Newbie Here
Mare
certainly nice to find this group. AD is such a debilitating thing.
It would be great to be able to concentrate on something long enough
to block out the stuff that keeps freaking me out. I have all the
Alprazolam I could possible want, but I was wondering what some of you
do to counteract those crippling thoughts that mostly invade about
1:30 AM (that doesn't involve a drug), and turn me into a walking
zombie by work time.
Thanks for any and all suggestions. I'm really glad you're here.
Best,
Mare
--
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Mary
news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> Hi folks. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now, but it's
> certainly nice to find this group. AD is such a debilitating thing.
> It would be great to be able to concentrate on something long enough
> to block out the stuff that keeps freaking me out. I have all the
> Alprazolam I could possible want, but I was wondering what some of you
> do to counteract those crippling thoughts that mostly invade about
> 1:30 AM (that doesn't involve a drug), and turn me into a walking
> zombie by work time.
>
> Thanks for any and all suggestions. I'm really glad you're here.
>
> Best,
>
> Mare
Hi Mare,
Welcome. Just listen in or ask anything you like or tell us a bit about
yourself if you like.Whatever is comfortable for you.. There is no pressure.
You can get some helpful advice and support here.
Mary
Gloria Wolfe
with your question: Paxil and Doxepin for anxiety and panic attacks; Lunesta
and Zanaflex at bedtime. Nanny
On 7/6/2008 7:06 PM, m...@physics.umass.edu wrote to All:
-> Hi folks. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now, but it's
-> certainly nice to find this group. AD is such a debilitating thing.
-> It would be great to be able to concentrate on something long enough
-> to block out the stuff that keeps freaking me out. I have all the
-> Alprazolam I could possible want, but I was wondering what some of you
-> do to counteract those crippling thoughts that mostly invade about
-> 1:30 AM (that doesn't involve a drug), and turn me into a walking
-> zombie by work time.
->
-> Thanks for any and all suggestions. I'm really glad you're here.
->
-> Best,
->
-> Mare
->
-> --
-> ========== Please DELETE this text block when replying! ==========
-> Contact the moderators at: asapm...@stump.algebra.com
-> The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm
-> ========= This notice is added to each approved article ==========
->
Chip
"Mare" <m...@physics.umass.edu> wrote in message
news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> certainly nice to find this group. AD is such a debilitating thing.
> It would be great to be able to concentrate on something long enough
> to block out the stuff that keeps freaking me out. I have all the
> Alprazolam I could possible want, but I was wondering what some of you
> do to counteract those crippling thoughts that mostly invade about
> 1:30 AM (that doesn't involve a drug), and turn me into a walking
> zombie by work time.
Your serum level of Xanax could be getting low enuff about that time to
result in increased anxiety/rebound/withdrawal...all of which interfer with
sleep.
What times during the day do you take Xanax, and how much do you take at
those times.
When I was taking Xanax four times per day, I would usually wake up about 5
AM with withdrawal or rebound anxiety. I'd have to take my morning dose of
Xanax to get another 2 hours of sleep. Subsequently I switched to Klonopin
and didn't have that problem.
Chip
Cazmania
"Mare" <m...@physics.umass.edu> wrote in message
news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
> certainly nice to find this group. AD is such a debilitating thing.
> It would be great to be able to concentrate on something long enough
> to block out the stuff that keeps freaking me out. I have all the
> Alprazolam I could possible want, but I was wondering what some of you
> do to counteract those crippling thoughts that mostly invade about
> 1:30 AM (that doesn't involve a drug), and turn me into a walking
> zombie by work time.
>
> Thanks for any and all suggestions. I'm really glad you're here.
>
> Best,
>
> Mare
Hi Mare :-)
I have GAD with agrophobia thrown in from time to time. Medication has been
my route but I also attempt to self help wherever possible. If I wake in the
early hours feeling panicky I try to find something to distract my mind. Not
easy in the early hours when the rest of the household are sleeping. Playing
the latest rock CD is probably not a good idea <G>
One of the ways I try to distract my mind from invading thoughts is to read
a recipe book. Not too much thinking needed but still enough to change my
'stinking thinkin' plus I can plan my next cooking catastrophe! ;-)
Cazmania!
Mare
> "Mare" <m...@physics.umass.edu> wrote in message
>
> news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
>
> > Hi folks. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now, but it's
> > certainly nice to find this group. AD is such a debilitating thing.
> > It would be great to be able to concentrate on something long enough
> > to block out the stuff that keeps freaking me out. I have all the
> > Alprazolam I could possible want, but I was wondering what some of you
> > do to counteract those crippling thoughts that mostly invade about
> > 1:30 AM (that doesn't involve a drug), and turn me into a walking
> > zombie by work time.
>
> > Thanks for any and all suggestions. I'm really glad you're here.
>
> > Best,
>
> > Mare
>
> Hi Mare,
>
> Welcome. Just listen in or ask anything you like or tell us a bit about
> yourself if you like.Whatever is comfortable for you.. There is no pressure.
> You can get some helpful advice and support here.
>
> Mary
>
eventually spill some guts.
That in itself, I hope, will help with chillin' out.
Mare
weeks
Welcome to ASAPM! I haven't dealt with anxiety in the middle of the night
for many years. My meds help me to sleep well, maybe too well at times. I
do remember waking up and being so anxious then the diarrhea would kick in,
etc... Meds have helped me deal with the anxiety, agor and depression for
the most part.
My anxiety disorder reared its ugly head in 1983. It's been a long road and
yes, it is debilitating. My driving has been affected by my disorder so I
don't drive much or very far. This is what I have a difficult time dealing
with.
smiles,
Elise
"Mare" <m...@physics.umass.edu> wrote in message
news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
Mare
> "Mare" <m...@physics.umass.edu> wrote in message
>
> news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
>
> > Hi folks. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now, but it's
> > certainly nice to find this group. AD is such a debilitating thing.
> > It would be great to be able to concentrate on something long enough
> > to block out the stuff that keeps freaking me out. I have all the
> > Alprazolam I could possible want, but I was wondering what some of you
> > do to counteract those crippling thoughts that mostly invade about
> > 1:30 AM (that doesn't involve a drug), and turn me into a walking
> > zombie by work time.
>
> > Thanks for any and all suggestions. I'm really glad you're here.
>
> > Best,
>
> > Mare
>
> Hi Mare :-)
>
> I have GAD with agrophobia thrown in from time to time. Medication has been
> my route but I also attempt to self help wherever possible. If I wake in the
> early hours feeling panicky I try to find something to distract my mind. Not
> easy in the early hours when the rest of the household are sleeping. Playing
> the latest rock CD is probably not a good idea <G>
> One of the ways I try to distract my mind from invading thoughts is to read
> a recipe book. Not too much thinking needed but still enough to change my
> 'stinking thinkin' plus I can plan my next cooking catastrophe! ;-)
>
me down.
It's called Ocean Euphoric by a guy in New Zealand. The music
is "other worldly" (the only way I know how to explain it) but has
sounds of nature
mixed into it. There's even a warning on the jacket not to listen to
it whilst driving!
I let a musician friend borrow it, and he was fascinated (it put him
to sleep in about 20 minutes).
He took down all the information and is ordering his own copy. I'm
not here to push the CD, BTW.
Music is a personal thing. What works for one, might not work for
someone else. I've also
tried the Linden method, but find that if my mind is racing, I don't
hear the visualization
exercises that Charles is putting forth, or just can't concentrate to
the level I need to.
Hope I didn't put you to sleep with all of this (or maybe I hope I
*did* - if you needed some)! ?;^)
Mare
Mare
> Hi, Mare,
> Welcome to ASAPM! I haven't dealt with anxiety in the middle of the night
> for many years. My meds help me to sleep well, maybe too well at times. I
> do remember waking up and being so anxious then the diarrhea would kick in,
> etc...
Bingo! Boy do I relate, Elise (pretty name)! Hard to believe talking
about a bodily function can help
alleviate some bugaboos (like "maybe it's CANCER!" - when all it *IS*
is nerves).
> Meds have helped me deal with the anxiety, agor and depression for
> the most part.
> My anxiety disorder reared its ugly head in 1983. It's been a long road and
> yes, it is debilitating. My driving has been affected by my disorder so I
> don't drive much or very far. This is what I have a difficult time dealing
> with.
I don't blame you. That's a pretty harsh reality check.
Mare
> "Mare" <m...@physics.umass.edu> wrote in message
>
> news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
>
> > Hi folks. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now, but it's
> > certainly nice to find this group. AD is such a debilitating thing.
> > It would be great to be able to concentrate on something long enough
> > to block out the stuff that keeps freaking me out. I have all the
> > Alprazolam I could possible want, but I was wondering what some of you
> > do to counteract those crippling thoughts that mostly invade about
> > 1:30 AM (that doesn't involve a drug), and turn me into a walking
> > zombie by work time.
>
> Your serum level of Xanax could be getting low enuff about that time to
> result in increased anxiety/rebound/withdrawal...all of which interfer with
> sleep.
>
> What times during the day do you take Xanax, and how much do you take at
> those times.
I only take it when I feel the "jitters" coming on, or if I start
obsessing over a pain that
more than likely means nothing, but I've blown it out of proportion.
I take one .25 mg
tablet when that happens, but the 'scrip is for 2 a day. The past
week has been pretty
good, as I haven't needed much help in getting to sleep and putting
together 5 or 6 hours
in a row. But those nights when my brain refuses to shut down are
horrible. I'm always
afraid I'll become addicted to the alprazolam, so I only take it when
I start shaking from
some irrational fear. Does this make any sense? I'm not in a
constant state of angst,
but boy, when it hits...
Mare
> When I was taking Xanax four times per day, I would usually wake up about 5
> AM with withdrawal or rebound anxiety. I'd have to take my morning dose of
> Xanax to get another 2 hours of sleep. Subsequently I switched to Klonopin
> and didn't have that problem.
>
>
--
Diane
comfortable. nice to have you here.
hugs,
di
"Mare" <m...@physics.umass.edu> wrote in message
news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
Phobia
I know that for me the thoughts get me when I'm idle and have time to think.
I try to keep busy during the day and at night I meditate before bed. The
meditation is a routine and it helps to relax me and it gives me something
to focus on as I drift off to sleep. Welcome to ASAPM
Love
Cathy
"Mare" <m...@physics.umass.edu> wrote in message
news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
Z.Beeblebrox
Glad you found the group. I remember how relieved I was when I foumd it
years ago.
For a non-drug aid, I've listened to relaxation and/or self-hypnosis stuff
at bedtime.
If I woke up in the middle of the night feeling anxious, I'd go through the
steps on the tape (ok, mp3 player).
As far as meds go, there are a lot of them out there that effect people
differently.
Also, doctors seem to have their personal favorites and ones they don't care
for too.
I'm not sure what you've tried, but it's a good idea to find out what's
available.
I was on xanax from 96-07. I've been off of it for a year+. I take
citalopram now, which really only came about because I changed doctors to
one closer to my house. I like the citalopram much better than xanax + the
other crap I tried.
Well, best wishes and stick with it.
-z-
"Mare" <m...@physics.umass.edu> wrote in message
news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
Chip
> On Jul 7, 2:47 am, "Chip" <chipmonk__...@hotmail.com_NOSPAM> wrote:
>> "Mare" <m...@physics.umass.edu> wrote in message
>>
>> news:139d5fc9-627e-4288...@m73g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> > Hi folks. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now, but it's
>> > certainly nice to find this group. AD is such a debilitating thing.
>> > It would be great to be able to concentrate on something long enough
>> > to block out the stuff that keeps freaking me out. I have all the
>> > Alprazolam I could possible want, but I was wondering what some of you
>> > do to counteract those crippling thoughts that mostly invade about
>> > 1:30 AM (that doesn't involve a drug), and turn me into a walking
>> > zombie by work time.
>>
>> Your serum level of Xanax could be getting low enuff about that time to
>> result in increased anxiety/rebound/withdrawal...all of which interfer
>> with
>> sleep.
>>
>> What times during the day do you take Xanax, and how much do you take at
>> those times.
>
> I only take it when I feel the "jitters" coming on, or if I start
> obsessing over a pain that
> more than likely means nothing, but I've blown it out of proportion.
> I take one .25 mg
> tablet when that happens, but the 'scrip is for 2 a day.
so you take it "as needed", and not on a regular daily basis (like every 6
hours around the clock)
> The past
> week has been pretty
> good, as I haven't needed much help in getting to sleep and putting
> together 5 or 6 hours
> in a row. But those nights when my brain refuses to shut down are
> horrible.
I used to go thru that alot. Reviewing the past and future day's activities.
And then worrying about them.
> I'm always
> afraid I'll become addicted to the alprazolam
the people who get addicted take ever increasing doses in order to get high.
If you follow the doctor's instructions, there shouldn't be any problem with
addiction.
Chip
MsMonar...@gmail.com
::
::Hi folks. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do now, but it's
::certainly nice to find this group. AD is such a debilitating thing.
::It would be great to be able to concentrate on something long enough
::to block out the stuff that keeps freaking me out. I have all the
::Alprazolam I could possible want, but I was wondering what some of you
::do to counteract those crippling thoughts that mostly invade about
::1:30 AM (that doesn't involve a drug), and turn me into a walking
::zombie by work time.
::
::Thanks for any and all suggestions. I'm really glad you're here.
Dear Mare,
Welcome to ASAPM! I am sorry that you are having a bad time of it. I know how
distressing, frightening and exhausting it is to battle obsessive thoughts. I
know you want suggestions of the non-med kind.......but I do need to ask how
much alprazolam you take and how often? On top of using any non-med tool I
had, I would also take some alprazolam a few hours before the time I usually
get hit with obsessive thoughts. You want to try to prevent the thoughts from
even starting and you also want to break this cycle of scary thoughts that
happens every night.
I do have some non-med suggestions..........
1) watch your caffeine intake (either eliminate or cut back)
2) do not watch stimulating or upsetting tv, like the news, before bed.
3) The worse thing I could do when battling scary thoughts in bed, was to stay
in bed trying to force myself to sleep. I find I do better if I lay on the
couch with the tv on something boring or go to the computer.
4) Deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises
5) When I am having a really bad time with obsessive thoughts, I use the ole
rubberband around the wrist trick and it does help. My psychologist told me to
do this.
6) Some info for you :)
A link on Generalized Anxiety disorder..
http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/gad/Generalized_Anxiety_Disorder.htm
.......................................................................................................................
Here are some informative links on cognitive behavioral therapy...
http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/therapycbt/
http://www.cognitivetherapy.com/
http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/therapycbt/a/cbtintro.htm
.......................................................................................................................
Here is a very informative site on anxiety and panic disorder.....
http://panicdisorder.about.com/
.......................................................................................................................
Lots of info at this site....
http://msmonarchdancer.googlepages.com/
.......................................................................................................................
Here you will find all sorts of self-help techniques like deep breathing and
muscle relaxation exercises that can help decrease your anxiety and panic.
http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/selfhelp/
.......................................................................................................................
You might want to check out the following books from your library:
"A Guide to Rational Living", by Albert Ellis, Ph.D
"Feeling Good, The New Mood Therapy", by David D. Burns, M.D.
"How to Control Your Anxiety, Before it Controls You", by Albert Ellis, Ph.D
"The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook", by Edmund J., Ph.D. Bourne
.....................................................................................................................
Don't hesitate to ask questions or ask for support. We will do our very best
to help you :)
Jackie
~*~Have patience awhile; slanders are not long-lived.
Truth is the child of time; erelong she shall appear to vindicate thee~*~
~~Immanuel Kant
MsMonar...@gmail.com
wrote:
::Hi Mare. I'm a newbie here as well. I depend on drugs, so can't help you
::with your question: Paxil and Doxepin for anxiety and panic attacks;
::Lunesta
::and Zanaflex at bedtime. Nanny
Hey Nanny,
It's nice to see another Paxil user here :) I got Paxilated in '98 and have
been on it ever since. Been a lifesaver for me! How long have you been on it?
What is zanaflex? I've never heard of it.
Jackie
~*~Have patience awhile; slanders are not long-lived.
Truth is the child of time; erelong she shall appear to vindicate thee~*~
~~Immanuel Kant
--
Mare
>
>
> I haven't seen this suggestion yet so I will throw it out there.
> You may not know that you have a constant dialog going on in your head.
> Sometimes you can't hear it, other times you can hear it loud and clear. Mostly
> the dialog is harmless, "I wonder how that frizbee got on the roof?". Other
> times you dig a bit deeper in your mind and find some really horrifying stuff to
> talk to yourself about. The middle of the night is worse for many anxiety
> people, you know why.
>
> Ok, crazy echo thoughts(obsessive), same thing repeats itself over and over and
> over and then switches to something else you can echo over and over possibly
> going back to the first and then back..... arghhhh!
> ..
> Get you a pen or pencil or crayon and paper and write it down. I have one of
> those little paperback sized notebooks but anything will work. Write down what
> you are thinking, no matter how you think it sounds. Write down how you feel,
> how you feel at the time and how you feel about the echo thoughts.
>
> This has helped me tremendously. Personally, I would not try to challenge these
> thoughts without help.
>
> You don't have to use proper spelling or grammar or punctuation. You don't have
> to keep the stuff you write down, unless you are seeing a therapist and the
> written stuff may help very much. Use as much detail as you feel helps.
>
> If you worry that someone will find and read your written down thoughts then
> tear it up and throw it away.
>
> The point to writing it down is to get it out of your head. Rumbling this stuff
> over and over in your mind tends to re-enforce the thoughts. Keeping this stuff
> inside and toughing it out is not a good thing. Learning to ignore this stuff is
> also not a good thing, it will sneak up on you later and bite your butt when you
> least expect it.
>
> I hope this helps you in some way,
>
Thank you, Thor. That's something I've never thought of doing.
Sounds like *one* way of shutting down those pesky amygdalas
(amygdalae??)!
MsMonar...@gmail.com
:: I'm always
::afraid I'll become addicted to the alprazolam, so I only take it when
::I start shaking from
::some irrational fear. Does this make any sense? I'm not in a
::constant state of angst,
::but boy, when it hits...
Dear Mare,
A lot of people who are prescribed a benzo have the same fear. The best advice
I can give you regarding this is to discuss your fears with your doctor and to
research addiction vs dependency. It's important to find sites that offer
balanced information regarding benzos and to avoid sites that vilify them.
Used properly, benzos can be a life-changing med if not a life-saving one.
People with seizures take certain meds to "prevent" seizures from happening.
Look at taking your alprazolam as a treatment that will prevent you from
getting anxious and from having obsessive thoughts. Allowing yourself to get
anxious at the same time everyday is just reinforcing your anxiety. It is so
important that you break this vicious cycle.
Most people I know that use a benzo for their anxiety have not gotten addicted
to to, just dependent on it........which is okay. It just means you can't stop
the med cold turkey, you must wean off slowly and you may experience some
withdrawals. Most people I know that use benzos were able to reduce their dose
and/or get off their benzo with little to no difficulty.
Here is some info for you :)
Most importantly, educate yourself about addiction VS dependency so you
can make informed decisions regarding the treatment of your anxiety
disorder. I highly recommend the book "Panic Disorder" by William D.
Kernodle, M.D. Chapters 12, "The Misunderstood Benzodiazepines" and 13,
"The Role of Benzodiazepines in the Treatment of Panic Disorder", being
must reads.
http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/benzosbasics/a/addiction.htm
http://panicdisorder.about.com/library/weekly/aa082797.htm
Even though this link is about discontinuing xanax, there is other good
info on xanax and benzos in general.
http://lexington-on-line.com/naf_xanax.html
Quoted from "Panic Disorder: The Medical Point of View", by William
Kernodle, M.D.
"Our society appears to have a phobia concerning benzodiazepines. I
believe this fear started many years ago when Valium was prescribed for
minor anxiety and patients were not made aware of the potential for
developing physical dependence. It is physical addiction that most
patients worry about with a benzodiazepine. I believe *addiction*
refers to a severe form of drug abuse in which the individual craves a
substance despite negative consequences and needs more and more for the
same effect. I do not think that patients with panic disorder crave the
benzodiazepines for their effect or frequently develop physical
tolerance (with the possible exception of substance abusers). It is
possible for patients to develop *physical dependence* on the
benzodiazepines when used at moderate to high doses over months or
years. However, this simply means that the benzodiazepine has to be
tapered slowly rather than stopped abruptly to avoid having a withdrawal
symptom" (p 115).
[alt.support.anxiety-panic.moderated] General Anxiety-Panic Info -
Monthly-FAQ]
Jackie
~*~Have patience awhile; slanders are not long-lived.
Truth is the child of time; erelong she shall appear to vindicate thee~*~
~~Immanuel Kant
--
MsMonar...@gmail.com
::Most people I know that use a benzo for their anxiety have not gotten
:::addicted to to, just dependent on it........which is okay. It just means
::you can't stop he med cold turkey, you must wean off slowly and you may
::experience some withdrawals. Most people I know that use benzos were able to
::reduce their dose and/or get off their benzo with little to no difficulty.
P.S. I used a small dose of xanax every night for a month or so last Summer. I
had NO problems stopping it.