[Jm2310]

My Dr prescribed a med for anxiety that I am only supposed to use as needed. It was prescribed because I have anxiety/panic attacks. What in your opinion warrants its use? I feel like I am having a borderline panic attack. My arms feel funny and I'm very anxious but my chest isn't hurting and I can breathe, unlike when I have a full blown attack. I know you guys aren't doctors, just kinda looking for personal opinions on when you would use this type of med.

My psychiatrist prescribes me anxiety meds (and he is VERY strict about amounts; like for me personally for my symptoms I got maybe 7 pills for a month). I never really used them because I didn't know where the line was between needing it or not. I addressed my concerns to him and this is what he told me.

No one can tell you when to take the medicine, but don't be afraid to take it. That's what it is there for. If you feel your ability to cope with the anxiety is too much, a panic attack happens, or something of that sort-- take it. If you think you can manage without-- it's best you don't. As long as you're not finding yourself taking it everyday, and discern if you're able to cope truly, you shouldn't obsess over if it's a right moment.

I personally like that advice, because anyone given an anxiolytic PRN has that concern, you're not alone in that. I'm not telling when or how to take your medicine of course, I'm not a doctor like you said, and more importantly I'm not YOUR doctor-- what's best for you is between you and him. But I think as a general rule that makes sense.

I hope I didn't overstep any boundaries by sharing the advice I received about it. It's one I live by.

[Jm2310]

Originally Posted by Brentus

My psychiatrist prescribes me anxiety meds (and he is VERY strict about amounts; like for me personally for my symptoms I got maybe 7 pills for a month). I never really used them because I didn't know where the line was between needing it or not. I addressed my concerns to him and this is what he told me.

No one can tell you when to take the medicine, but don't be afraid to take it. That's what it is there for. If you feel your ability to cope with the anxiety is too much, a panic attack happens, or something of that sort-- take it. If you think you can manage without-- it's best you don't. As long as you're not finding yourself taking it everyday, and discern if you're able to cope truly, you shouldn't obsess over if it's a right moment.

I personally like that advice, because anyone given an anxiolytic PRN has that concern, you're not alone in that. I'm not telling when or how to take your medicine of course, I'm not a doctor like you said, and more importantly I'm not YOUR doctor-- what's best for you is between you and him. But I think as a general rule that makes sense.

I hope I didn't overstep any boundaries by sharing the advice I received about it. It's one I live by.

Thanks so much, that is exactly what I was asking for! My Dr just said to take it when I need it but I wasn't sure what counted as needing it, if that makes sense. This is also the first time I've felt like I may need in it the three weeks I've had it and I was afraid to take it because I want sure. The advice your doctor gave you sounds like exactly what I was thinking but wasn't sure about.

[MickeyCheeky]

I understand what you mean, Jm22310 I completely agree with what Brentus has already wisely said better than I ever could. If you feel ike you can't hanlde it, just take it. As long as you don't abuse it, you have every right to take it. Just ask yourself if you can hanlde this by yourself or if you feel like things may get worse. I'm sure you can decide by yourself. Try to talk to your Pdoc about this and see how it goes from there if you have any doubts. I hope things will get better soon for you. Remember that we're here for you if you need it. Feel free to PM me anytime. Let me know if I can do something to help you. Wish you good luck! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

[FriendlyJoe]

Originally Posted by Jm2310

My Dr prescribed a med for anxiety that I am only supposed to use as needed. It was prescribed because I have anxiety/panic attacks. What in your opinion warrants its use? I feel like I am having a borderline panic attack. My arms feel funny and I'm very anxious but my chest isn't hurting and I can breathe, unlike when I have a full blown attack. I know you guys aren't doctors, just kinda looking for personal opinions on when you would use this type of med.

My first pdoc told me to also take my antianxiety medication when needed. Well that's pretty much every day so I'm on a daily dose. Since going to a daily prescription I'm doing much better with controlling my anxiety.

[Gabyunbound]

Benzodiazepine-type anxiety medications can be addictive, so if that's what you're taking, I would say to be careful about how much and how often you take it. For me, Klonopin has been a godsend for anxiety and I really appreciate it that 3 pdocs have been willing to prescribe it for my anxiety.

I can share a recent success story when it comes to Klonopin: For the last 2 years, I've been taking 1 mg in the morning and 1mg in the evening. About 3 months ago, I forgot to put it into my morning med boxes and within a couple of days felt a surge of energy; I actually thought that I might be going into a hypomanic episode. But I wasn't. And when I realized I had forgotten to put them in their boxes, I decided to continue not taking them.

I felt no side effects, including no increased anxiety, though I know that, for some, it's hell getting off of this type of medication.

Now I am far more alert and energetic during the day, and it has been wonderful! My brain works better and I'm no longer tired all the time. It shouldn't come as a surprise to me, though, because when I take it at night it knocks me out.

In any case, I would recommend only taking it at night, unless you're starting to have a panic attack during the day; I just wouldn't recommend taking it preventively in the morning.

But please take my advice with a grain of salt in that everyone has different reactions to medications and different needs when it comes to medications.

I, too, really liked what Brentus wrote. My only additional suggestion is to not start taking a prn preventively before you really feel the anxiety/panic is building up a lot. The only exception to that may be before something extremely anxiety provoking, like a job interview.

Be careful not to take more than prescribed at any one time or over the course of the day. For example, I have 1 mg Ativan pills. If I feel a panic attack brewing, I take one, not two pills. If one pill doesn't cut the mustard after 45 minutes, only then might I take a second. My psychiatrist allows me a maximum of 3 mg Ativan in any given day. If I think I need more than that it's time to call my psychiatrist. If I find myself using any amount of prn benzo daily, that should also be shared with my psychiatrist.

Also, really try to learn therapy coping skills. There are many that really can help without the need for prn medication, or in addition to it. Ultimately, learning and mastering these skills is what we need to do.