Anxiety about my Xanax

[Melissa050191]

I was prescribed lexapro and xanax 1 year ago. I took my lexapro daily and weened myself off because my anxiety has gotten better. I refused to take xanax, admittedly, because of the stigma around them. I still have yet to take one and I am going on 2 different flights this year. I'm trying to hard to talk myself into just doing it without taking a xanax but I'm so afraid that I will need one. I'm even more afraid of actually taking the pill. I am prescribed .25mg which I know is such a low dose. I had an absolutely horrible initial reaction to my lexapro which wore off once it was in my system and i'm so afraid that I will have that happen when I take my first xanax. My point here is to avoid having a panic attack on the plane, not cause myself one! I see so much positive talk about how it has helped people in similar situations, but what actually does it make you feel like? Will I know that I am "on it" when it kicks in? When is the best time that I should take it? Please help! I'm so nervous!

[specialmom]

Hello.  I get where you are coming from.  I was prescribed Xanax many years ago after a tragic death that I was struggling with.  I'm not a great 'pill' person and can feel that anxiety about taking medicine that you describe you also feel.  But to me, it was comforting knowing I had the Xanax.  What about taking it in your purse for the flight---  there if you need it.  It works quickly, so you can take it and feel better if need be or NOT take it if you don't have to.  It can be your 'back up'.  This is what I did and do you know, I never took it a single time.  Just felt comforted it was there 'just in case'.  To this day, I've never taken a Xanax----  but had it as back up during a difficult time 'just in case'.  So, maybe that would work out for you.  Becoming anxious about what is supposed to help you is just compounding the problem.  

Since you stopped your chronic medication meant to help with anxiety, do you do anything else to work on it?  Therapy is always a good option.  Have you learned breathing exercises to help when anxiety feels overwhelming?  Here's one to try, square breathing.  Breath in for 4, hold 4, breath out for 4, hold 4, repeat.  Some people find meditation soothing.  This is just repeating a phrase over and over and over so that other thoughts are blocked.  Well, that's how I think of it although those deeply into meditation I am sure describe it differently.  If you are religious, it's like saying the rosary.  Over and over blocking out all other thought.  Sometimes headphones with something soothing can help on a flight.  Exercise is really important to overall positive mental health as it has a positive effect on the brain.  Eating right and sleep are also important.  These are just some ideas.  

Let us know how you are doing and hope it all goes well.  

[Paxiled]

Specialmom, meditation comes in many different flavors.  I've dabbled in a few of them, though my regular is TM, which does use a mantra as you describe.  However, one of the most tested forms besides TM and the one most popular today is Mindfulness, which is basically the form the Buddha favored -- in this you just watch your breath and when thoughts come, you go back to watching your breath rather than saying a mantra.  Another form is from Tibet, where you watch a spot -- any spot -- and when thoughts intrude you return to watching that spot.  A million flavors, which is good when one doesn't work there's always another to try.

[Paxiled]

Benzos taken at legit doses -- meaning not taken in large doses to get high -- aren't very noticeable.  You just don't feel as anxious.  Sometimes you will get tired when they start to wear off.  I think the post suggesting you try it first is a good idea.  As long as you don't take them regularly but just as needed, you won't become addicted to them.  That happens when you take them daily.  

[Cali17]

I've been on lexapro 10mg for almost 2 years now. My doctor also started me at .25 xanax. Since you haven't taken one before you could even just take a half of the pill. It will calm you just enough. Long term use is what causes dependency. Taking them as needed and as prescribed will give you the helpful benefits of this medication. Naturally... having general anxiety will cause anxiety about taking an anti-anxiety pill. Funny how that works lol  There are some other options too if you don't want to take one though. Perhaps do a little yoga and meditation before leaving to go to the airport, & listening to your favorite music usually does the trick too. Hope I could help!

[AnxiousNoMore]

If I were you, would take one next time you feel panicky as a test to get an idea how you feel with it, instead of waiting for a problem on a flight where you won't have any other options.
Meds affect people differently so nobody else will have an experience that proves this med is right or wrong for you - similarly your lexapro experience has nothing to do with your xanax either.