zanax

[nightnurse]

Hi everyone, I've been reading all of your messages and my heart goes out to all of you. I can't seem to get any answers to my questions so maybe I'm in the wrong forum. Is there a forum for people helping people going through detox? I could really use some support myself. It's hard watching someone you love go through all this pain. My boyfriend was addicted to oxycontin. He did a methadone detox to get off the oxy.It has been 2 weeks since he has done any meth but he used some Vistrial and zanax to get through it. He also just had a stent put into one of his heart arteries on top of going through interferon/riboviran treatment for Hep C. It has been a long summer to say the least. My question now is I followed Thomas's vitimin theraphy and bought him all the vitimins . I have made sur he has taken them on top of Zanax which I got for him. He now is still doing approx. 30 mgs of zanax a day which is making him tired. It has also been extreamly hot here and his Dr said he shouldn't be out in this heat but he won't go anywhere or do anything. He is very depressed and just lays in bed all day. I am trying to help but am getting worried about his lack of energy and depression. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. a good day to all.

[Kerrie]

Hi. I can imagine the pain your in watching someone you love go through this. It's hard not knowing exactly what the cause of his depression is. But from what you say, I can see why he is depressed. Being it from having the disease or the cure for the disease. When my husband injured his back and was unable to return to work, he had a nervous breakdown. The suicidal attempt and all. Thank God I got to him in time. He overdosed on valium. When he came home from the hospital ,he slept all the time. I nearly went out of my mind. This was not the strong man I knew. But time was the only thing that helped. But be sure you tell the doctor about his meds he is on. There are few things that can be taken with certain anti depressants and if he needs something for this the doctor will have to know everything. Be strong and know that you can come here for strength when you think nothing will help. I know. The friends here have been a constant strength to me for several months. You will be in my prayers.
    Kerrie

[Milo]

Hello, and welcome to the forum. You've gotten lots of excellent advice already from some very knowledgeable folks. The advice about slowly tapering/weaning from Xanax is vital, because abruptly stopping it could cause life-threatening seizures. At some point it might be helpful if a doctor could switch him from Xanax to a longer-acting benzodiazepine like Valium, Librium, Klonopin, etc., which would be easier to gradually reduce and might not make him so tired. (Benzos all do essentially the same thing, but they vary in some respects, such as degree of drowsiness produced.) I have struggled with anxiety & depression for a long time, and it definitely sounds like he is experiencing major depression, which as mentioned above is not uncommon after detox. Antidepressants are certainly worth a try, in his case perhaps  one of the "energizing" meds like Prozac or Wellbutrin instead of a "calming" med like Paxil. Celexa is also good as it seems to have very few side effects compared to others. I can understand all too well the desire to stay in bed & not leave the house. It's hell to feel that way, but the thought of doing anything else can be completely overwhelming. I agree with Francoise (?) that coaxing him to get up & out probably won't help. Is there *anything* he still reacts to with any interest or slight enthusiasm? At my worst, there was always something, even if it was as simple as a TV show I enjoyed. Make the most of anything he still enjoys even a little bit. Try not to worry too much about the sleeping: as an effect of benzo use, it will wear off before the anti-anxiety effects wear off. Also, many depressed people have great trouble getting enough sleep, and that truly is hell. What has helped me is having people who I know love & care for me despite whatever state of depression, anxiety, etc. I'm in. Continue to show him love and support, even if it's difficult for him to rspond right now, & you both will get through this. Please return here any time. I wish you both well -- Milo

[J.B. to Brian and Vicky]

Thanks for remembering me, Tom.  Yes I have Hep C and went through nine months of Interferon A shots and Rebetrol capsules.  If you read the warnings included with each box(kit) of these drugs, it says that this combo may  cause "depression of the suicidal type".  Your blood has to be monitored constantly for things like anemia(bone marrow suppression),etc.
I suffered from anemia and low platelet count...fatigue, nausea and muscle spasms.
I'd get so tired somedays that it would take over an hour just to get dressed and then have to take a nap before work.  I was in constant fear of losing my job due to fatigue and anxiety period.  Xanax was out of the question for me to say the least.  Interfron causes a low grade fever and joint pain resembling the flu which over a period of time increases the depression.  All I was given were antidepressants and NSAIDS for pain.  Certainly my doctor wasn't going to give me something that I could commit suicide with med-wise!
If your friend is taking as much Xanax as you say, don't abruptly stop it!  Taper down slowly.  I hope I helped you in some way!  J.B.

[bigg0]

I would like to start a chat room on Mirc for opiate addicts like myself so we can actually talk to each other instead of waiting for messages to be posted. Anyone interested please e-mail me at ***@****

[cindi]

Hey    I have been thinking of you,,,how is your dad, please, please tell me everything went good...you both have been in my prayers.....love to all    cin

[Frank Lee]

Cindi,

I don't think I can add much to the above except to say that I would also consider therapy and an anti depressant. I respect but am not a fan of the AA folks, although Tom is absolutely right they stand ready to assist. Your husband's depression sounds profound and with good reason. Therapy and an antidepressant may get him out of bed. If your insurance does not cover it check with your local mental health branch.

Don't stop the Xanax and don't stop your daily care - you are all he has now. There is light at the end of the tunnel, hope you both make it through. Come back here often for support.

Keeping you and your husband in my thoughts,

Frank

(BTW everyone, my detox is stalled out, will see the Doc next week. Am reading a book entitled I'll Quit tommorrow and hate half of it, and reluctantly accept the other half. Take care all.)