I have been taking up to 3mg/day of Xanax. I am having anxiety attacks with no relief. Any suggestions, please

Question

I have been on an ever increasing dose of Xanax for the last 5 years. I am now at 3mg/day. I have been at this dosage for maybe two years now. It doesn't seem to be working anymore, and I'm looking for alternative, homeopathic suggestions. I am under the guidance of a psychologist and psychiatrist and have a good network of doctors, but I am at a loss right now. I can't sleep, eat, sit still, anything. I would greatly appreciate any suggestions anyone out there may have. I am considering homeopathic alternatives but don't know where to start.

Answer 1

There are deep breathing exercises etc. that you can learn in courses I hope are available in your area.
Klonopin is better but the effects of all benzodiazepines probably wont work for you anymore if you are where I've been. Effexor and Paxil are great for anxiety and they aren't addictive like Xanax.
Alternatives:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_g2603/is_0001/ai_2603000164
http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/Anxiety/treatment/medications_chart.asp
http://www.minirthclinic.com/digest-downloadpg2.html
I've tried tapering off but cold turkey may work for you.
Here is the research I did when I wanted to taper off:
http://hem.passagen.se/evoca/HemsidaE.html
http://www.sleepnet.com/insomnia9/messages/512.html
http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzcha03.htm#4
http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched.htm#s7
.

Answer 2

I've had anxiety attacks since the age of 4. I will say I have had none in the last 2 years! It's a combination of counseling and meds, but the meds seem to be 80% of it now. Although don't brush off the counseling. You want to be at 100% to enjoy your life. It takes time to find the right meds. I couldn't sleep either. I can tell you what I'm on, but keep in mind it's different for everyone. Lexapro 20mg a day, Klonopin .5 mg, 1 in the am, one before bed, and 50mg of Trazadone at night. I go right to sleep. It was hard at first, but now it just does the job. The Lexapro is the real blessing though. Not even shortness of breath anymore.

When you're having an attack, remember that it CANNOT kill you. It's SO hard to do, but try separating your mind from your body in a way. Once I learned to observe the stuff my body did- and we don't need to go into the many symptoms- but I started becoming kind of like, "Wow! That was a HUGE surge! It's amazing how hot I feel on the inside, OH! There goes the heartrate up!" I just realized it is exactly what I would feel if a freaking bear were chasing me. See, so it is a fight or flight response that we have no need for in today's world. Take it easy on yourself. Avoid caffiene and eat foods you digest fast- meaning avoid dairy products, red meats, and shellfish. I know it's impossible to believe but someday it will be better. I NEVER thought I'd get better. And I am. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Answer 3

Here's some information you asked for - check with your doctor before taking any of this, although you should be okay with the St. John's Wort and Lemon Balm tea and as long as you don't have any issues as addressed below. Do your own research in this area. Maybe you could also try medicinal marijuana, because it would help with several of the things you listed. Marijuana is illegal because it can't be duplicated (turn out the same every time). That and big business. Talk to your doctors first, then you will be able to make an informed decision in whatever treatment path you choose.

Balm (Melissa Officinalis) AKA Lemon Balm, Sweet Melissa, Melissa, Sweet Balm, Cure-all. Don't use this if you have a thyroid problem without talking to your doctors first. Try lemon balm tea - 2 teaspoons of leaves per cup of water. You can get this at the grocery store.

Feverfew will help with migraine headaches (chew 2 fresh leaves a day or take 85 milligrams of leaf material in capsule form). Don't use this if you have blood clotting issues or take anticoagulants. Migraines are suppressed with this, when you stop chewing, the migraines usually return.

St. John's Wort is an anti-depressant (get it at the drugstore), you can make this as a tea and have 3-4 cups a day, or take it in a capsule or extract form. Avoid the sun because it has photosensitizing agents and overuse may cause diarrhea or nausea.

Skullcap (scutellaria laterifolia) aka quaker bonnet, helmet flower or mad dog weed (the leaves), make like a tea (steep leaves for 10-15 minutes) - don't drink more than 2 cups and only when needed. This is a sedative for shock and a tranquilizer.

Valerian (its a plant) is an excellent tranquilizer. You can get capsules at the drugstore or health food store. 1-2 capsules can be taken for insomnia and works in about half an hour. Use it only when truly needed. Large amounts can cause blurred vision, headache and nausea.

Answer 4

Xanax can make some people worse. It will scare you but go off of it cold turkey. Withdrawals only last a week and the rest is psychological. The VA won't give it out any more. Ask for another llong acting pill in that benzo family.

It's poison to 30% of those who take it.

Answer 5

I have suffered with panic attacks for 12 years now. In the beginning I was seeing my GP to help with meds. They just made me worse. I was on paxil for a while and it didn't help.
I went to a psychiatrist and was put on Lexapro and it was amazing how well it worked. I also saw a therapist to work on how to work through those feelings like I was going to die from the attacks. The combination of the 2 was a Godsend.

I just recently switched to Cymbalta and it is wonderful. Eventually i would love to be drug free, but every time I tried it some traumatic happened like my mom suddenly dying at age 63 that I ended back on the meds.

I hope this helps and knowing you are not alone in this will help.

Best wishes

Answer 6

This is just a suggestion but have you tried omega 3, 6 and 9 oils? Fould in fish, starflower and flax seed. I take 1 three times a day and my mild depression and anxiety is much reduced. Do some research there are some studies to support. I wish you well.

Answer 7

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 8

medications are only half the battle...if they haven't already suggested that you take courses in anxiety and phobia management, then I am suggesting it. What goes on in your mind IS controllable by you if you will put in the effort to learn.
I've dealt with anxiety and phobias for thirty five years, and I have taken the same dose (1mg) of xanax for the past 15 years, mostly because I took multiple courses and learned to control my physical response to anxiety.

Answer 9

Why don't you start with a good online source? (Listed below)

"Aconite is the medication of choice if your anxiety is the result of a sudden fright or shock. If you are grief stricken (such as when one of your loved ones die), the homeopath may give you ignatia. In situations such as stage fright and other anticipatory and performance anxiety, gelsemium is recommended. If you have anxiety accompanied by diarrhea, gelsemium is the preferred choice. Other homeopathic remedies are described below."

But it suggests you consult a homeopathic expert first, which is good advice.

Answer 10

I was once on 8mg of Xanax a day for PTSD, so i know what you mean by it wearing off. SAM-e, 5-HTP, L-Tryptophan, and Valerian are good natural alternatives. If you go to another prescription medication, ask for Klonopin.