I live in NJ and didn't have any problem getting a scrip from my GP. As a result he wants to see me every 3 months to renew it.... but small price to pay (no pun intended) for the peace of mind. I've had a scrip for yrs as i do NOT like to fly at all......
I'd recommend staying out of NJ if you don't like expenses !

Thanks for the thought Missed.

I don't mean to vent/whine, but anything that can help someone either sleep or calm down is not a bad thing and should be encouraged given one's medical records etc., etc., especially when it comes to the subject of AFIB.

I know many people that get written all sorts of stuff by the bagfuls and it's only because they went to see a mental health professional and there's really nothing wrong with these people.

Hey OK enuf of this. Let's move onto something more suitable for this forum,......

Politics and Health Care!!

Lol.


;)

Thomas: Check this out:

http://www.medschat.com/Discuss/Where-can-I-find-a-Dr-in-South-Florida-who-will-prescribe-Xanax-to-sme-I-have-anxiety-and-sleeplessness-245466.htm

petey

Thanks Petey. Interesting. Quite frankly, I think those suffering with stuff like AFIB are more qualified to take some of this stuff vs. hundreds of thousands of people popping pills to feel good, after half a dozen visits to their Shrink.

"If you suffer from anxiety and need a Benzodiazepine class medication (like Xanax), usually your best bet is to see a psychiatrist, rather than a regular medical doctor. Reason being is that they are better trained in the types of medications that handle these problems and many general physicians are reluctant to prescribe controlled substances due to abuse and the heavy regulations that they have to abide by from the government."

Why don't you ask your doctor for a prescription for Alprazolam (the generic form of Xanax). It's cheaper and it doesn't sound like you're asking for a recreational drug. It's like ordering digestive bitters like Angastora instead of alcohol under the names of liqueurs and liquors. Spirits sounds kind of medicinal too. People use them to relax at night. I think Bruce Springsteen had a song about spirits in the night.
:-)

Thanks Petey for the advise. I will think about it. Whatever bizarro stories i've shared here on this subject are all true. Unfortunately. Some people get bags full of stuff and some who actually could use it don't. I was on a Southwest flight from MA to FL a few years ago. We got into 45 minutes of severe turbulence. I was by the window and a lady next to me (in the middle) opened up what appeared to be a tin of mints. She asked me if I wanted one. I asked her what they were and she repied, 'Lorazepam." True story. Obviously, I took her up on her generous offer. Lol.

Just adding my experience with alprazolam here. My EP does not want me on any medication, probably because my PAF is infrequent with no discernible causes other than stress and certain types of exercise (adrenaline induced?). Recently, as last resort for anxiety, I sought help from a mental health professional and received a scrip for alprazolam at the lowest dosage (I did not ask for it; this individual seemed to understand my situation). After years of stress and anxiety including panic attacks, tachycardia, SVT (ablated), I found a simple source of relief. I realize it is a drug that is abused, but I have no desire to do so. It is remarkable in that I sense no feeling of drowsiness nor do I feel silly or stupid...just more relaxed. It actually allows for more focus and enjoyment of activities. Besides that, another great feature has been the elimination of clusters of PACS, which would occur for me in large numbers for days on end. I wish to emphasize I only take one pill a day occasionally. It is only 0.25 mg. I do not understand the reluctance of Drs. to prescribe this, including my EP, who, when asked about a tranquilizer (only word I could think of at the time), plainly stated, "No". Do I look like an addict, I wondered. Another Dr, who treats my asthma stated he was so pleased this drug was working for me. Hope those of you experiencing the intense anxiety from PAF occurrences are able to at least get to a Dr. or mental health person who can understand this! Do not hesitate to contact a mental health or behavioral professional if a Dr will not help.

My PCP prescribed the xanax and my cardio agrees, he calls me a type "A ?kind of gal anyway and the Afib only adds to it. He himself would not prescribe it, but told me to ask my PCP for it. I got the impression he was worried that the BIG GUNS would wonder why a cardio was prescribing it. Like cahbrew I have the smallest dose available 0.25 generic alprazolom, and will usually cut it half to start with and use it only on occasion when times are really bad. Just knowing I have it if I need it helps immensely, just the thought sometimes can be enough to calm me down so I don't need it.

Thanks for sharing your experiences on this subject. Generic or otherwise someone still needs to write the 'scrip. My EP and his office is not coopertaive on this subject. I hope to secure a PCP at some future point that might be more cooperative. it's comforting to hear of meds. doing good when taken in moderation and only as needed without adverse side effects. Peace/NSR to all. - Tom

Hi Phillip,

Most EP's do not discuss anxiety. Soon after diagnosis of a-fib, I became very anxious. I felt like a ticking time bomb for stroke. My PCP prescribed a very potent anti-anxiety medicine, Klonopin, to help me sleep through bouts of a-fib. Klonopin also got me through several panic attacks I experienced while driving. Klonopin was not sustainable in my opinion, so I started weaning off the med after 5 months, and finally, 8 months later, I'm Klonopin-free. But it was a huge lesson. Anxiety is a very strong and acute trigger for a-fib for me. However, I didn't have anxiety until I got a-fib. In place of Klonopin, I underwent EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) with a therapist to help process all the horrible bouts of a-fib-induced panic. It really helped. I also work with an aikkido instructor to learn how to 'dance with' my a-fib. Another very reinforcing principle was expressed by my EP. He said, "Sean, a-fib is not dangerous. It is just uncomfortable. Also, you are not having complications from the procedure." Now for many that is debatable, but at age 36, my chances for stroke are very very low. I had to learn to accept the discomfort of a-fib. So I hear ya on the anxiety. You are not alone. I had to give up driving further than a few miles at one point during all this, because of panic. Best wishes on navigating a-fib.

-Sean

I must say i've read some absolutely fascinating and thoughtful posts here on DS. EMDR and Aikkido? Wow. Thanks for sharing Sean, I'm glad that these wicked creative and exotic methods/strategies worked for you.

Anyone who says A-Fib is "just uncomfortable" has obviously never experienced it. I know all about the anxiety that goes with it, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. It's difficult to find a doctor that views you as a human being with a soul, and not a bag of meat that he can experiment on.

I love my Doc. He understands my anxiety levels. That is my primary guy and he asked me what I want to do about the anxiety. Then we come to an agreement. He offered me the Xanax without me even asking. I thought I was being a whimp. But it sure helps when I need it.

Yes! Just having Xanax on my person can alleviate stress! Amazing how the mind works! I am sorry you cannot get a scrip for it, Surfrat! Surely hope you will be able to soon. I have even recently had it prescribed for my dog by my vet due to noise anxieties, especially while in a car or during thunderstorms. The dog takes 2 mg compared to my 0.25. Go figure....apparently dogs need more? I just know it works. They are not worried about dogs becoming addicts, I guess.

I guess that anxiety is a major issue. Right now I am in a-fib since early morning. There was a 5 hr when I did not feel any "flopping" but it came back with vengeance. My heart rate is around 80, normally it is in low fifties. I am taking Sotalol and it does not have any effect right now. I did call my Cardiologist's office and will speak with them in the morning. If I faint or develop pain or cannot breathe, I should go to EM. I am supposed to drive to CT tomorrow to spend time with friends and celebrate my birthday. I have some Loraxepam that I have not taken, would prefer Zolpidem to be able to sleep. This is the longest episode I have had this far and that makes me very unhappy. Marya