I just want to be calm...

[xstalkrx]

very mild cocaine use has left me with an awareness of my heartbeat in my abdomen that is causing me anxiety.  I JUST want to be able to lay down and not feel my heartbeat in my abdomen.  I can feel it beating without touching it.  I can take my pulse simply by laying down and feeling it beat.  Cardiologist did an echocardiogram and it was normal.

I have obviously quit recreational cocaine use.

A GP put me on lexapro but I have yet to start taking it...for fear it will just make me worse.  I just want to be CALM and COOL...cant I be prescribed something for that?

[Slappy3243]

Xanax can be taken long term without dose escalation just like the other benzos. It is also just as addicting as the rest of the benzos. Xanax XR is nice since it avoids the ups and downs of the regular Xanax. I have spoken to my psychiatrist at great length about this and he has been prescribing benzos for over 25 years. It generally does have worse withdrawal effects though since it does not built up in the body.

Anyway, Lexapro is a good start. It helps many people overcome their anxiety just like you. If you read my profile, you will see I have had my share of heart scares and I am still aware of my heartbeat, but mostly when I have a PVC. It gets better with time. Try the Lexapro and see how it makes you feel. Remember, it may make you feel a bit worse before you feel better.

-Adam

[suzi-q]

There are drugs that they call benzos.  They are Klonopin, Xanax, Valium...etc.  I know that Xanax is not supposed to be used a lot or for a long period of time because it is addicting and you can become tolerant making you need more the next time.

Klonopin is a drug that can be used daily and is for long term use.  It does not develop a tolerance like Xanax, but it is also highly addictive.

FYI...I know many people who have taken lexapro and have great results from it.