Re: Group Question about Celexa and Xanax/Christy

[Guest guest]

>Christy Santo wrote:

>

> It has been years since I did cognitive biofeedback but it was out of state at

a big name hospital and I can't honesty say how it worked

> except they used a computer.

>

> I have a counselor I see on Saturday I believe she will work with

> me on biofeedback. I will bring it up with her and if not then I will see whom

she will recommend. You do make a good point that medicine should not always be

used to take care of anxiety.

Christy,

Oh I believe we are not Doctors and medication is and should be

used for anxiety if it is keeping your blood pressure up, heart palpitations, or

the body in an constant " flight or fight " response of increased cortisol

Many anxiety disorders can be helped with therapy, support groups

and other non-medication treatments, but when the problem is severe or with

certain diagnoses, a person may require medicine to control the unrelenting and

uncontrollable tension and fear that rule their lives.

Below is from this website and states it better:

http://www.theathlete.org/Anti-Anxiety.htm

Doctors can prescribe highly effective medications that relieve the fear, help

end the physical symptoms such as pounding heart and shortness of breath, and

give people a greater sense of control.

Psychiatrists often prescribe one of the benzodiazepines, a group of

tranquilizers that can reduce debilitating symptoms and enable a person to

concentrate on coping with his or her illness. With a greater sense of control,

this person can learn how to reduce the stress that can trigger anxiety,

developing new behaviors that will lessen the effects of the anxiety disorder.

So, I believe Lyndi was saying the same thing and that is what I was trying to

say. We cannot let our bodies get so run down pain is increased.

Bennie

[Guest guest]

Bennie wrote:

> So, I believe Lyndi was saying the same thing and that is what I was trying to

say. We cannot let our bodies get so run down pain is increased.

That's what I was saying too Bennie :-)

We need a multi level approach to our difficulties. Members of the

benzodiazepine family are a great help, when our " fight/flight " response

sends our bodies' systems into overdrive. But, without understanding

the " why, " we can't effect the outcome. Being able to calm our systems

as naturally as possible is essential. The better we get at it, the

lower the dose of benzodiazepine medication we will need.

At one time in my life, I started having panic attacks. Full blown. I

knew what they were, and I knew how they were supposed to be handled,

but I couldn't for the life of me, do it myself. It was one of those

" physician, heal thyself " times. I had to get my butt to a class and

relearn the techniques for myself, that I used to teach to others.

Within weeks, there were no more panic attacks. Sometimes one would try

to sneak up on me, but I was able to make it stop immediately. I

haven't had a panic attack for many years. If one does show up, I'll be

ready for it. :-)

Lyndi

[Guest guest]

Moderator Note: Christy, it would be prudent to continue to have Xanax

available, until the time comes when you know you are more secure with your

other medications and perhaps some CBT training. Lyndi

>Christy wrote:

>It could just be a multi-approach is the right thing. I will not be on

Xanax after tomorrow. I see my counselor tomorrow but not my doctor until

the 31st. Not sure if I am taking a big leap not asking for more Xanax and

hope the Celexa will do a bit of something on the first day. I don't see my

doctor until the last day of the month. I could hold out til Monday or I

could just call and ask today. This is something I will just have to think

about today because the only place I can turn if things go real sour over

the weekend if I do not ask is a clinic that is linked with the group my

doctor is in.

Hi Christy

I am almost positive that Celexa does not work that quickly. Please

continue the Xanax for now, just incase you need it.

Your doseage of Celexa might need to be higher or it might not be

the most affective medication for you.

Celexa has worked wonders for my daughter , but she continued

to take Klonopin routinely for a long time.

It took the Celexa and counseling before she was ready to reduce

and eventually stop taking Klonopin.

also takes Trazadone, and listens too books on her Kindle

to help her fall asleep and stay asleep.

It is wise to go off of the of benzodiazepines slowly.

I hope this helps.

Kaylene

Christy

[Guest guest]

>> Christy wrote:

>> Not sure if I am taking a big leap not asking for more Xanax and

>> hope the Celexa will do a bit of something on the first day.

> Kaylene wrote:

> I am almost positive that Celexa does not work that quickly. Please

> continue the Xanax for now, just incase you need it.

Kaylene, Christy,

The medical information online states:

Your symptoms may return when you stop using Xanax after using it over a long

period of time. You may also have seizures or withdrawal symptoms when you stop

using Xanax. Withdrawal symptoms may include blurred vision, trouble

concentrating, loss of appetite, diarrhea, muscle twitching, numbness or

tingling, or increased sensations.

Also, it interacts with grapefruit and some symptoms occur, need to read. It

says do not just stop taking without titiering off under Doctors' supervision.

Usually, it takes longer than one day for an anti depressant to go into effect:

It may take 1 to 4 weeks before you feel the full benefit of citalopram.

Continue to take citalopram even if you feel well. If you suddenly stop taking

citalopram, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood

changes,irritability, agitation, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands or

feet, anxiety, confusion, headache, tiredness, and difficulty falling asleep or

staying asleep. Do not stop taking citalopram without talking to your doctor.

Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.

This is from the website : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001041

Good Luck and let us know what your Doctor says. Bennie

*As for biofeedback, it was like using Lamaze techniques being hooked up to a

computer seeing that you can change the rates and temperature in your body.

I remember them stating, " Starting at your toes and moving upward " and it went

from there with the breathing , muscle relaxation, etc "

Seeing it made me believe the deep breathing and cognitive abilities we have but

sometimes in severe pain, it takes medication getting the body calmed.

Bennie

[Guest guest]

Hi,

You are right I may not be done with Xanax. I saw my counselor

today and she let me know that with the time it will take for the Celexa to

rebuild up I could well be taking the Xanax again and not worry if I do, but I

should also be careful being on it too much and that is what my doctor should

educate and tell me about should I have to get a refill on it. I just want to

see how it goes and if she is right well that is fine I will ask about a refill.

I am trying to hold myself together as best I can and I think

I am doing alright because my cat is willing to be around me more again. She had

been staying away a chunk of the time for a long while and now she wants to be

with me. I am so so happy she does.

I go to my parents when I physically feel I can push myself

to survive a car ride in the passenger seat just to make sure I am not alone

and I have cried once or twice in my Mom cat's fur. I stave off pleas to hurry

back to work in the family business because I know where I am at emotionally and

physically. So far I have been assertive enough to keep to what I know I still

need to take care of me and until then I can only acknowledge the rest.

Christy