I'm getting scared

[catmagnet]

As you guys know, I've been tapering for awhile, problem is my heart is really racing lately and it's freakin me out. I excercise pretty much for someone my age, but I am heavy 175lbs 5'5". Is this a common symptom of the lack of meds, I'm taking xanax, but don't want to take too much. I can't get in to see my dr. until later next week. Should I be worried or do you think it's just anxiety?

[charliecallie]

I worked for a cardiologist for years and women between the ages of 40-60 would come in complaining of palpitations, a racing heart, anxiety.  All the standard tests were done and in all the years I worked there, not one had anything serious.  Menopause.........perimenopause, whatever can cause many of these symptoms.  Yes, it is good to get evaluated but also to be informed on the symptoms associated with menopause.  

Regarding the xanax, that was one drug the cardiologist would dispense to women for anxiety.  It seems you already know the downside of taking it on a regular basis so I really don't need to say much.

Try to take liquid B vitamins and keep exercising.  Usually if you have palpitations and a racing heart it will put it back into a normal rhythm.    B vitamins do help w/ the stress associated with anxiety.

Good luck!

[catmagnet]

Well, I was born with a heart murmur, but never caused me any significant problems-- I was told I'd live a normal life as long as I don't smoke--I smoked for about 10 years then quit and never wanted to start back up--yuck! Who wants bad breath and yellow teeth anyway?

[catmagnet]

I don't think the xanax is much of an issue with me so don't worry. I don't take it every day, as a matter of fact, I don't even get the refills as often as I'm allowed. I've been taking a little more than usual lately, but sometimes I even bite the pills into fourths makes that 1/4 mg. I don't use them too regularly because I love hiking in the woods and they make me sleepy!  Thank you for your concern youre a good friend

[Jacqui805]

Just a note of caution here....I experienced, and am still experiencing the same thing.  It's pretty bad, and I started to think something might be wrong and had it checked out.  Turns out, to be a problem that I now have to see a cardiologist for.  

[Chi_Chi_Lover]

Cat, you aren't taking that xanax everyday are you. You know what I'm going to say...When you are finally c/t off the pills you may have issues so don't use the xanax too much you might need it later. If you are taking it more than 5 - 7 days in a row you are going to develope a dependency on it and Benzos are hard as HEL( to kick.

Just lookin' out for ya

[catmagnet]

BTW, irritability is an understatement. I've had a couple of hissy fits on here and apologize to everyone even it didn't involve any of you guys!!

[catmagnet]

I'm feeling a little better about this since it seems to be common-- I took 1/2 mg of xanax and that helped ,too. Told you I don't take too much of that stuff- just a little helps me out. Kind of hard to bite that little pill in half, though

[Chi_Chi_Lover]

Yes Cat, the racing heart is all part of the WDs and tapering. You may even have an anxiety attack that feels like you can't breath and your heart will race. You just have to stay calm relax, put your feet up and breath slowly through this. I always noticed it at night more than any other time. I still to this day have racing heart if I get upset. I know it's scary but get your heart checked I'm sure you are fine.

[catmagnet]

thanks  I don't care what they say about you-- you're alright with me  =)  LOL

[NautyOne]

That was the scariest part for me .........I thought the meds were hiding an underlying condition.  If the xanax works, then it probably anxiety, but I wouldn't hurt to check it out.  Abuse of pain meds can cause damage to the heart as well as the liver, but most likely it is just anxiety.......I'm glad to hear your going to see your doctor next week, though.  Better safe then sorry.  I wish you well.

Nauty............

[mimi1313]

I asked for spell check! Seriuosly, I had the heart racing and anxiety as well. It is scary. it feels like everyone can hear your heart practically jumping out of your chest.

[catmagnet]

Believe me your spelling is great compared to mine--I just try to correct it on the public forum... you should see my pm's though!  =)

[catmagnet]

you're definitely right about the premenopausal part--that started for me about 2 years ago--thanks for the info

[poetrygirl1960]

I agree with Cathy, it might be the w/d process, but your heart isn't something to ignore.  On the other hand it's good that you recognize the potential for xanax abuse.  Just remember, this is a transittion (I think I spelled that wrong) and so many things we never dreamed would be part of this happen.  Don't let this go on for very long though, I think heart racing should be addressed.

Take care of yourself please,
Lisa  

[charliecallie]

If your heart rate is making you nervous please get it check out by a cardiologist.  I see that you are a 45 year old female which also might mean you are premenopausal.  A racing heart and anxiety can also be caused by hormonal flunctuations.  So when a woman at your age is detoxing and menopausal it can be very hard.  You can have palpitations, anxiety, and irritability along with detoxing.  Just my thoughts...........

[catmagnet]

I'll try to hang on til my app't. unless I pass out or something. I've done that a couple of times within the last year or so, was checked out and they couldn'r find anything wrong, it's probably just my nerves, but it's really getting on my nerves!

[worried878]

Anxiety...like cathy said..is a big part of tapering and quitting...while u taper u r in mild WDs the whole time..or I was anyway...anything unusual should be checked out tho...give your doc a shout

[cathy5841]

cat, there are alot of anxiety issues when you are getting clean.  but, if you are really worried go to the er and have it checked.  better safe than sorry.  glad you are stil on the taper.