[reesecups]

I went to a site that has dctor's who answer questions. One question was how to control SI. The pdoc stated he prescribed Hydroxyzine to all his clients who SI with pretty good success. Has anyone heard of this? Is anyone on it and can enlighten us on the effect?

[Samanthagreene]

I have never heard of that. Maybe it replaces the endorphin rush? Or maybe it's a sort of anti-depressant type thing. I feel like SI is a coping method, and the only way to treat a coping method is at the source, not at the symptoms.

[krisakira]

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that is often prescribed for anxiety. It is also called Vistaril or Atarax. It basically makes you too drowsy to have anxiety. It didn't work for me. I became drowsy and still had anxiety.

[reesecups]

Originally Posted by krisakira

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that is often prescribed for anxiety. It is also called Vistaril or Atarax. It basically makes you too drowsy to have anxiety. It didn't work for me. I became drowsy and still had anxiety.

Yes, I was wondering about that. Those old-time antihistamines could really make you groggy. Sounded kind of hunky to me. Thanks for clarifying your experience

[reesecups]

Originally Posted by krisakira

Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that is often prescribed for anxiety. It is also called Vistaril or Atarax. It basically makes you too drowsy to have anxiety. It didn't work for me. I became drowsy and still had anxiety.

Sorry, I forgot to ask. When you were taking it. How long? And did you SI while taking it?

[reesecups]

I had wondered if there was something that prevents the rush of endorphins when cutting. Thought this might be it.

[archipelago]

Thorazine at low doses.

[ScarletPimpernel]

I took Atarax (Hydroxyzine). Long time ago (~8 yrs). It did nothing for me. I was told it's a weaker and safer version of Benadryl (which does nothing for me either though). I still SI'ed and still had anxiety.

For me, the only thing that has helped me stop SI is Ativan to reduce anxiety and giving myself a goal/purpose in order to ignore the thoughts (which still exist).

My psychiatrist mentioned something last time I saw her. I don't know if it applied to SI, but she said there were a few meds that can help with suicidal ideation. I didn't pay too much attention since she said the side effects would be probably be too severe for me

[mazing]

I don't think meds alone for SI would have much of an effect - self-injury is more a coping mechanism for other things. Some meds might help to reduce anxiety (and therefore lessen SI urges as a result) but I have never heard of a med that is effective alone for self-injury. Self-injury is more the symptom than the concern.

Like most things as well I would be cautious of meds. They can be helpful to manage sometimes but since SI is to do with coping, I believe it is most important to develop new coping strategies through therapy or trial-and-error.

[reesecups]

Originally Posted by mazing

I don't think meds alone for SI would have much of an effect - self-injury is more a coping mechanism for other things. Some meds might help to reduce anxiety (and therefore lessen SI urges as a result) but I have never heard of a med that is effective alone for self-injury. Self-injury is more the symptom than the concern.

Like most things as well I would be cautious of meds. They can be helpful to manage sometimes but since SI is to do with coping, I believe it is most important to develop new coping strategies through therapy or trial-and-error.

I agree that SI is a coping mechanism. But had wondered if it might aid someone when they are at a point where they cannot yet learn how to cope and the SI is a constant struggle.

I personally wouldn't use it. So far Xanax helps me a lot and I have to just figure out what to do until it kicks in. Happened to me Saturday. I'm at the point right now that the impulsivity is getting worse and when I am too upset, my coping skills don't even enter my mind.

[ScarletPimpernel]

I've been 81 days w/o SI. It might be kind of stupid, but I make little deals with my T to give me something to work for. On top of that, we don't acknowledge the fact that we both know she can't hospitalize me just for SI, so it seems like there will be a consequence.

If I do have a break down, and feel like I need to SI to prevent suicide, I go take my anxiety med, turn off all the lights, wrap myself in a blanket, and rock myself. I, in a sense, physically restrain myself so the meds can kick in.

There's also many other coping techniques on this website and other websites (i.e. taking a bath/shower, putting you hands in ice, etc.).

[krisakira]

Originally Posted by reesecups

Sorry, I forgot to ask. When you were taking it. How long? And did you SI while taking it?

I SI'ed a lot while taking it because I was frustrated that it didn't work to get rid of my anxiety. But it works for some people's anxiety. I've honestly never heard of it being for SI. SI needs more than a fcking pill, it needs real coping skills, behavioral changes, etc. This is beyond strange.

[reesecups]

Thanks for the responses. I was hoping that someone had experience with it. After all, if you're only taking it for the anxiety that triggers the SI, then I don't see the point if if to begin with.

Saturday, Zi took a couple of Xanax and layed in bed until I could fall asleep. When I woke up, I was fine. Sometimes I can use other coping skills, but now, when I get very impulsive, I can't bring myself to do any coping skills. I use to journal to help....couldn't even focus on that. Have physical limitations at the moment, so couldn't be very active.

I got through though.

[beloiseau]

I was started on hydroxyzine during my hospitalization and continued it after...I've recently stopped taking it with my pdoc's permission because it really didn't do too much. Ativan has been a saving grace drug to me, it decreases my anxiety and feelings of panic, so I don't SI. I think as needed medications like that and antidepressants to help with depressive symptoms are probably the best medications are probably the best medications, but behavior therapy is probably the most important thing to controlling SI.

[TheWell]

Naltrexone is what my Psychiatrist prescribed me. It takes away the endorphin high from cutting. It has worked for me. My self harm went from 3 times a week to once a month or less.

[reesecups]

Originally Posted by TheWell

Naltrexone is what my Psychiatrist prescribed me. It takes away the endorphin high from cutting. It has worked for me. My self harm went from 3 times a week to once a month or less.

Thank you. Maybe it can help someone else.

[ThisWayOut]

I tried both the naltrexone and the hydrazine. Neither helped. The naltrexone did nothing for me at all (did not limit the endorphins) and the hydroxazine wasn't as effective as other stuff (ativan helped a ton with the anxiety for a while, but even that stopped working if i was too impulsive). Now, if I needed to calm down, I take a benadryl or 2 (otc, and knocks me out. I'm better when I wake up). I found for myself that needs in general made/make me more impulsive with less desire to control them. With the help of my doctor, we figured out the needs wee actually making me worse, so i no longer take anything. I know it's not true for everyone tho, I'm not at all recommending you come off needs (especially if there's a bigger safety risk when off them. I happened to be in a residential treatment program when i came off, so there was a whole lot of forced safety the whole time).
is there any behavioral thing that can help when you get bad? I will take one of the dogs for a long walk, or break eggs against a tree, or do something physical to get a similar relief. I wasn't able to do this until recently tho, no pressure if you're tried stuff like that and it doesn't work at the moment.

Also, if the med for suicidal ideation they mention is clozaril or clozapine, read up on it a ton. Get second, third, and fourth opinions... that's a scary med and should be a last resort in my opinion... i know they have become more lax on the regulations since i worked with clients on it, but i know they hadn't changed the drug, just pulled back on some regulations...

[nycgal448]

I wuz on Xanax for panic attacks , for a few yrs, never did that much self
harm.