Community Forum

I was prescribed xanax for when I needed it to reduce stress which plays a major role in my disease.  I cannot always pin point when something will come up to upset me or cause me to become anxious.  I was happy with the prescription because it was up to me when to take it.  However, I don't know how effective it is going to be.  I was also prescribed another anti-anxiety daily medication but chose not to start it  because of the side effects-mainly weight gain.  I am a short person and any weight shows.  I run 4 times a week, walk, eat as healthy as I can to maintain my weight.  I think gaining weight would bum me out even more.  Any suggestions?  Thanks!

ngc

 Reply posted for ngc249.

I know how difficult it is .........I have two girls too!   There simply isn't enough time in the day to fit everything in. 

I hope you find some comfort with the anxiety.

Good luck, be well

Lizzies Mom

 Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

Oh, and I also wanted to tell you I go to acupuncture once a week and it costst me $70 each time. 

 Reply posted for Lizzies Mom.

Hi.  Thanks for responding.  I run 5 mornings a week before work.  I teach first grade.  I would like to take a Yoga class or do a dvd at home but I have not quite fit it into my schedule.  I have two beautiful girls who are in school and their needs are obviously met before mine.  Thanks for your input and I hope your daughter continues to do well.

ngc

 Reply posted for ngc249.

I am a mom of a nine year old who has been living with Crohns disease for as long as she can remember.   She is currently in a remissionary stage, controlled by her regular daily meds.  I'm telling you this so you know I am not the patient, but the patient's mommy. 

It is extremely stressful as a parent to walk my daughter through life knowing the meds aren't going to stop and she will always have a chronic illnesss (until that cure comes......hopefully soon).  I too battle high levels of stress and anxiety.   Often feeling like I merry-go-round won't stop for me to get off.

Have you tried any other ways to reduce your level of stress/anxiety?  I have actually taken up jogging, finding it is a great outlet for me.  If you are unable to, what about a yoga class.    I couldn't afford to join a fancy gym, but I have invested in a few dvds to do @ home.   I wake up before my family just to get that in.  Another item that may help is a lavender sache under your pillow.   Health food stores typically have a whole line of lavender/ relaxation type products.   Even a bath with lavender oils.....or a sleepy time tea before bed. 

I would use the Xanax as a last resort after exhausting all other possibilities. 

Good luck to you, be well

Lizzies Mom

 Reply posted for Ashley22.

Hi.  I agree with you about the anti-depressant/anxiety medication but I'm concerned about weight gain.  I guess all meds have side effects, right?  I'm only 5 feet and any weight shows.  I do try and eat healthy unless I'm in the middle of  a flare up (all carbs-bread, etc.)  and I exercise.  Right now I'm on 30mg of prednisone to take care of a flare and I'm trying not to give into the salt craving!!  Thanks for sharing and let me know how your anti-anxiety med works.

ngc

 Reply posted for ngc249.

yes ive been on xanx for the last 3mots it works ok i dont no if its the prednisone or what every time i go up on the pred they take a while to work

 Reply posted for ngc249.

Xanax is actually really good for anxiety. I was prescribed xanax for my anxiety and it works. You take it when you start to feel overwhelmed or stressed. It can also put your mind at ease when you need to sleep. But when you have anxiety you should take an anti depressant with it because it xanax should not be use for a long time and the anti depressant with make your anxiety go away and xanax is like a bandaid it will only stop the anxiety for a short peroid of time. I was given effexor along with the xanax, i havent started it eaither due to my anxiety, I keep thinking that if I take it i will have an allergic reaction ... i know its all in my head and stupuid but thats what anxiety is lol. Good luck.

 Reply posted for Titan1.

Thanks so much for your advice.  I should probably take it at night so I can sleep/or not wake up and be able to fall back asleep because my mind won't stop racing.  I also was wondering if when in a stressful situation for me but maybe not others---for example:  my 4 year old going to pre-school but have to rely on another person to provide transportation because i am a teacher and have the same exact work hours or planning for Open House to do a presentation for the parents of my children.  AAGH-so much to worry about.  Oh and my very leaky roof!

thanks again,

ngc

 Reply posted for ngc249.

If Zanax helps why not take it? The only thing to watch is that it's addictive, so you only want to take it when you need it. Most of those medications are not designed to relieve the day to day stress one feels but to help with higher stress levels. I take a medication in the same family, which also can be additive. I don't let myself take it any more then once every three days, if I need it.