Seems I live around a schedule of taking medications. If I'm late I have a p!
Question: What are the chances of getting off of these medications, how would I get help when I am on a fixed income (SSD) and only have Medicare. Oxycodon CR, Vicoden 10/500, Xanax are the ones that I have a problem with if I don't take them on time. I get scared, confused my heart pounds in my chest, It's like falling out of an airplane/no shoot. I sleep most of the time (who wouldn't), and feel like I'm wasting my life anyway so why bother living? I do not abuse the medications, infact take as little as I can just to avoid a panic attack. I feel no joy, only fear. Are there any special programs? Or should I just accept the fact that I will need these meds "as a diabetic needs insulin?" I would sure like to leave the house and not have to worry if I have enough medications on me. Plus I'm afraid these medications may be messing up my body, like my liver, heart, etc. I'm 54 and have taken Xanax for about 20 years. I have Myasthenia gravis, Fibromyalgia, and PTSD.
Answers: What are the chances of getting off of these medications, how would I get help when I am on a fixed income (SSD) and only have Medicare. Oxycodon CR, Vicoden 10/500, Xanax are the ones that I have a problem with if I don't take them on time. I get scared, confused my heart pounds in my chest, It's like falling out of an airplane/no shoot. I sleep most of the time (who wouldn't), and feel like I'm wasting my life anyway so why bother living? I do not abuse the medications, infact take as little as I can just to avoid a panic attack. I feel no joy, only fear. Are there any special programs? Or should I just accept the fact that I will need these meds "as a diabetic needs insulin?" I would sure like to leave the house and not have to worry if I have enough medications on me. Plus I'm afraid these medications may be messing up my body, like my liver, heart, etc. I'm 54 and have taken Xanax for about 20 years. I have Myasthenia gravis, Fibromyalgia, and PTSD.
Hello,
First of all, let me say, your not alone in this. I take Ativan (a cousin of xanax), on a schedule. If I'm late taking my dose, my life is hell until I get it into my system. An example for e would be:
I was going to a friends B-day party and decided to skip my dose, because I didn't want to drink while on Ativan. Everything was fine, until about 2 hours after the skipped dose. I couldn't breathe, was having a massive panic attack, and scared out of my mind. My BF made me take the ativan and all was well again. As a Nurse(LPN), my advice to you would be to talk with your prescribing doctor. Bring him/her a copy of the ashton manual (found at benzo.org.uk), which will give wonderful, EXPERIENCED advice for tapering off the xanax. The oxycodone and vicodin(hydrocodone 10mg and tylenol 500 mg) must be tapered slowly. Always remember, if you feel your going to fast on the taper(for bot the opiates and the benzos) you can always go back up to a comfortable level and try again.
Also, there are non-narcotic drugs that have been proven VERY effective for fibromyalgia, and certain antidepressants(like zoloft and lexapro), work wonders for anxiety, panic, and PTSD. Speak with your doctor about this, but don't let anyone yank you off the xanax or opiates cold turkey. This is dangerous, and after 20 years of proper usage, seizures can result. This should be a gradual change, not an overnight thing.
My prayers and empathy are with you,
Luckie
I wont lie, its going to be very difficult to come off of Xanax. People have issues with Benzos after a few weeks let alone 20 years. Best bet would be to talk to your GP have him change it to a lower dosage and ask to see a therapist to help your your panic. Ive been prescribed all kinds of Benzos and refuse to take them. Its all in your head, if you want to feel better you will.
Talk to your doctor about switching off the Xanax to an antidepressant. They work well for anxiety in some. You can cross ween which may make coming off Xanax easier, or at least shift over to longer lasting Klonopin. A good doc will know how to make that easier. Lyrica has also been approved for Fibromyalgia, and there's it's big brother Gabapentin. These are successful for some and preferable to the pain pills. Seriously, try to work with a psychiatrist or a neurologist on the Fibro over a GP. You do have options, it's just a matter of how your body takes to the other meds.