You are probably right about the chronic pain. Yes, I still have it daily and not on pain meds. I get angry that I can't do alot of the activies that I used to, therefore probably am more anxious and depressed. Then I also feel guilt for holding my husband back from doing those activites as well. I guess that could stir up the ole anxiety merry go round.
I am going away for 5 days and the dr gave me a few pain pills to take on the trip. It will be interesting if that makes that anxiety better...
I also am calling my ins. co today for a list of counsellors that hopefully specilize in anxiety disorders. Thought it couldn't hurt.
Oh right, you would need a PERSONAL schedule, duh! : )
Re the pain meds, I would think yes. It might take months for your system to return to normal, of course, this is only a guess. Have you posed this question for the addiction forum? I would think someone there might have a better answer.
Also, remember, if you still have chronic pain, but just choose to not take pain meds, this may be causing anxiety in itself. Pain on a daily basis will mess with your head. I have chronic neck/back pain and I KNOW it causes me anxiety and sometimes depression because I'm so SICK OF IT!!!
Take good care.........
Actually I did search old posts for this. What I need, tho, is a schedule to follow with my dosage of Xanax.
Do you think after 5 weeks the absence of pain meds is still affecting me?
I've been on Xanax a very long time too and want to make the switch you're talking about, but my doctor doesn't seem too excited to give me Klonopin. She'll give me Valium though!?! I have looked back on Ryans posts because I know I've seen this taper schedule listed by him many times. I don't know EXACTLY where it is, but I know for sure it's there. Do you know how to search old posts?
I bet your anxiety symptoms are from the withdrawal of the pain meds. I was on a LOT of meds at one time in my life and it took a very long time to feel better. Especially since you just came off the neurotin. Give your body a few months to get back to normal before you panic, you know. In the mean time, switching to Klonopin, from all I've read from Ryan would be a really good thing.
I think Avisg has a Xanax taper schedule in her journal. Not sure if it's to Klonopin, but I think so.
Take care..........
and ps....I know you are not a dr. I do respect your knowledge of these drugs. Thanks again.