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3688816 tn?1358475297

anxiety, panic attacks

hey all! Does anyone know what I can do or take for my anxiety? I was taking ativan but when I switched sub drs this one sa8d he would like me to not take it anymore. I understand why but now I need something to do or take in its place. My last dr knew I was taking it and was fine with tht as long as it was mine. Which it was.. any tips, advise and such are welcomed . Thank u
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3197167 tn?1348968606
Of course it makes perfect sense, Maria!  You quit posting for a long time.....it's good that you are back and talking to us.

You new sub dr sound A LOT better than your previous one, I agree.  In addition to journaling and talking to you so you feel heard and understood....adding some meetings and being around other recovering addicts would help you a bunch!

You are a GREAT Mommy...no doubt about that.  But I have some ideas...cause you need to intentionally carve out more "me" time in your life.  I realize finding "new" ways to find some "me" time can be challenging...and some changes at home can help with that too.  

So how bout considering implementing a "quiet time" each day.  Your son doesn't have to sleep....he just needs to learn to quiet himself for a bit each day.  He can look at books, play with "quiet" toys, or whatever you decide...but learning "how" to just quiet his body and little mind will benefit both of you.  It can be hard to do this...but try getting some ideas from the adhd forum on here, the internet for suggestions from other stay at home mom's, or from books at the library.  The quiet time will give you a break and teach your son some valuable skills as well.
Many many communities have set up "mommie's day out" programs.  Or a place where you can take your son for part of a day (at first).  He needs to be in other environments too...as much as you need a break for yourself.
It is SO normal to worry....that "nobody" will understand your son....or that he'll be mistreated.....or that nobody can help him other than you.
But, I promise....if you can do some research....make some phone calls...talk to some other mom's.....it will bless both you AND your son.

And as far as the Ativan....glad to hear you didn't have a daily dose going....it should be better within 21 days of not having any at all in your system.  YOUR anxiety will lessen too....if you set up some new lifestyle events for both your son and yourself to get involved in.  Lots of caring people out there that understand ADHD.....hope that helps you....keep posting ok?
Helpful - 0
3688816 tn?1358475297
Sorry thtnposted before inwas done lol.. I've always wntd to try yoga but with my son I don't get free time alone. Its what make tye anxiety worse but yes my son and need me to take care of him, when my hubby isn't working he trys to help out but kayden always wants mommy. I do slip away for an hour or two a week or every 2 weeks but thts abt it. I'm a full time sahm to a boy who yad adhd odd and ocd some days are better than others but all I can do is keep working with him and on  myself. When I come here it feels like I escape a little if tht makes any sense?
Helpful - 0
3688816 tn?1358475297
Thank you everyone for your help. I'm open to just about anything!  I never took the ativan everyday. Some weeks it would b 5 pills others 2. I never abused my anxiety meds in fear if I ran out I was in big trouble.  I had my 1st appt with the new dr dec22 and he said he didn't want me to take them bc of tye mix with subs. Wherever my dose changed with the subs it was very gradual so I didn't feel any wd. In the last year in a half I went from 16mg to 4-6 mg.my other dr didn't care if I was on tye program for 30 years at 16mg as long as I wasn't using. Tht made me realize he just wntd to keep me on the, and wasn't the best dr for me, I found this dr and loved how he did things. He actually has me do things like keep a journal and takes the time to talj to me. I'm clearly not ready to b off the subs but I like how this dr has a plan for me. It was a huge weight off  my  shoulders to b with a better dr and program.
Helpful - 0
3197167 tn?1348968606
Sorry I missed this yesterday, Maria.  I have some questions for you....are you saying you just "quit" the Ativan now that you're seeing this new sub dr.?  Did you wean off it or just CT?  That will make a HUGE difference when it comes to anxiety.  Even tho Ativan is one of the shorter acting benzos.....you can and most probably WILL have "rebound anxiety" when reducing your dose or coming off of it.

Also....how big of a drop have you made with your subs?  Was it a gradual drop?  That will affect anxiety too.  Has there been enough time to "stabilize" at the dose of subs you are currently on?

Helpful - 0
1416133 tn?1351123217
Well you can check out the Thomas recipe and see if those items will help with your anxiety, but I have to say that part of getting clean means we need to change our thinking - that we can't just reach for a quick "fix" (pill) to make us feel better.

Have you tried meditation, or yoga?  Exercise is good for anxiety (swimming is good) - or even just a walk around the block.

Do you have a good plan in place for tapering off the subs with this Dr.?  You don't want to be on those longer than needed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Maria, I have used propranolol, which is a blood pressure med, to help with anxiety. I've also heard of people using clonadine (also a blood pressure med). Both of these are non addictive. Hope that helps!
Helpful - 0
5429734 tn?1379741413
Hi Maria I have tried the 5htp that you can get at the vitamin store and it did help but that is the only thing I have tried otc for anxiety. I hope someone comes on with more options oct for you :)
Helpful - 0
2083449 tn?1381354708
Hi Maria, I'm so sorry your question got missed. I've never taken Subs so I not really sure what to recommend. I've also never taken anything OTC for anxiety, so I'm not very much help. Sorry! :). Hopefully, someone with some great advice will weigh in soon. You might try asking a pharmacist or someone who works in a vitamin store. I know there is some OTC stuff out there that could probably help. Please hang in there. Best wishes!
Helpful - 0
1551327 tn?1514045867
I am not sure about OTC meds but I am all too familiar with panic attacks and anxiety.
I have my sunglasses on my head everywhere I go and an mp3 player in my pocket.  It may sound crazy but if I start feeling anxious and cannot hide under my desk and cry I put on my sunglasses and put on some soothing music.  I also have a machine that replicates a heart beat of around 70.  I pace the floor trying to keep in step with it until my heartbeat slows down.  I use these tools for anxiety as well as anger.  This is just what works for me and I understand that sometimes medicine is needed even with a whole tool box full of coping tools so I hope that your dr  may try you on some non-narcotic meds that might help.  Mine gives me low doses of Seroquel to take if all else fails.  
Helpful - 0
3688816 tn?1358475297
Does anyone have any info on this. ? Idk much abt OTC meds so anything u could reccomend would help so much
Helpful - 0
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