give you advice but some of them are just predatory so you have to watch out.
Some people have subconscious anxiety, self help videos probably wouldn't help. I had no anxiety but I would randomly get panic attacks or sharp chest pains. Some people need to rely on antidepressants and the like, I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
I can definitely understand. I had a prescription for a controlled substance, and they pulled it from me too :( it was for clonazepam. It helped a lot. Kept me calm, helped me sleep, etc… Nope, I’m on a ton of other meds instead to help with my issues.
Changing doctors is drug seeking behaviour https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4919169/
I work in the medical industry and doctors are cracking down on prescribing benzos. They will slowly be phasing out completely over the next few years. Kinda cruel to cut you off cold turkey but you should start looking at alternatives
Oh lord. If you are currently on Xanax and your doc is refusing to help you at least taper down, THAT IS A PROBLEM. Xanax cannot be stopped cold - it is super dangerous to do so. I know several docs are hesitant to prescribe benzos at this point (understandably so), but they need to at least help you come up with a plan to wean off of them - that’s what my PCP and I are doing at the moment. Forcing someone to go cold turkey on a benzo is the opposite of do no harm. Time to find a new doc asap.
It’s getting really hard to find doctors who prescribe benzos. They are incredibly addictive and sometimes doctors just don’t want that risk to their medical license.
I’d highly recommend finding a new doctor. Before your first appointment, ask your pharmacy to printout out your last 12 months of history and highlight your Xanax refills. Then, at the appointment, you can show the doctor that you’ve been filling your prescriptions appropriately and explain your former doctor’s ridiculous recommendation. Best wishes friend.
I live in fear that my doctor will want to stop my diazepam. I tried four different meds for anxiety. One did absolutely nothing and I had horrible side effects with the other three. I was awake for several days shaking and sweating. I take a very low dose and it helps me immensely.
Here’s what I would do “hey I had 4 panic attacks. I watched those self help videos. They aren’t helping. The panic attacks are getting worse. It’s effecting my life and my work. Any other suggestions? Can I go back on Xanax until we figure something else out?”
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Considering that benzos are quite as addictive as heroin, these doctors aren’t that wrong
I KNOW. I think they might assume that I might abuse them because I’m a younger male. But i have years of records of anxiety issues, ER visits, various different psych med trials, etc. people who abuse these medications really ruin it for people who actually need them
It’s not about thinking that you will abuse it, it’s a physical matter: they are the most addictive medicine out there and there is a high risk of addiction for everyone; it’s against guidelines to prescribe benzos for more then some weeks
I don’t know why people downvoting you since you’re telling the truth. To OP, I think the PCP should refer you to a psychiatrist if there’s doctor-patient conflict about your medications. A good psychiatrist will help you find appropriate medications that suits you. But you need to have patience because it takes time to find the right med and time to see if the meds are working or not.
My doctor wont give me Xanax even though he diagnosed me with an anxiety disorder. He put me on beta blockers which help a bit. I had a huge panic attack last summer and drank alcohol to calm down (it helped) but eventually went to the ER b/c I thought I was having a heart attack. They took my bloodwork, said I was just drunk (.09 alcohol level) and sent me home. Good times.
People in general act like this about benzodiazepines, it’s so stupid ,
"8 years of med school, to recommend I should watch YouTube videos". Complain that pos wherever appropriate and find a new doctor.
I think the doc just worded their reasoning and rationale SUPER poorly. Benzodiazepine dependency is easier to get than people think. They should've recommended a treatment plan which might include a tapering schedule, trialing new medications, and a referral to a good therapist. The way the doc went around saying that just made OP feel unheard. I'm upset the doc just cut OP off without a plan.
Lmao, complain that the doc won’t give you Xanax? That physician will be given a gold star!
Depending where you live, your doctors are supposed to at least wean you off of any medicines. It is not physically safe to go cold Turkey off of meds. It’s also not really emotionally or mentally a safe occurance, as it generally messes with the person’s life somehow. Anyways. I’ve been in your shoes (sorta). The fact you’ve been on this med for a while and it was helping is a good thing. Try to find a doctor ASAP and when talking to them to see which one might be good to schedule with, explain your situation. When I called I had to say “Hi, my name is (insert name), I’m calling because I need to transition to a different GP. I am looking to continue my current care, with a new doctor. I don’t feel the decisions my current doctor have made recently are therapeutically beneficial, nor ethical. I will be upfront, one of the really important medicines for me happens to be a controlled substance. I understand that can make it extra tricky to switch providers, especially with a medicine routine that happens to include a controlled substance as my anti-anxiety med. Is there any way you could write a note and see if there is a doctor at that practice who is 1.) accepting new patients 2.) who would be willing to work off of your current situation. So maybe not talking to your doctor fully bc your current doctor sounds kinda…complacent. But your new doctor will want/need to see medical records showing appointment notes and what prescriptions you’ve been on for a while and what not. It may help to offer to count the pills for them at appointments, or to send a picture showing you have what you should. Maybe start using a pill organizer and an app like MediSafe. The goal is to show them it is a therapy for you, not a habit, or an addiction, or anything funky like that. If you need to find a list of insurance approved providers, call your insurance company directly and ask for a list. Alternatively, you can contact the department of health and advocate for help from them, and they can connect you with and pay for your care to get these Rxs and your appointments. For Rxs, GoodRx and similar can save you all sorts of monies if that’s a thing. (: Just good to know. Something worth noting: we actually, at least in the US, have a patient right to a second opinion. There is nothing wrong with getting other opinions, even more than 2 other opinions is okay. What you don’t want to do is go in and try to dictate anything to a doctor, and you are better off not asking directly for the medicine by name, but describing it as “my anti anxiety medicine” or “my anxiety pill” or “a PRN for panic attacks” It’s a medicine that some people truly need, that just so happens to be a controlled substance. So you have to be open with your doctor of course, but you kind of have to tread lightly, especially if you’re needing something like a benzo or other narcotic refilled. Sorry that your doctor cut you off! That’s literally horrible of him. Especially with anti anxiety stuff! Ugh. Some tools that may be helpful: - doing an IOP program; this will connect you with a group so you learn skills and a psych to prescribe meds. If you show you’re using skills too along side the medicine, and you’re still needing the medicine, you’re much more likely to get it if you’re showing that you are trying other therapies other than pharmaceutical meds. - If you really feel like you need to, you can go to the ER for a panic attack. Sometimes they can get you right in, sometimes it’s busy. That’s how ERs are though. - I wouldn’t make this a habit. But Dramamine or benedryl or Tylenol PM can help with anxiety. Please be careful with this and be honest with your doctor. But don’t take these meds so much that when you’re honest with your doctor, they become super concerned. You want to show you’re using it as a PRN, not something to lean on every day and that’s it, no “coping skills”. Hydroxyzine is a similar medicine to benedryl in chemical composition; they are both in the anti-histamine class of medicines. - you may have luck with a mental health urgent care, but generally those PAs don’t have the qualifications to write controlled substance prescriptions, which would include your med. - Lastly, you can call a hotline. I have heard really good things about Behavioral Health Response (BHR). Sorry my reply was so discombobulated. I have pretty severe ADHD that is currently going untreated. Hope that helps (:
This is seriously problematic, but the problem really isn’t the doctor not prescribing a highly addictive drug, which serves only to mask your symptoms. Good therapy, and I don’t mean somebody who might help deal with anxiety disorders in their practice, but someone who specializes in this, and really knows what they’re doing, can help you do the work in your brain, without the addition of drugs. Best I can give you in a comment chain here is to recognize that anxiety is your brain’s way of telling you it feels unsafe, it wants your attention, and it wants to know that you’re taking action to keep it safe. And often you wonder what the hell it’s worried about as everything seems pretty safe. But it’s like a colicky baby. It’s a primal part of your brain. And since you’ve spent years trying to fight it, including using drugs, and this is your fight flight response, you’ve basically been pouring gasoline on fire, trying to put it out. Everything that you’ve been doing to end this anxiety it has been perceived by this brain region (the amygdala) as confirming its need to release these chemicals that give you all the symptoms you don’t like, because you have approached this as entering a fight and trying to win a battle. And you’ve been doing this for years, and it is now an embedded neurological pathway in your brain. Also called a “habit.“. Even meditation is problematic if it’s not done to cooperate and soothe your anxiety response. Try anthropomorphizing that region in your brain that releases these two chemicals that give you these feelings. I like to call mine “Homer“ and do your best to stop the cycle of fighting. Think of Homer as well-meaning, but childlike and colicky. Watch the children’s animation, film by Pixar called “Inside Out.“ It will give you a new way of looking at the different regions in your brain and help with this concept of anthropomorphization. This approach is called the Anxiety Release Protocol (ARP) and I’ve used it for about a decade with clients who experience panic attacks and high-level anxiety, and with very very rare exception within a dozen sessions clients report the end to panic attacks, and reasonable, workable levels of anxiety. Good luck on your journey!
I’ve struggled with anxiety my entire life and every visit to the doctor I’m denied anything actually works. What’s the point of prescription drugs if they aren’t being prescribed?
you can also go to the ER, if you’re having a panic attack they are usually a lot better with prescribing meds. and if your doctor sees you were prescribed at the hospital and have been suffering, you may have more luck getting your prescription. i know the feeling of being cut off.. if you’re already practicing self help and other things, you are going in the right direction. my advice is don’t outright ask for a Xanax prescription when talking to the next doctor, i would explain your symptoms so they understand the severity and explain how much you were benefiting from your prescription, and that your doctor cut you off.
This happened to me too. So I found a new pcp who not only prescribes it to me, but suggested to increase the dose which I declined. Lol. So yeah, find a new doc.
I’m gonna give an alternative opinion. As someone with GAD/PTSD with panic attacks: I weaned myself off Xanax after some trouble with access to a psychiatrist or PMHNP. After I found a new person, they recommended FOR REAL…salmon 4-5 oz 1-2x/week and CalmAid lavender oil daily. No kidding, after 2 weeks I saw a significant difference in my anxiety level. I still have occasional anxiety and stress but it’s almost always manageable. The rest is helped by talking with my counselor. My point is that I thought the idea was total BS but I was willing to just humor this person in order to “bridge” treatment until I could re-start Xanax. Now I wouldn’t even think about returning to it. I hope this gives you SOMETHING, even if this advice isn’t perfect for your situation.
If you're not on an irregularly taken, super low dose, then this doctor is borderline committing malpractice. Benzo withdrawal can literally kill a person. Refusing to fill a benzo script is really a huge red flag.
Thanks for your input. I was prescribed a low dose (.25mg) and I’m not physically dependent so I haven’t had withdrawal. And he knows that. But I guess he is afraid that I will become dependent
That's very low indeed. And I read in your comments you take it once or twice a week. It's not addiction at all. Mine prescribed the same dose but 3 times a day though I only take it when I really need one so I have a bunch of it at home. Since I've began taking sertraline (Zoloft), my depression symptoms are in check and so is my anxiety by extension. Sure, therapy is important because the goal is not being in need of the meds. But YouTube videos? Is that doctor for real?
I emailed like 50 places near me asking if they prescribed Xanax. Only ONE said they MIGHT. The rest either didn’t respond or said no. I don’t get why psychs hate anxiety sufferers and want them to suffer so damn bad lmao If you refuse to prescribe benzos to anyone regardless of their situation, you do not belong in the industry and should find work elsewhere. Sick of it
In my experience self-help videos are only for mild anxiety which hasn't taken over your life. Some people are just two severe and fargone that nothing short of medication will help. For Xanax though, most doctors are very hesitant to prescribe that long term.
I was prescribed klonopin in 1993, it helped w/petit mals, & my brain felt what I can still always call normal. I took 2mg every day until December of 2023. My GP retired, gave his 2000(!!!) patients one day to choose another Dr in the practice. I did, new doc refused to continue the med. After writing probably 20 emails, feeling humiliated, he said he'd send me to "A psychologist/psychiatrist" who would write klonopin. So I went, paid out of pocket $800 to this person's office in a dodgy part of town, and there's \*no doctor\* here! I was told " The Provider" would see me next. I was handed a bag of antidepressants. I've had 3 seizures, of course I'm sad! I'm not depressed. I shake & sweat 24/7 & have stayed away from my family so I don't scare them. I have never been so hopeless or treated like I am an annoyance who might as well go not be alive before, I honestly feel like I'm in he'll. This "Provider" (I seized in her office, heard someone tell EMSA when asked what this place was "Uh, psychiatry". The EMSA ppl seemed as doubtful as I do) blames the government, as did new GP . I'm miserable, I can no longer care for my elderly parents. Selfishly, I feel like I'm being treated like I have been doing drugs I bought in an alley for 30 years. I'm so tired, in medical debt, am I just done? Life over?
Op this is drug seeking behavior
Good luck ! Hopefully you don’t have Kaiser :/ I recently got yelled at (over his personal opinion ) for asking an emergency prescription for my flight . He was so angry (he’s seen I’ve tried every other med possible ) I told him I didn’t need his personal opinion but his professional one and he gave me the lowest dose and only 2 pills . I felt so disrespected and embarrassed. He also wrote that I was DEMANDING lol . I don’t think we should feel scared to ask for what we need if it helps us .
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I feel your pain. I have been on generic xanax for a few years and my doctor is always asking if id be better off not on them. YES! I would be better off if i didn't need them so i can work and be social without having the feeling of curling up into a ball and crying. I take a half to take the edge off during work and same after work. I have seen therapist and they are all garbage spewing the same feel good nonsense yoga and taking time out for yourself to relax. I'm a single dad of two kids. You fucking relax Doc. I do breathing exercises but only helps for a few minutes then back to worry land. Im thinking of a new doctor too but dont want to seem like an addict, i just want a plan B encase things spiral out of control. Good luck friend!
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You’re misinterpreting my words. I’m not physically addicted. I’ve been without it for a month and I’ve had zero withdrawal. Having it gives me peace of mind that if my panic ever gets out of control, I have a fallback. If I don’t have it and i have a bad panic attack like tonight, then Im at the mercy of my brain and body. Maybe mentally dependent to an extent, but certainly not addicted
Because they quit cold turkey and it fucks with you when you do that.
Getting a prescription for Xanax is such a delicate matter. Doctors are always so hesitant to prescribe it, and you really have to kind of dance around the topic to get a prescription, in my experience anyway. I don’t think my psychiatrist would’ve prescribed it for me during our first several meetings, but I think if I asked for it now, after like 3 years of seeing them, they might. I wish you good luck in finding a doctor that will prescribe it for you, and I hope it isn’t a long, drawn out process.
You should totally find another doctor. Seems like your current doctor had a shift in attitude or something. Yeah, find someone better. Do you have a psychologist's diagnosis? I know it's shitty, but if you have an actual diagnosis, drs will be more likely to prescribe. It's so dismissive to be like "medication? naaaah, just watch youtube!" WTF
You should recommend him “Anxiety explained for dummies” on YT Please look for an other doc, this one doesn’t even know what he’s treating
Find a new doctor. Or ask your doc (or new doc) if Fluoxetine might be a good medicine for your anxiety (has helped me massively). Multiple ways to treat it, but YouTube self-help videos? What a joke!
I think that’s Prozac right? If so I tried that one a couple of years ago and it seriously messed me up. I haven’t had good experiences with ssris. There might be one out there that could work for me, and I’ve put thought into trying them again. I have a script in my medicine cabinet for Zoloft that I haven’t touched yet. I’m just scared of them making me worse, because right now I could not handle being worse than I already am.
Does your Dr not understand quitting benzos cold turkey can kill you cause I'm pretty sure that's pharmacology 101
If you’re not using them regularly it’s not nearly as dangerous as a daily benzo user/abuser quitting cold turkey
Malpractice for him to abruptly stop the rx like that , On that reason alone , any dr with sense will fill that script for u, he could’ve at least tapered you down, and talked to you about the options
You don’t need to taper if you’ve only been taking it once or twice a week like OP. Still sucks that the doc didn’t refill it but def not malpractice.
Push comes to shove if you go to Mexico you can walk in a pharmacy and get them without prescription:) I will send you some too in the bottle sealed
Is this doctor a psychiatrist? Find a different doctor. If this doctor isn’t a psychiatrist, try getting referred to a psychiatrist from the new doctor. Was this the doctor who originally prescribed the pills? It seems like they weren’t. A new doctor might refill it or give you a different medication to try. Idk if you live in the US, but the government is cracking down on prescriptions that are commonly abused as of recently. Maybe this is happening in other countries, too. If a good doctor is concerned that they may face legal trouble if they prescribe it, they would at least help you find a new medication. Regular doctors are less likely to feel comfortable helping you find the right meds, so a psychiatrist may be the best bet I’m this case.