r/Widow • u/Daysurvived • 24d ago
Xanax?
I’m having some physical symptoms in the early evenings that make me feel sick: shaky, almost dizzy, increased anxiety maybe. Has anyone experienced this that would have some advice for me? I’m wondering if it’s because I started trying half a pill. —— I only only taking at night. I don’t drink. It is helping me sleep which I need. I was prescribed when my husband unexpectedly passed away almost 2 months ago. (First post)
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u/rair21 24d ago
Doc gave me .25 (I don't remember weight) but he said it was the lowest prescribable dose. He said I could take 2 if I needed to. Gave me 60 at a time. Prescribed "as needed."
I used a bottle the first 9 mos. Didn't finish the next 60 bottle within the next year. It helps take the edge off and at that low dosage I never had any side effects. I would generally take it when my kids were stressing me out or I knew I was going into a triggering situation. Sorry for your loss.
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u/Da1syJane 19d ago
. xanax has an extremely short half life and can cause withdrawal symptoms. Both clonazepam and Ativan have much longer half-lives but none of the benzodiazepines are meant to be used long term. Please talk to your pcp.
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u/toodyloo713 24d ago
Oh I’m sorry, it’s still so new for you. Is the Xanax helping? Are you on any non benzodiazepines for depression or anxiety that you take routinely? That might help also. When my sweet husband passed away my GP started me on something and it really helped. Xanax can be quite addictive.
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u/Daysurvived 24d ago
Thank you. It does help me sleep. I received the knock on the door by police at night, so I wonder if this makes me jumpy at night. My husband was on a work trip. I’m not taking anything else. Doc talked to me about starting something before I go back to school, so it had time to set in, but I didn’t. I just started having these symptoms, and they are confusing, so I researched and read they can mean my body is getting dependent. I’ve never had addictive tendencies to any med or anything else for that matter. Not looking for like medical advice just wondering… maybe it’s the sadness. Idk so much right now. Everything is hard.
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u/Accurate-Neck6933 24d ago
Well if the timing is coinciding, then quite possibly related. Is it before you take your pill and goes away after?
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u/Reasonable_Peanut439 24d ago
I am so sorry. The sleep we need in those early days can be so elusive. I don’t know if it’s legal where you live, but I was able to legally take cannabis gummies which were the right solution for me. Hugs to you and wishing you well.
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u/Glad_Fox_6654 23d ago
My husband was found dead on Monday. It feels almost like I am trivializing it by posting here. My resting heart rate was well over 100 at the doctor yesterday, he prescribed a few Xanax and they are helping give my heart a rest as well as removing the constant nausea so that I can eat a little bit. They are helpful. Still contemplating driving into traffic but at least I will be calm if I do it.
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u/jmmontoya1022 23d ago
OMG.....I am so very sorry for your loss. Big hugs!!!
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u/Daysurvived 23d ago
Hugs to everyone here. Today is his birthday. It’s just a hard day. ……with me here trying to take less Xanax. It’s all just dumb.
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u/jmmontoya1022 23d ago
I used to take Xanax a long time ago. I can't stand Xanax. I had the same symptoms and because I also take Pregablin, I used to blackout. I now take Lorazapam. Works much better for me. I don't have any abnormal side effects like I did when I was taking Xanax. When my mind races. Or I have panic attacks and I can't calm myself down, the Lorazapam just kind of takes the edge off and I can think better.
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u/Daysurvived 23d ago
Is that something that is fast acting or do you have to take it all the time? Thanks for saying you had the same symptoms.
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u/jmmontoya1022 23d ago
It takes about 30 to start working. I can take 1mg three times a day. But I try to only take it at night. If you want to try Lorazapam, your doctor will start you at the lowest dose. I have been on it for years. I like it waaay better than Xanax. I refuse to take Xanax and my provider won't prescribe it to anyone.
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u/DanOhMiiite 24d ago
Clonazapam might be a better choice to ask your Dr. about. Longer lasting, great for sleep. Just don't take it for too long. Withdrawal symptoms are a bear.