Hello,
I have been dealing with anxiety issues for an year now (just turned 17) and have been taking professional help for the last six months. Anxiety was a goner for me at my 17th birthday, I thought I'll start off the year with no anxiety/depression problems. My 16th year was completely blown up by anxiety. So, I am on 0.25 mg Alprazolam (Xanax) and Escitalopram. Lately, I ran into some stressful situations and loads of school work.Keep in mind that my anxiety was under control till now. Now me being a silly teen, I thought of increasing the Xanax to 0.50 mg without anyone's advice. I did it for three days and then left it. The next day I realized that you just can't leave it. I was anxious all over again; the same old stuff that I didn't want to remember came back to hit me. How I passed that day is still a mystery to me. I was sweating like hell and was in a constant brain fog, Nothing could cheer me up, and to add to the problem I had an exam the upcoming day. I did manage to pass the exam. Now it's been 3 days since that dreadful day and I still feel a little anxious. Is my problem due to that three day 0.5 mg course of Xanax or is it something else? Please help me find it out! I don't want to face the wrath of anxiety again! I've suffered enough- headaches, nausea, brain fog , dp/dr, you name it, and yeah even depression. Please help me out!
Definitely call your therapist and doctor first and foremost. I don't take Xanax, so I'm not sure how that could affect you for days on end. I do know that when you have a panic attack your body is on high alert for some time after. You have to convince your mind that you are okay again, use the techniques you've learned and relax as much as you can (do breathing excesses, meditation, baths, walks) whatever it is that calms you and get your body to relax. A tense body sends signals to your brain that there is a threat so it becomes a vicious circle. The best way to combat it is to get your body and mind to relax so it doesn't see a threat! Try and keep your mind busy by reading or picking up a hobby that has worked in the past.
I had panic disorder two years ago and since then I've had short periods (days to weeks) where I would almost relapse, but now I have an arsenal of tools to combat it. So try and use the things you've learned to relax. You've overcome it once you can do it again.
Again make sure you call your doctor. They will be able to tell you how Xanax can affect you better.
Loe
Return to your agreed dose, you should be ok as the change was not over an extended period. If you increase the dose over a short period, like a week or so, they MAY kick back when you reduce although these side effets should not last that long and now you should be back to normal, whatever that is
Congratulations regards your Examination Pass, all over now so it is onward and upward then you move on to a better place with your Anxiety. In other words you should settle now, hopefully.
Celebrate go out and enjoy yourself you deserve a celebration with people who know and love you
BOB
I did return to my 0.25 mg dosage from that day itself but still felt horrible. Anyways I'm better now but still a bit here and there, but I'm sure it'll go away soon! Thanks BOB <3
I'm better now and looks like I'm going to be stable in a few days :p
Hobby..duh...I have many but I've not got the time to follow any, calculus is my hobby nowadays!