xanax and derealization/depersonalization

[melindazcrew6]

My doctor gave me xanax .25 for panic and anxiety disorder. I am so scared to take it for fear that it will make my derealization/depersonlization worse.. :-( This feeling is HORRIBLE and just want some relief. Has anyone had these symptoms and what was helpful. Please help !! Thanks for listening

[MrGreen]

There is no magic cure for derealization. It is one of those things that comes as part and parcel of anxiety / panic disorders. It can be frightening. You could try distraction. It may help you out. Try to keep your mind occupied. Not always thinking about the derealization. I used to suffer from it a lot. Believe me it just went away as quickly as it came on with me. I think I began to worry about other things. Thus my mind was focused on bigger worries that I forgot all about the derealization. Hence I say if you can find something to keep your mind occupied I am sure it wouldn't hit you as bad as it is doing now. Be it a hobby or an MP3 player. The more time we have to think the more time we think inwardly. Focus on our problems. Thus bringing them on a lot more. As for the xanax? Can't say it will help with derealization, but can't say it would hamper it either. Certainly wouldn't make it worse. I was on Xanax at the same time I used to have my own bouts. It is a hard thing to explain. As to what causes it. We all would have different triggers. Different things that set it off. Maybe trying to find when yours kicks in the worst. Keep track of it. Is there any pattern there at all? Be it when you are in various places. Be it bright lights. Loud sounds. Silence. Would be nice to be able know when it kicks in and why. Like I said earlier, mine simply vanished after a few years. Not had it back since. That's how quick it can go. Also why I say there is no miracle cure for it.

[butterfly84777]

If you are supposed to be taking it everyday I would see about going on another form of medicine Xanax can be very addicting and is hard to break free from so if you have not started yet I would see about that!! Taking it as needed is okay it's just taking it everyday for longer periods of time is how it becomes habit forming..

I myself have anxiety and panic attacks I had chest pain and derealization were my two main complaints amoung other things as well but those were the worst as they lasted all day long alot of the time... Despersonalization can be very scary i totally understand that.. My docs originally gave me .5 of Xanax to take three times a day and it did start helping alot however I quickly became aware of how addicting benzo's are (Xanax) and I requested something else so now I take Buspar twice a day and Xanax until I am done tapering off then I will take it as needed only!!! It does help tho so if you need it atleast until you can go on something else you should be fine!! My experience is if you take it during an attack it just brings you back down to where you feel normal and very relaxed however if you take it daily when your not in a panic attack it can make you very sleepy and drowsy and a little out of it but it's a very differant feeling then despersonalization or an attack it's not bothersome in my experience it just makes you need a nap :-)