Not to be so blunt, but I really do get upset when the docs etc comment about getting hooked on meds for anxiety.

All I have to say to them is "walk a day in my shoes (mind) and let's see how you do."

Now, just to clarify, I think that the behavioral/cognitive aspects of therapy are good and has a place. However, I think the meds were made for a reason and I don't have to fake my reasons to get the med I need.

Give me Xanax or someone will get hurt (emotionally, of course)

My family deserves the best me they can get and I can give that to them the best when I am medicated with xanax. It's just that simple.

So, long story short, don't beat yourself up. Do what you need to do. Cut down on the days you think you can, but let it be ok that you are better with the Ativan.

I wouldn't be too upset about the pdoc not getting right back to you, as it is nearing the holidays. Do you have someone you can call to get a refill. (an on call doc or something?)

no, no refills needed! thank the good lord i have a stash just for these reasons. on a normal day i only take one 2mg for sleep. but its the taking it in the day crap i don't like.

What did you call your PDoc so that he never called back ?

;-)

Jamison, I know how much you struggle with anxiety. This time of year has to be very difficult for you as it is others. Obviously, you are not abusing the ativan if you have a stash. You are not even taking it as much as you were prescribed it.

I agree with Anji, dont be so hard on yourself. When the time comes, you will back off some and that is what is important. You have to take care of you and be there for your family. Its okay to up the anxiety meds at this time cuZ that is what they are there for.

But they don't think twice about stuffing THEIR meds down our throats. The brutal truth is, we won't really know the long term effects of most of this crap until twenty years from now.

I have been in outpatient treatment, forced on me by a mission I was living at, and there were a lot of bitter addicts that were'nt doing well with sobriety telling me that I shouldn't even be taking anti-depressants or mood stabilizers.

The general atmosphere around this subject is so contradicting and hypocritical. On one hand, you got a growing group of people who want people to never even take an aspirin or a Tylenol, and on the other hand, we're becoming slaves to pharmaceutical companies whose main goal is profit.

I agree with AnjiQ about---

"My family deserves the best me they can get and I can give that to them the best when I am medicated with xanax. It's just that simple. "

Here Here Oceanana!! I'll drink to that!!!!

Let's take the insulin away from the diabetics while we're at it.....

Either way, we'll (diabetics and beepers) both be in comas eventually.......LOL (ok, not funny, but you understand)

One of these days somebody is going to complain about the addictive nature of my Xanax (not referring to fellow beepers, of course) and I'm going to go off and use my diabetic insulin analogy. Sometimes I want to do it anyway just to see what they would say. Makes me wonder how a pdoc could even be a pdoc and say that to someone with anxiety. Would be nice if they could leave out the addiction part and focus on comments like "How are your coping mechanisms, etc??"

OK, off the soapbox......= )

Perhaps the prerequisite for becoming a pdoc should be a diagnosis of anxiety etc......hhhhmmmm, now that's a thought to ponder

I just read the other posts before Ocean's!!!

Here here to all!!! Love you guys.....feeling very mini manic today and a bit mushy............yea hawwwww

"Oh what a difference those little pills make......
If not for the beauties I would surely break......
So don't even question your need to take......
Just smile and be happy for everyone's sake....."

Hehehehehe

I think I'll go get some liquor to make some lemon drops!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS, MY FRIENDS!!!

So jamieson, what did you call your PDoc ?

Something patronising I hope ??

;-)

Be happy you are able to take them! My anxiety is my stronger dx. My other dx could be managed if I could overcome the medication anxiety and just take the damn things.

Wish I had half the strength everyone here has.