Posted by jealibeanz on October 8, 2006, at 8:32:25
In reply to New FDA approvals: how long does this take?, posted by jealibeanz on October 8, 2006, at 8:03:38
I'm not particularly keen on my current plan... daily immediate release Xanax for GAD(which is sky high right now! I'd like to increase, but don't want to rock the boat with a family practitioner who's actually willing to give me this script.), just because it is such a controversial treatment option in this day nor is my GP I assume... at least not in the long run.
I know his initial comment was that hopefully I could use it for a short period of time, and then be able to get off of it. We haven't discussed this since then because he knows my anxiety has increased (with good reason!) and I'm sure he just doesn't feel the need to give me one more thing to worry about. He's very caring and concerned, which I'm extremely grateful for.
Haha, but he also knew I was approaching an extreeemely stressful and anxiety provoking couple of years with my medical training. He most likely was aware of the fact that me, a person with a few years of documented GAD (also a little social anxiety and intermittent depression), was NOT going to spontaneously improve as the stress and anxiety builds with my situation. He's obviously very aware and empathetic of the fact that even people with good mental health beginning school can develop anxiety disorders and depression, so with me, this risk is magnified!
I see him in about a week. I guess I do need to let him know that the Xanax isn't quite relieving my anxiety right now. I'd most likely benefit from taking it 4 times a day instead of 3, since my days are sooo long and sooo stressful. Believe me, I am NOT happy about the fact that I need more, but it's the truth.
Side note: me giving myself a reality check and pep talk...
This is what I to accept... I have an anxiety disorder. It is a legitimate illness. It can be improved with medication. However, the medication needs to be at the proper therapeutic dosage. He cannot monitor my anxiety levels by any objective tests, only self-report. So I need to tell him how I'm doing!
If I had high blood pressure, this would be assessed with an actually measurement. It would be treated with medication. If the medication was not getting the BP to target levels, medications would be adjusted or added. Same idea, different conditions.
It's almost seems to me that along with tolerance, it also doesn't last as long as when I initially began treatment. Is this normal? I could ask about the Xanax XR version, although I've heard mixed reviews.
When I do have enough, the Xanax does work well and is a good medication, but I need a little more. However, I don't currently have enough to take my prescribed amount (1mg t.i.d.) because it's going to be slightly over a month between refills and I had some bad periods where I ended up taking more than prescribed, so this is just adding to my anxiety :(
OK, I got a little long-winded here. Anyway, my point was, I'm going to express my concern and awareness that Xanax is not necessarily an ideal lifelong treatment. However, I'd like him to be willing to continue treatment for the time being because I'm not stabilized. I'll ask about new options that may be coming out in the near future and be open to exploring a different plan. I always do my best to appear hopeful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic, which I believe will get me the most trust and best treatment from my doctor.
poster:jealibeanz
thread:692938
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061003/msgs/692942.html