anxiety with withdrawal?

[sharonver]

I noticed that I am starting to feel very anxious, almost to the point of major anxiety attacks.  I knew that I would experience some but I didn't expect it to be so severe. Anyone else feel this with their detox?  And do you have any suggestions on how to overcome this?

Sharon

[suzieneedshelp]

The l- tyrosine from Thomas recipe and St. John's Wort can also help anxiety and malaise.  
Suzie

[sharonver]

I may be willing to try St. John's Wort but I am a little bit leary on  the other because I hear that some people get a speedy effect from it. And that is the last effect I need right now! You know what I mean?

Sharon

[Bungee7]

Sharon,

The same thing happens to me every time I quit. The only thing that  helps me with the anxiety is taking a low dose of Valium or Xanax.

-Anthony

[sharonver]

Hi Anthony,

Does this also help with the rest of the withdrawal symptoms? I am on 6mg of methadone and trying to get off! I am very frightened because I have been on this med for more than 15 years! I went from 65mg to 6mg.  But these last few mgs are the worse, of course!

Sharon

[The Golden Slipper]

I know what you are going through I have suffered very incapacitating anxiety (to the point where I couldn't eat or sleep) when going through withdrawal.  The drug I was taking was a barbituate different from yours but I think some withdrawal symptoms can be the same.

In the past I have taken very low doses of ativan which have helped.  The only problem is you have to be careful because ativan is very addictive.  I am going through withdrawal again and this time I am taking a drug called "neurontin" I have found it to be very helpful I don't have as intense anxiety and I don't feel dopey and sluggish like I did when I was on the ativan. I also am not living in fear of getting addicted to the ativan.

I can really relate to what you are going through. I hope you have found my info helpful. Withdrawal is never easy but there are meds that can help.


Take Care
Golden Slipper

[sharonver]

Thanks for the info.  I am hoping that my doctor will prescribe something for me. I am going to make an app't. I hate going into the office because I always feel so guilty and defensive. (like he thinks I am taking it to get high)I only want to get through the detox withdrawals.

Sharon

[Bungee7]

Sharon,

Yes--for me the Valium helepd lessen withdrawal symptoms, except for the stomach problems. The xanax helped me sleep better than the valium did, but be careful...The Xanax and even the Valium are very addicting. Now of course everybody is different...and when I started on the xanax and valium although it helped I still didn't quit the Hydrocodone and it started a whole new addiction(which luckily I was able to stop before it got out of hand). Good luck!!!

-Anthony

[Rex1]

Neurontin, if I am correct, is a drug which is designed to even out you modd - pulls up the lows and pulls down the highs. It is not a Benzo to the best of my knowledge.

Hope this helps...

Rex

[Pinkit]

I too have great deals of anxiety as a vicodin addict who is recovering.  I am still taking two extra strength vicodin.  I've been weaning for the last 2 months.  I too take ativan for the anxiety.  It has not been helping all that much though.  My doctor only wants me to take 1 1mg tab in the day and 2 at bedtime.  I told her today that I was having a great deal of anxiety still and that I was having trouble sleeping, but she said I was not aloud to take more than 3 tabs a day.  I wish I could help you more.  If anyone has any suggestions for me too they would be greatly appreciated.
Love Pink...

[The Golden Slipper]

To reply to Rex's earlier post on neurontin it definitely is not a benzo and it is totally non-addicting.  You are right it is designed to help level out your mood and keep you calm especially while going through withdrawals.

Hope this helps and Sharonver I hope you can find some relief.  I know that feeling about going to the doctor and feeling guilty I have been there.  All  you can do is be totally honest about how you feel and hopefully you will get some help.

Best of luck to you
Golden Slipper

[Bungee7]

I'm sorry but the forum wouldn't let me post a new message and I needed to vent and hear from all of you...

It wasn't untill a month ago that I realized I was addicted. I have been using for about 14 months 'just for fun', and I never wanted to stop--then when I wanted to I couldn't. Being addicted to this drug is the worst thing I have ever dealt with, I feel like I have NO control over my own life. I feel like the hydrocodone is controlling my life. I can't stop taking the pills. I know I need to stop but I can't, I have absolutely no will power. This addiction has really got a hold on me and it won't let go. Deep down inside I know that once I get past the 5+ days of physical withdrawals all i'll have left is the psycological part...but I just can't stop using, I don't know what it is...it's like a force outisde of my body is controlling me. Addiction is a monster to me!

I just wanted to write down my feelings. Right now I really need a friend...so please reply to this message. And during the day if your online you can IM me @ Bungee7...please anybody, I just need to talk to people who know what i'm going through!

Thanks for listening,
Anthony

[WifeofAddict]

You have admitted you are addicted and that it has taken control of your life, BIG ACCOMPLISHMENT!  Don't be so hard on yourself!
My advice would be to tell someone close to you, if you haven't done so already.  This will release a lot of pressure from you.  When my husband told me....he says he felt so much better...and the next day he quit cold turkey and admitted himself into rehab.  So from this experience, it seems to me that telling someone who loves you, about your problem, makes you stronger.  You need strength right now it seems, so that would be my advice. In the meantime.

Favorite Quote of mine from University.
Sorry just popped into my head....feel the urge to type it.
Do. Do Not. There is no Try.  This gives me strength when i am having a hard time.  Just me though.
Take Care and keep posting your feelings.
Catherine

[Rex1]

You need to level with someone you know - your parents, spouse, doctor somebody because you can't do it yourself!

Addiction is stronger than you, no matter who you are. But with help, you can slay the dragon. You are likely thinking that leveling with someone will mean the end of the world.

The founders of the company I work for have a saying:

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness.

Do you ever ask God for help? No matter what others may say, I KNOW He helped me..

Hang in there - we'll be here...

Rex

[pillhell]

TO ALL THE PEOPLE IN HELL TRYING TO COPE WITH ANXIETY,AND PANIC ATTACKS.I KNOW I'M GONNA BE SCREAMED AT FOR THIS BUT FOR ME THIS IS ALL THAT HELPED.I DONT CONDONE DRUG USE TO DETOX FROM SOMETHING ELSE.AND I AM NOT A POT SMOKER.I REALLY DON'T LIKE THE STUFF.BUT MY HUSBAND SMOKES,AND HE TALKED ME INTO TAKING A HIT OR TWO WHEN I WAS HAVING A PANIC ATTACK.IT DID HELP!ALSO ZANEX HELPS ALOT,BUT YOU NEED TO BE VERY CAREFUL.WELL I HOPE IM NOT BOOTED OUT OF THE FORUM FOR MY SUGGESTION.ALSO THE FACT THAT THIS DOES HELP MAKES ME WONDER WHY DOCTORS CANT PRESCRIBE THC PILLS FOR THIS PROBLEM.LIKE THEY GIVE TO CANCER PACIENCE.IM REALLY RELUCTANT TO SEND THIS BUT HERE GOES...

[sharonver]

I am reluctant to smoke pot becuase it always gave me a speedy effect, I never did enjoy it that much even back in the "old days." But I would like to be able to get an anti-depressant or sedative to help with anxiety & sleep. I just want to feel "normal" again!

Sharon

[sharonver]

I just read the reply from the PH.D. re: my anxiety question.
He mentions the fears are unlikely- fear of dying, fear of not breathing, fear of going crazy, he doesn't mention the real fear we all have FEAR OF PAIN & WITHDRAWAL and those fears are real!!!

Sharon

[DubeMechanic]

I know what you mean about the anxienty, Im on day 5 from quiting a 100 microgram Fentanyl patch habit about a year long. Gak.. all I want to do is sleep but Im too wound up at the moment..

The fear of the pain of withdrawel may be real but that doesnt mean it will happen. My withdrawel has been fairly mild compared to what I expected. And it was the fear that kept me from stopping. Dont let your fear be bigger than reality. You feel like crud for a while and then youre free from it forever.

For the anxiety, if you cant get valium or something or even if you do, try hot baths and relaxing music.. put a movie on.. anything to get your mind out of the circles its running.

Best of luck.

[sharonver]

Thanks..

I know that sometimes you fear that it will be much worse than it actually is.  but sometimes you feel so bad and you just can't imagine it being much worse, and then the fear comes that it could be much worse!  Its a vicious cycle.   My biggest fear right now is what is it going to be like when I get down to 0mg.
Some meds once you get to 0 its pretty much done, but with methadone it goes on and on for quite sometime after!  I agree that hot baths etc. are helpful, my fiance' has a hot tub but I only see him on the weekends because of the distance.  But let me tell you when I'm there I am in it for hours at a time!!! god bless the hot tub!!!  Take care everyone, I am going to try and get some sleep.

Sharon

[Rex1]

I can tell you that I am going through the same thing, only it is milder than what you describe.

I can share what has helped me with you and everyone else on this board - it helps with the anxiety, the depression, the body aches (to a degree) and the sleeplessness. But brace yourself, your not going to like it.

Exercise.

The hard part is knowing how much to do. For me, I didn't want to do it and upset my sobriety cart by feeling like I needed a painkiller because of sore muscles etc.

I think if you can get out and walk, enough to tire you out, but not so much that your legs will be kiling you, you will find the anxiety goes down.

As far as the cognitive part of it goes, try this little number I learned while dealing with my own panic disorder and social anxiety problem (how many things wrong can one person have?).

Use Ms Word or Excel, and list all the good things in your life. You will be suprised at how long this list is! If you are anxious about something, list it on the left and then write down what you think you can do about it on the right. WHat is the worst that can happen?

I also remind myself that even some of the poorest americans and Euros have more than most of the rest of the world, like indoor plumbing and food to eat.

As far as zero on the meth goes, you will be in pain, but time is on your side once you get to zero. You'll go through some tough days, but it will likely be over in a week or less, the tough part that is.

Then all you have to do is figureout how to live sober. Let me know if you come up with some insight on that one. I do know that when I am sober, I please God, and for me, that will be enough...

God's Grace to You!

Rex

[Bungee7]

Thank you.

Yes, I have told people. My boyfriend finally knows, and he is very supportive. I just feel as though no matter how much support I have that I can't do it.


-Anthony

[FrankVaio]

I'm on my 7th day clean the body aches are pretty much gone and now I can sleep again. But now I don't know what to do with myself cause I've been getting high one way or another for 17 years. (pills for 5 years)I'm 30 years old and don't know how to live a clean life. I'm now looking toward GOD for guidence. I know nothing about religion I was brought up Cathlic and I don't agree with how they live (drunk,inbezelment,alterboy's ect....... So I turn to my boss who is Cristian and that seems more logicial to me?????????? He's so free of guilt and mostly help all the time (I thought he was just on drugs) But he's on a natural high from GOD. I never thought in a million years I would even talk about this subject until now....So wierd

Any input will be helpful (on both subjects)

Thanks again

[Rex1]

On the "how do I live my life" question, give it time. I know this is not easy. The first thing I would suggest is to develop a written excercise plan. A good one that is already laid out for you can be found at www.body-for-life.com by Bill Philips. The plan involves exercise and diet.

My friend, at 40, let me just say that you have 10 years left to be young ;-). Enjoy them, pick up a new hobby, but never forget what you went through. Remember, according to many here, the hard part is just starting - staying sober!

As far as God goes, I will start by praying for you, as I know will Finished? now that he's back, and Methman along with T.

Here's my belief as succinctly as possible. The Gospel.

The Gospel is nothing more than the concept of the death, burial, and ressurection of Jesus Christ, as payment for our sins. It is very common today to hear of many religions, but the factual truth is that America was founded on Christianity, and that there are real documents, original manuscripts, and the like that document the life of Jesus.

To be a Christian you simply believe that Jesus is God's Holy Son, that he was born into perfection (unlike us who were born into sin) and although blameless, was crucified by man. While on the cross, he paid once and for all, for all of man's sins, so that whoever believes on Him, God will save and give eternal life.

So what do you have to do to get a gift. Just accept it, and believe that Jesus is who he says he is, and that you want him to save you and be the center, or Lord, of your life.

The Bible, and so therefore God, promises salvation if you accept his gift.

You may want to pick up a book by Lee Strobel. Its called The Case for Christ.

At any rate, email me any time at ***@****.

Congrats on the detox...

Rex

[FINISHED!!]

Rex1 is right...I AM PRAYING FOR YOU.

Welcome to sobriety, GOD & good living.

FINISHED!!

[bella3]

I've only been on buspar for two weeks but the pain in the top  of my head is awful so I decided to go off the med. I was only taking 5mg 2X a day. So yesterday I cut one pill in half only took a half a pill at night and will take a whole pill in the morning.I woke up in the morning with pins and needles feeling then chills and I thought I was going to throw up.Is this normal?I didn't think that this med. would have any withdrawel systems?Any help Please

[Prncess]

I totally know what you are going through.  I started taking oxys here and there for fun.  First it was just Saturday nites, then SUnday to kill the hangover and before I knew it almost my whole $750/week pay check was gone.  Today is only my second day clean and it sucks. I tried weening myself down with meth, but that just brings all new problems. I havent slept and my stocmach and legs cramp no stop. I'm 25 yrs old, a grad student at Boston College and I feel my life slipping away.  If you know of any remedies to easy the pain let me know.
***@****!

Good Luck,

I know it blows!!

[straightjacket]

i have detoxed a dozen times i have some helpful tricks if you can get your doc to prescribe nerointion not sur on spelling , it will make a big difference pushing your self to move keep buisy i know its hard mind over matter we all have had a kick ass cold you must tell your self it will pass , it wont kill you belive me i know it sucks but before you know it your feeling good its worth it having your mind back is great you will find your self doing things you wouldent do unless you were high , thats just the start of good things that will come to you i can say this from exp. i hope this can be some help rember its just time you can beat this .

[J. E. W.]

Thanks for your words of encouragement!!! They help alot. I know we have to just take this a day at a time. But it is so hard to think.  This is my 3rd. time down this horrible road. And its like everyone says each time is HARDER but we can do it. Its just a llong one..... I keep thinking of the what ifs. As in if I really need to take vics. or percs. or whatever it may be. This will happen all over again??????                            J.E.W.

[straightjacket]

j e w  hang in there 3rd time around end it there oxy was my drug that **** is poision it will let you free of its claws keep thinking of the rewards you will have i have been there just dont give up hang in there for one hour at a time before you know it another day has passed , you can kick its ass you keep telling your self it ant **** .

[J. E. W.]

Thanks again your right it aint **** and by Gods wil I will kick its ASS!!!!!!! You gave me a big boost and I thank you a lot I needed it... I was kind of down in the dumps hereing the call of the pills. But I am stronger than that this time I will not give in!!!!!! I thank God for the support of people on these threads... I check them like once an hour or sooner!!! It really helps knowing everyone else is out there and Im not on my own through this!!!!    Gods love And speedy Recovery to us ALL!                 J.E.W.

[straightjacket]

this is day 6 clean im starting to feel somewhat normal , i have been pushig myself its hard but it seems to help my legs and mood ,what rreally sucks is cat naps i feel like total **** when i wake having bad panic attacks when i wake up , i know some sleep is better than none im looking foward to the day when i can sleep through the night i know that is not going to happen soon but its something to look foward to . eating helps i know food tastes like **** but i is fuel it helps my enegry level hell i just shovled my driveway at 4.00 am my neibors must think im crazy i must be to keep abuzing myself the thought of a oxy makes me sick that **** is f cking garbage what people dont realize it is a drug that tares your body and mind apart it is the enemy poisen it is a life time drug you cant take it then stop without going thru a bone wrenching wd i dont ever want to go threw this **** again sick and tierd of being sick and tierd..

[J. E. W.]

Your right its not worth it. Sicker than anything for who knows how long. I have trouble standing to be around myself. I couldnt imagine what other people think. This is day 6 for me too!!! Hopefully it will get back to know more aches soon. I feel like a train wreck right now! But we can and will get through this. But like you said never do them again. Because even 1 is to many for people like us!!!!!!      J.E.W.

[straightjacket]

hang in there your getting so close to a breaking point you will feel human soon i know the worst is over dont get down you have taken a trip to the moon and your on your way back , dont let your gaurd down before you know it tommorow will be here with each new day brings strength.

[J. E. W.]

Im feeling better. I forst myself to go to Walmart and get a few things.. First time out around people since Sat... I did alot better than I thought I could!!!! Was even socializing a little!!! Boy its not as bad as I imagined!! H ope your doing good too!!!!!!!!                 J.E.W.

[straightjacket]

I'm glad you got out a little. I finally slept today for about 4 hours and I didn't have as much anxiety as i usually do when I wake up so maybe I'm getting better. I'm going to go to an NA meeting tonight and see how that goes. I'm kinda skeptical about those meetings but I'm gonna give it a shot... have to start somewhere.Take care.

[J. E. W.]

Glad to here you got some sleep! Let me know how your meeting goes. I tried those after detox in 98 but didnt feel very welcome. Maybe it was that I couldnt find the right one?.?. They only seemed to talk to each other and I sat there by myself. But Im not one to start up the conversation. Anyway let me know maybe Ill give it another try...                              J.E.W.

[straightjacket]

hows it going , i got to the meeting late so i didnt go in i also have tryed meetings in the past i get really stressed out at them there just not for me i yhink its great that it helps so many people  i feel good i hope its not a dream every hour that goes by i get a great feeling im going to go all the way this time . i hope you are doing well also .

[J. E. W.]

Im feeling pretty good.. I feel like Im going to make it this time too!! Great to feel like that again isnt it?!?!? Sorry about the meeting maybe next time youll make it. That one was probably not the one for you!!!!! Talk to you later.                           J.E.W.

[straightjacket]

hey fellow addicts i made it through another night , this is day 7 what a great feeling , one of the many benifcts im getting is good typing skills now if i could learn how to spell that would be great,is anybody from up state ny, or i am the only one frezzing my ass off.

[J. E. W.]

Good to hear your feelig good. Me too. Im in WA. state and I hate to say but its sunny and warm.... But here you dont know from one min. to the next when the rains coming!!! Take care.          J.E.W.

[straightjacket]

this is day 8 clean feels so good , i can look my whife in the face and honestly say im clean her support has been unbeliveable,she has been thrugh hell also 8 years of my **** my drinking and drugs so on so on she is my world love that lady.i dont ever want to be a selfish ******* and put my addiction before her .support from love ones helps more than any drug they dont lie .

[Esmith28]

What you said about your wife about made me cry...wish my husband was that sweet and appreciated my support and encouragement ( he is dealing with bad depression). Good for you...

[jk1979]

iøm on day 25 the withdrawals are slowly going away.  its so nice 2 sleep all night.  im down to just mild anxiety.  i would like 2 no how long anxiety will last