BuSpar - Buspirone and Xanax?

Question

I suffer from very bad anxiety. I get nervous VERY easy, I panic and my mind goes blank in any situation. I work at a bank, started doing new accounts and I was just on Xanax (Was on Zoloft for a year but stopped because of weight gain) Anyways, because of how nervous I get with people, asking questions, talking, and when I am helping someone, doing things I am new at, etc... I go blank, freeze, panic, and can't remail calm. To get help I went to my doctor 2 weeks ago today and started taking Buspirone (2, 7.5mg a day) and Xanax (2, 2mg a day).

I notice a litte difference thus far, I am slightly less anxious, paniced, etc... Any ideas, thoughts, advice, etc??? It is really hard to live with this and try to surive in the real world, people that do not have anxiety themselves or have a family member or close friend, do not understand and are very judgemental :(. Each day is a struggle for me to stay positive, stay calm, etc... I appreciate any help one can give.

Answer

I took Xanax until the Busprione "kicked in". The Buspirone helps me for sure, BUT I have also found that regular exercise (simple walking will do), staying hydrated, a good diet devoid of alcohol, caffeine, and large amounts of sugar, and plenty of sleep; all play a big part in how well I deal with triggers in the outside world even on the Buspirone. I also pray my rosary every night. If you're not Catholic, try meditation in place of the rosary. I also no longer watch the news or things that are overtly negative as these can trigger stress which is a trigger for my attacks. I don't know if your doc talked to you about these things, but if not, please look into them. They could really make the difference long term and can give you a sense of control over yourself again. Some of these things I figured out on my own and others were advice from my Dad who suffers from them. I came to find out that it's hereditary in my family.

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If you're a woman, I would also look into your hormones. My panic attacks started when I became pregnant (my child is now 5) and I have found that they reduced once I had a full hysterectomy. Good luck and best wishes!

Votes: +2

Answer

I am unable to take antidepressants due to some very bad reactions. I have been on the generic form of Xanax for several years at a very low dose 4 times a day.

I had gotten worried so I was cutting back on them due to exhaustion and age. The Dr. has started me on Buspirone a couple of weeks ago... my experience so far has been positive. I am slowly cutting back on the alprazolam and getting my energy back with no increase of anxiety. We will revisit this on my next appointment... who knows I may have to stay on both meds.

Yes I can relate to having so much anxiety that my mind goes blank like it is filled with cotton.

Answer

I agree with LaurieShay- I find the more I feed into my anxiety the worst it gets. But it is hard when you are in the grips of it. I have not tried buspirone but am on xanax 1/2 of a 1mg am's and lorazepram low dose for sleep. Zoloft helped me with anxiety but made me very ill had to stop.Maybe a different SSRI for you?
You have come to the right place as there are many of us who understand what it is like to have anxiety that effects our daily lives. I am sure you will find support here. Hang in there and try to keep in contact with your doctor. My thoughts are with you

Answer

Give it time. The buspirone will increase effectiveness with time. I understand what it is to freeze and then panic when you can't get the words out. It can get better with the right medication and continuing to not give in to the anxiety. Success breeds success.

BuSpar - Buspirone and Xanax?

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