Guest guest Posted December 3, 2010 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 I have xanax, low mg for the times I can't catch my breath and panic. drugs for anxiety Have any of you tried the anxiety drugs? I am really having a bad time with my brochiectasis and ntm disease. I am very short of breath and very tired and cant do anything. My husband thought maybe I should try Lexapro which is like Prozac. My dr said that Lexapro is better than Prozac. I dont suffer from depression but I guess I must have a great deal of anxiety dealing with these diiseases which have made me an invalid. I have taken my first pill today but i've been reading on the web how bad this medicine is and how hard it is to get off of it. Have any of you had an experience with these medicines? I already feel like I would be better off without taking this medicine. June K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2010 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 Dear Joan-It seems as if you only take the drugs when you need them. I am short of breath all the time. The doctor gave me over a month supply of the dug Lexapro to take 1 tablet daily. Biggest worry is getting off the drug if I need to. June K If this drug helps with my breathing I would be very happy because now I cannot do anything. To: bronchiectasis Sent: Fri, December 3, 2010 10:42:56 AMSubject: Re: drugs for anxiety I have xanax, low mg for the times I can't catch my breath and panic. drugs for anxiety Have any of you tried the anxiety drugs? I am really having a bad time with my brochiectasis and ntm disease. I am very short of breath and very tired and cant do anything. My husband thought maybe I should try Lexapro which is like Prozac. My dr said that Lexapro is better than Prozac. I dont suffer from depression but I guess I must have a great deal of anxiety dealing with these diiseases which have made me an invalid. I have taken my first pill today but i've been reading on the web how bad this medicine is and how hard it is to get off of it. Have any of you had an experience with these medicines? I already feel like I would be better off without taking this medicine. June K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2010 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010  take the drugs for a while and then try to lower the dose, but this is not a professional rec., just from me. drugs for anxiety Have any of you tried the anxiety drugs? I am really having a bad time with my brochiectasis and ntm disease. I am very short of breath and very tired and cant do anything. My husband thought maybe I should try Lexapro which is like Prozac. My dr said that Lexapro is better than Prozac. I dont suffer from depression but I guess I must have a great deal of anxiety dealing with these diiseases which have made me an invalid. I have taken my first pill today but i've been reading on the web how bad this medicine is and how hard it is to get off of it. Have any of you had an experience with these medicines? I already feel like I would be better off without taking this medicine. June K No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1170 / Virus Database: 426/3294 - Release Date: 12/03/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 3, 2010 Report Share Posted December 3, 2010 Dear Joan - That sounds like a sensible recommendation. I feel better about taking this drug now that I know that other people are taking anxiety medicine with good results. June KTo: bronchiectasis Sent: Fri, December 3, 2010 11:39:50 AMSubject: Re: drugs for anxiety  take the drugs for a while and then try to lower the dose, but this is not a professional rec., just from me. drugs for anxiety Have any of you tried the anxiety drugs? I am really having a bad time with my brochiectasis and ntm disease. I am very short of breath and very tired and cant do anything. My husband thought maybe I should try Lexapro which is like Prozac. My dr said that Lexapro is better than Prozac. I dont suffer from depression but I guess I must have a great deal of anxiety dealing with these diiseases which have made me an invalid. I have taken my first pill today but i've been reading on the web how bad this medicine is and how hard it is to get off of it. Have any of you had an experience with these medicines? I already feel like I would be better off without taking this medicine. June K No virus found in this message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 10.0.1170 / Virus Database: 426/3294 - Release Date: 12/03/10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 hi June, I have had anti-depressant / anxiety drugs several times when I've felt unable to cope with being too sick. I was on Zoloft for a few months, had no trouble coming off, just did half dose for 2 wks then stop. I've gone back onto something else, as am having so much pain, hard to cope with and is now what is holding me back. I try not to stay put on them too long, just use to get where I can cope, then ease slowly back off. As far as I know your doc should also start you off on lower dose then increase after 2 wks or so. It may help even tho the SOB isn't itself caused by anxiety, but it is very hard to cope with... cheers, joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2010 Report Share Posted December 6, 2010 Hey Joy, what's this about so much pain? I thought you were doing pretty well and having more outings and FUN! Love ya... Kay Re: drugs for anxiety hi June,I have had anti-depressant / anxiety drugs several times when I've felt unable to cope with being too sick. I was on Zoloft for a few months, had no trouble coming off, just did half dose for 2 wks then stop. I've gone back onto something else, as am having so much pain, hard to cope with and is now what is holding me back. I try not to stay put on them too long, just use to get where I can cope, then ease slowly back off. As far as I know your doc should also start you off on lower dose then increase after 2 wks or so.It may help even tho the SOB isn't itself caused by anxiety, but it is very hard to cope with...cheers,joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2010 Report Share Posted December 9, 2010 Hi to all, just popped here for a few minutes before busy day. Reading a few emails when I have had a moment and see several about meds for anxiety and anxiety in the SOB debate etc. There are many wonderful medications for anxiety disorders and IF you have such severe anxiety disorders ,that do effect your breathing- all the time-then really need specialist to diagnose first—it really is not for a GP, if it is effecting you every day-- I have seen people do wonderful on zoloft, truly amazing results, but I have seen people become so agitated and aggressive , who needed hospitalisation, for fear of self harm and or harm to others. Efexor, Solian, Avanza, there are so many—sometimes people need blended doses, etc Really it is a must to ONLY take once prescribed by an expert—if only have a GP, make sure you keep the GP and a friend or family member informed—and I suggest a mood diary or keep a daily record , immediately you start taking something.IF you have anxiety disorders, panic attacks because of the fact not able to breathe—I really do suggest trying the natural breathing techniques- once you learn to manage your breathing- you won,t panic as much. ( sometimes low doses of valium ( 2.5 & 5 mg per day) are better weaned on and off often- so not to get hooked- all these meds can and will become addictive—and remember that all other meds you take will need to be taken into consideration, including alcohol intake etc If it is that you have a dx of MH disorder PLEASE go get a psychologist to see you first- -it does sometimes ( most ) take anywhere up to 3 –4 weeks before you find the right medication—that suits etc. Feeling of being doped is common for first weeks—so you need to be correctly informed first up- and be sure to have someone with you if you have young kids , don,t drive etc until you are settled on a med. Doziness, spaced out etc is often the feeling and will settle- BUT whatever—never go cold turkey if you have been on a particular med for longer than a week –believe me the side effects and withdraw without coming off slow and under GP etc is very dangerous.( can cause heart attack, stroke etc ) One thing good can come of your bad experiences—is that you maybe able to quickly understand how and why some people living each day – with mental illnesses, depression, PTSD, and the more profound Mental illnesses- are often unable to work, or unable to manage family, etc, how sometimes they need lots of rehab etc- because having to take these meds long term—isn’t by choice etc. PLEASE bronch people, asthmatics, panic attacks and anxiety often is cured by breathing techniques—once you have learned these techs, you can use and help lessen the impact of many other things that aggravate your breathing—etc. Sandy Director MH Respite & Supported Accommodation Community Advisor for Mental Health Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 10, 2010 Report Share Posted December 10, 2010 Sandy - What great information on anxiety drugs. I tried one for one day and that was enough for me. I quit cold turkey and it took 3 days before I was free of the drug. I believe after that experience that breathing exercises are the answer. June KTo: bronchiectasis Sent: Thu, December 9, 2010 6:30:05 PMSubject: Re: drugs for anxiety Hi to all, just popped here for a few minutes before busy day. Reading a few emails when I have had a moment and see several about meds for anxiety and anxiety in the SOB debate etc. There are many wonderful medications for anxiety disorders and IF you have such severe anxiety disorders ,that do effect your breathing- all the time-then really need specialist to diagnose first—it really is not for a GP, if it is effecting you every day-- I have seen people do wonderful on zoloft, truly amazing results, but I have seen people become so agitated and aggressive , who needed hospitalisation, for fear of self harm and or harm to others. Efexor, Solian, Avanza, there are so many—sometimes people need blended doses, etc Really it is a must to ONLY take once prescribed by an expert—if only have a GP, make sure you keep the GP and a friend or family member informed—and I suggest a mood diary or keep a daily record , immediately you start taking something.IF you have anxiety disorders, panic attacks because of the fact not able to breathe—I really do suggest trying the natural breathing techniques- once you learn to manage your breathing- you won,t panic as much. ( sometimes low doses of valium ( 2.5 & 5 mg per day) are better weaned on and off often- so not to get hooked- all these meds can and will become addictive—and remember that all other meds you take will need to be taken into consideration, including alcohol intake etc If it is that you have a dx of MH disorder PLEASE go get a psychologist to see you first- -it does sometimes ( most ) take anywhere up to 3 –4 weeks before you find the right medication—that suits etc. Feeling of being doped is common for first weeks—so you need to be correctly informed first up- and be sure to have someone with you if you have young kids , don,t drive etc until you are settled on a med. Doziness, spaced out etc is often the feeling and will settle- BUT whatever—never go cold turkey if you have been on a particular med for longer than a week –believe me the side effects and withdraw without coming off slow and under GP etc is very dangerous.( can cause heart attack, stroke etc ) One thing good can come of your bad experiences—is that you maybe able to quickly understand how and why some people living each day – with mental illnesses, depression, PTSD, and the more profound Mental illnesses- are often unable to work, or unable to manage family, etc, how sometimes they need lots of rehab etc- because having to take these meds long term—isn’t by choice etc. PLEASE bronch people, asthmatics, panic attacks and anxiety often is cured by breathing techniques—once you have learned these techs, you can use and help lessen the impact of many other things that aggravate your breathing—etc. Sandy Director MH Respite & Supported Accommodation Community Advisor for Mental Health Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 10, 2010 Report Share Posted December 10, 2010 Pulmonary rehab and learning various breathing techniques will do one SO much more good than adding yet another drug to the huge number most of us already take Sandy's advice is excellent! Suzanne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2010 Report Share Posted December 12, 2010 hi Kay have been much better in managing lung infx since having the SmartVest - such a blessing! - & this still continues through what is now my worst time of year, with heat and humidity extremes. Also cos of heat/humidity is not so easy to do my (short) walk daily as I'd started during our cooler months. pain is from osteoarthritis, some connective tissue problems (?), muscle fatigue from coughing so hard for 58 years ... several prolapsed vertebrae, either one or the other seem to shift through coughing, or just simply doing normal things. A real proverbial pain! I already had one steroid inj into hip early this year, and that just about crippled me for walking full stop... months sitting on the couch, barely able to walk around the house, using wheel-chairs in shopping centres etc. Now another doc wants to do same steroid down my whole spine!!! like hell! Sadly, had to accept defeat on ish dancing - not cos of lungs, altho I puffed heaps, but just to vigorous for poor old back and hip! Still managing Tai Chi and another dance practice that is similar to Tai Chi, is gentler, more meditative, very lovely, just hanging in there! I'm having Reiki, it is helping but don't know yet if can long-term, will see.oh well, always fun with bronch, plenty of challenges hey?cheers,Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2010 Report Share Posted December 12, 2010 Oh my! Do you have a good orthopedist for your bone and joint issues? Hope so! Keep on truckin' girlfriend :-). Kay Re: drugs for anxiety hi Kay have been much better in managing lung infx since having the SmartVest - such a blessing! - & this still continues through what is now my worst time of year, with heat and humidity extremes. Also cos of heat/humidity is not so easy to do my (short) walk daily as I'd started during our cooler months. pain is from osteoarthritis, some connective tissue problems (?), muscle fatigue from coughing so hard for 58 years ... several prolapsed vertebrae, either one or the other seem to shift through coughing, or just simply doing normal things. A real proverbial pain! I already had one steroid inj into hip early this year, and that just about crippled me for walking full stop... months sitting on the couch, barely able to walk around the house, using wheel-chairs in shopping centres etc. Now another doc wants to do same steroid down my whole spine!!! like hell! Sadly, had to accept defeat on ish dancing - not cos of lungs, altho I puffed heaps, but just to vigorous for poor old back and hip! Still managing Tai Chi and another dance practice that is similar to Tai Chi, is gentler, more meditative, very lovely, just hanging in there! I'm having Reiki, it is helping but don't know yet if can long-term, will see. oh well, always fun with bronch, plenty of challenges hey? cheers, Joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2010 Report Share Posted December 12, 2010 hi June, could well be, you sound pretty sound to me, and well grounded. I certainly wouldn't advocate using ANY med unless they really actually helped. If feeling better mentally can help deal with being ill a lot of the time and meds can achieve that, it's really the only time I'd think it'd be worth it. hugs, joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 12, 2010 Report Share Posted December 12, 2010 not much choice in this medically hick town! Am waiting on seeing ortho at hospital outpatients, but not had good exp with them before.... let's hope this time better...? (whenever it happens, can be 2-3 year waiting list) cheers, joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2010 Report Share Posted December 13, 2010 I should have never tried the anxiety drug but I foolishly thought it would allow me to do more things. I was wrong about that and I think mind altering drugs are not a good thing to play around with. If anyone has tried one and is successful good for them. With illness anything that works can only be a good thing. JuneKTo: bronchiectasis Sent: Mon, December 13, 2010 12:52:57 AMSubject: Re: drugs for anxiety hi June, could well be, you sound pretty sound to me, and well grounded. I certainly wouldn't advocate using ANY med unless they really actually helped. If feeling better mentally can help deal with being ill a lot of the time and meds can achieve that, it's really the only time I'd think it'd be worth it. hugs, joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 13, 2010 Report Share Posted December 13, 2010 Incredible wait time Joy!! Guess that is one advantage of our expensive health system! My doctors are all very responsive and waits even for specialist appointments are seldom more than a few weeks. If one is really sick, they squeeze you in right away that day or the next day. Sigh, I feel for you... Kay Re: drugs for anxiety not much choice in this medically hick town! Am waiting on seeing ortho at hospital outpatients, but not had good exp with them before.... let's hope this time better...? (whenever it happens, can be 2-3 year waiting list)cheers,joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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