Aa
Help from being tired
I stopped drinking 35 days ago. My News Years gift to myself. Thought it would be easy, but found out it was the hardest thing I have ever done. Have not wanted a glass of wine or anything, but I have been plagued with sweats, panic attacks, dizziness, mood swings, depression and insomnia. I have started to sleep with the help of a sleep aid but feel tired from the time I wake up and am dragging all day. So hard to make it through work, exercise, tennis. It's a struggle just to make it through 6pm. What can I do to get some energy back in my life. I gave up caffiene a few years ago and the withdrawal symptoms from that scared me enough never to hit the Starbucks again.
lboogie7729 is my daughter. We have both dealt with Xanax on and off for many years to help our anxiety. We are also both very active on the anxiety forum and have been members here for years. Never have I had one person that was on Xanax say that was a side effect.
I didn't believe it either until I read that paper. I'll find it and post it here. Blew my mind.
I have never in my life heard that a side effect on Xanax is sexual promiscuity! It's a depressant and indeed, extremely habit forming. I hope you're hanging in there sedonascout. I hope you had a chance to read up on PAWS. St. Patty's Day is the 2 year anniversary of the last time I wasted a day of my life, wasted. In doing research to answer your question, I realized that this far into my own process I am still dealing with some PAWS related issues. I'm a huge fan of yoga by the way, and walking, and nutrition. Stick with all of that, it's good stuff!
I had a bout with xanax and it is a nasty drug. Like ibizan says, its extremely habit forming and the withdrawal is terrible. Sexual promiscuity is also a side effect, I learned that from a drug information class that my husband took in jail. Trazadone is safer (addiction wise) and will help with sleep. Good luck with your sobriety and congrats on taking the first step.
First of all don't be so hard on yourself quitting cold turkey could be dangerous. Know that you could have relapses but as long as you are trying and keep trying to eliminate drinking you will eventually stop through TIME. AA meetings and outpatient treatment by counselors who have been alcoholics themselves in the past are good ones to use, gain a sponsor to help you if needed. Think about your health and the $$ you will save also. There are trained people out there that would love to help you...find them and a treatment center in your area if you so desire to quit...
COMMUNITY LEADER
:)U rock my rpoohbearski...u just plain rock!:))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))!
I am really glad you are finally getting some relief from the anxiety. It is so hard to live with! I still worry about the use of this drug for you and I am glad you have concerns too. Before i forget awesome job on your 40 days of sobriety! I have spent a lot of time reading about anxiety and alcoholism since it goes along with my cirrhosis. I wanted to search MedHelp for a post of a user dealing with withdrawals from Xanax but it seems wrong to single out anyone like that. Instead i found a website that I think accurately explains this:
Xanax (Alprazolam) is part of the class of drugs called benzodiazepines more commonly referred to as BENZO’s.
Xanax is a depressant, used primarily for short term relief of mild to moderate anxiety, nervous tension, acute stress, and panic attacks.
Xanax is only approved by the FDA for up to 8 weeks of use and it is only approved for only 4 weeks of use in Great Britain. This is because it is extremely addictive. The greater the dose taken, the faster one becomes dependant. If one uses these drugs long term, the body will develop tolerance for the drugs, and larger doses will be needed to achieve the same initial effects. In addition, continued use can lead to physical dependence and - when use is reduced or stopped the body goes through.
The withdrawal symptoms from Xanax and other benzodiazepines are quite similar, with the exception that Xanax has a much higher incidence of panic attack and a bereavement type of emotional liability that is singularly more severe.
Xanax and other benzo’s are depressants. They sometimes referred to as minor tranquilizers. The effect on the mind is very similar to that of alcohol. It should be emphasized again that all minor tranquilizers combine with each other or with other central nervous system depressants—such as barbiturates, antidepressants, neuroleptics, lithium, and alcohol—with a potentially fatal result. While they can be lethal when taken alone, they are especially dangerous in combination with these other drugs. A large percentage of drug-related emergency room visits involve minors tranquilizers. All of the minor tranquilizers impair mental alertness and physical coordination and can dangerously compromise mechanical performance, such as automobile driving.
Here are the withdrawal symptoms from Benzo’s and the thing to keep in mind is that withdrawals can last for up to one year.
Single asterisk are symptoms that are common, and occur in most people. The double asterisk indicates symptoms that occur to some degree or another, at one time or another, in virtually every person experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Psychological symptoms: anxiety** (including panic attacks), depression**, insomnia*, derealization/depersonalization* (feelings of unreality/detachment from self), abnormal sensitivity sensory stimuli* (such as loud noise or bright light), obsessive negative thoughts*, (particularly of a violent and/or sexual nature) rapid mood changes* (including especially outbursts of anger or rage), phobias* (especially agoraphobia and fear of insanity), dysphoria* (loss of capacity to enjoy life; possibility a combination of depression, anxiety, and derealization/depersonalization), impairment of cognitive functioning*, suicidal thoughts*, nightmares, hallucinations, psychosis, pill cravings. Note that it is far more common to fear psychosis than it is to actually experience it. Physical Symptoms: muscle tension/pain**, joint pain*, tinnitus*, headaches*, shaking/tremors*, blurred vision* (and other complications related to the eyes), itchy skin* (including sensations of insects crawling on skin), gastrointestinal discomfort*, electric shock sensations*, paresthesia* (numbness and pins and needles, especially in extremities), fatigue*, weakness in the extremities (particularly the legs)*, feelings of inner vibrations* (especially in the torso), sweating, fluctuations in body temperature, difficulty in swallowing, loss of appetite, "flu like" symptoms, fasciculations (muscle twitching), metallic taste in mouth, nausea, extreme thirst (including dry mouth and increased frequency of urination), sexual dysfunction (or occasional increase in libido), heart palpitations, dizziness, vertigo, breathlessness.
What has become clinically apparent with Xanax which appears to be somewhat different than the other benzodiazepines is that the patients ability to self-detox or be able to be gradually tapered off of the medication is markedly more difficult. Thusly, once the physiologic dependence has occurred with Xanax, the ability of the patient to discontinue use successfully on their own is quite low, and medical assistance becomes of significant necessity in the majority of cases
I hope this helps you out also and keep in mind there are other medications that can work as well or better. Again congradulations and take care.
Randy
Xanax (Alprazolam) is part of the class of drugs called benzodiazepines more commonly referred to as BENZO’s.
Xanax is a depressant, used primarily for short term relief of mild to moderate anxiety, nervous tension, acute stress, and panic attacks.
Xanax is only approved by the FDA for up to 8 weeks of use and it is only approved for only 4 weeks of use in Great Britain. This is because it is extremely addictive. The greater the dose taken, the faster one becomes dependant. If one uses these drugs long term, the body will develop tolerance for the drugs, and larger doses will be needed to achieve the same initial effects. In addition, continued use can lead to physical dependence and - when use is reduced or stopped the body goes through.
The withdrawal symptoms from Xanax and other benzodiazepines are quite similar, with the exception that Xanax has a much higher incidence of panic attack and a bereavement type of emotional liability that is singularly more severe.
Xanax and other benzo’s are depressants. They sometimes referred to as minor tranquilizers. The effect on the mind is very similar to that of alcohol. It should be emphasized again that all minor tranquilizers combine with each other or with other central nervous system depressants—such as barbiturates, antidepressants, neuroleptics, lithium, and alcohol—with a potentially fatal result. While they can be lethal when taken alone, they are especially dangerous in combination with these other drugs. A large percentage of drug-related emergency room visits involve minors tranquilizers. All of the minor tranquilizers impair mental alertness and physical coordination and can dangerously compromise mechanical performance, such as automobile driving.
Here are the withdrawal symptoms from Benzo’s and the thing to keep in mind is that withdrawals can last for up to one year.
Single asterisk are symptoms that are common, and occur in most people. The double asterisk indicates symptoms that occur to some degree or another, at one time or another, in virtually every person experiencing benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Psychological symptoms: anxiety** (including panic attacks), depression**, insomnia*, derealization/depersonalization* (feelings of unreality/detachment from self), abnormal sensitivity sensory stimuli* (such as loud noise or bright light), obsessive negative thoughts*, (particularly of a violent and/or sexual nature) rapid mood changes* (including especially outbursts of anger or rage), phobias* (especially agoraphobia and fear of insanity), dysphoria* (loss of capacity to enjoy life; possibility a combination of depression, anxiety, and derealization/depersonalization), impairment of cognitive functioning*, suicidal thoughts*, nightmares, hallucinations, psychosis, pill cravings. Note that it is far more common to fear psychosis than it is to actually experience it. Physical Symptoms: muscle tension/pain**, joint pain*, tinnitus*, headaches*, shaking/tremors*, blurred vision* (and other complications related to the eyes), itchy skin* (including sensations of insects crawling on skin), gastrointestinal discomfort*, electric shock sensations*, paresthesia* (numbness and pins and needles, especially in extremities), fatigue*, weakness in the extremities (particularly the legs)*, feelings of inner vibrations* (especially in the torso), sweating, fluctuations in body temperature, difficulty in swallowing, loss of appetite, "flu like" symptoms, fasciculations (muscle twitching), metallic taste in mouth, nausea, extreme thirst (including dry mouth and increased frequency of urination), sexual dysfunction (or occasional increase in libido), heart palpitations, dizziness, vertigo, breathlessness.
What has become clinically apparent with Xanax which appears to be somewhat different than the other benzodiazepines is that the patients ability to self-detox or be able to be gradually tapered off of the medication is markedly more difficult. Thusly, once the physiologic dependence has occurred with Xanax, the ability of the patient to discontinue use successfully on their own is quite low, and medical assistance becomes of significant necessity in the majority of cases
I hope this helps you out also and keep in mind there are other medications that can work as well or better. Again congradulations and take care.
Randy
Thanks for the link. I am going over there to check it out. I feel great on the Xanax. And that worries me that I am trading one "high" for another.
I finally got a script for some Xanax and my GP told me to take it only when I need it. It's day 40 now, and I can through the day until about late afternoon and then these horrible headaches and anxiety set in. I have been eating six small high protein meals a day, drinking lots of water and taking lots of vitamins in high protein shakes. Was trying to go to a Yoga class that I enrolled in tonight, but clearly need a Xanax to take the edge off. How long does this all last?
COMMUNITY LEADER
i sleep w/retired greyhounds and 2 cats!its very comforting!Ur doctor must not know much about alcoholism to prescribe u Xanax and Ambien!2 very habit forming drugs that have WARNINGS on them for chemically dependent ppl.Deseryl aka Trazedone is non habit forming and helps w/sleep.Elavil aka Amitryptiline is non habit forming helps w/sleep....Paxil for anxiety is same.There are several NON-HABIT forming drugs out there that will help u ease thru this period.
Congratulations on your sobriety! It is good to hear you are eating well and staying active. Exercise and foods that are high in anti-oxidants will be very helpful to you. Have you had any lab work done to check the condition of your liver?
Xanax can be very helpful with anxiety and insomnia. A low dose of .25 mg would be a good starter to help you out. The problem with this drug is that it can become very habit forming and a tolerance is easily built so higher dosages are needed. Being an alcoholic indicates that just like the rest of us you have an addictive personality so for most it's difficult to maintain control of the drug and easy to request a higher dosage. Quickly you can form a habit some consider to be worse and harder to beat than the alcohol or even worse if your sobriety does not last then you are stuck in an even worse situation with two dependencies. Not situation you want to be in when you are already this close to a new and healthier lifestyle.
Here is a link I think will help explain alcohol withdrawals
http://www.ehow.com/about_5081312_long-alcohol-withdrawal-last.html
At this point you have probably already made it through the worst part of the physical withdrawals and what your left with now is the mental side of how you got to be an alcoholic in the first place. What was it that made you drink? how long have you been drinking and finally how much?
Depression makes people feel tired all the time and anxiety is a common side effect some alcoholics live with for the rest of their life. Lexapro is a very good anxiety/anti-depressant medication that can help you feel normal again. It does not leave you feeling stoned or craving more. The doctor will help you get set up with the right dosage for you. It’s one pill daily and if you later are ready to give it a try without Lexapro withdrawals are very difficult but possible with help of your doctor you can taper off. I hope this helps. Keep taking good care of yourself and stay determined with your sobriety, you just have a couple more things to work out and your finally free! I wish you the best!
Randy
Xanax can be very helpful with anxiety and insomnia. A low dose of .25 mg would be a good starter to help you out. The problem with this drug is that it can become very habit forming and a tolerance is easily built so higher dosages are needed. Being an alcoholic indicates that just like the rest of us you have an addictive personality so for most it's difficult to maintain control of the drug and easy to request a higher dosage. Quickly you can form a habit some consider to be worse and harder to beat than the alcohol or even worse if your sobriety does not last then you are stuck in an even worse situation with two dependencies. Not situation you want to be in when you are already this close to a new and healthier lifestyle.
Here is a link I think will help explain alcohol withdrawals
http://www.ehow.com/about_5081312_long-alcohol-withdrawal-last.html
At this point you have probably already made it through the worst part of the physical withdrawals and what your left with now is the mental side of how you got to be an alcoholic in the first place. What was it that made you drink? how long have you been drinking and finally how much?
Depression makes people feel tired all the time and anxiety is a common side effect some alcoholics live with for the rest of their life. Lexapro is a very good anxiety/anti-depressant medication that can help you feel normal again. It does not leave you feeling stoned or craving more. The doctor will help you get set up with the right dosage for you. It’s one pill daily and if you later are ready to give it a try without Lexapro withdrawals are very difficult but possible with help of your doctor you can taper off. I hope this helps. Keep taking good care of yourself and stay determined with your sobriety, you just have a couple more things to work out and your finally free! I wish you the best!
Randy
Hello...Congrats on giving alcohol up. I know how you feel. I gave it all up on Nov. 11 and my energy didn't really return to normal until about late January. The best thing I found was to take Complex Vit B and Magnesium. After I started taking them I felt so much better. And eating more too. I noticed when I drank my eating habits were real bad. Once I stopped drinking I actually thought...I'm hungary. I am not much of a vegetable person but I diff. ate better when I was sober. Good Luck and Keep us up to date!
Sounds like you have it bad, so why not give the Xanax a shot?
You say you don't want to trade one addiction for another, but using something to help you through the worst part won't make you addicted as long as you don't go way over the prescribed dose (and if possible insert some pauses).
I used Normison (temazepam) to help me sleep a few times a week when I was too tired to get out of bed after another sleepless night. It's a crutch alright, but it beats drinking yourself unconscious :)
You say you don't want to trade one addiction for another, but using something to help you through the worst part won't make you addicted as long as you don't go way over the prescribed dose (and if possible insert some pauses).
I used Normison (temazepam) to help me sleep a few times a week when I was too tired to get out of bed after another sleepless night. It's a crutch alright, but it beats drinking yourself unconscious :)
That's Scout. He's half Mexican Wolf and 1/4 Siberian Husky and 1/4 German Shepherd. He's a year and half, and my best cheerleaders. It's been kind of weird having a big old wolf crawl into bed with you, but he has helped me through the really bad nights. I am a health nut, so have kicked the gluten and only eat organic meats and veggies. My doctor thought I was nuts trying this thing cold turkey, but I have one of those personalities with a lot of will power. The insomnia was finally getting to me. The doctor prescribed Ambien for next 14 days. I didn't want to touch the stuff, but I couldn't afford to lost any more work so I finally took the stuff. I will say that it does put you to sleep, but I wake up feeling totally run down.
Have started getting these nasty panic attacks. Out of no where my heart raced up to 180/142 at 75 bpm. My normal rate is usually 110/65. Felt like my heart was going to bust out of my chest. Had to have a neighbor drive me to work today. Had an EKG done a few weeks ago and everything is normal, so I guess this is part of the whole withdrawal thing. Any idea how long this lasts? My doc thinks maybe I need some Xanax for now but I hate trading one addiction for another.
What do you think?
Have started getting these nasty panic attacks. Out of no where my heart raced up to 180/142 at 75 bpm. My normal rate is usually 110/65. Felt like my heart was going to bust out of my chest. Had to have a neighbor drive me to work today. Had an EKG done a few weeks ago and everything is normal, so I guess this is part of the whole withdrawal thing. Any idea how long this lasts? My doc thinks maybe I need some Xanax for now but I hate trading one addiction for another.
What do you think?
COMMUNITY LEADER
Iboogie is right on the $$$ there with the PAWS thing...MANY of us went thru that and got over it...takes time!is that gorgeous dog urs?bet it loves a run walk play fresh air...these things help the PAWS 2.....the dogs paws can help ur PAWS!:)
Have you ever heard of P.A.W.S. (post acute withdrawal syndrome)? Google it or look it up on here, this is not uncommon. There are a lot of people with a lot of wisdom on these boards, I just thought I would throw that out there because it's the first thing that comes to mind reading your symptoms. Congrats on 35 days, that is fantastic!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Alcoholism Community
Is treating glaucoma with marijuana all hype, or can hemp actually help?
If you think marijuana has no ill effects on your health, this article from Missouri Medicine may make you think again.
Julia Aharonov, DO, reveals the quickest way to beat drug withdrawal.
Tricks to help you quit for good.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
While you are still finding your new equilibrium, I'd be cautious taking pills that will interfere with that by messing with your serotonine.
Xanax (and Ambien) are habit forming, but taken incidentally I've found benzo's got me the rough patch in the first few weeks.
Unavoidably I took them more often than I wanted to (plan was once every other day), and had rebound insomnia as a result. Don't have much willpower :(