Posted by Shyone on June 19, 2010, at 17:16:02
Hi,
I just switched to Xanax from Ativan, because it just wasn't strong enough to control my depressive anxiety. But even though I'm on a dose of less than 1mg. per day, I'm having breathing problems with it. In fact, I've had this problem with all the Benzodiazepines I've ever been on over the years (Valium. Klonopin, and Ativan). I seem to have some type of allergic asthma or chronic inflammation that's aggravated by this type of anxiety medication. I would hate to have to go on an inhaler because of all their side effects and because they can raise the blood pressure, and can also have an effect on the heart rythm.
Since I already developed such problems on my previous antidepressant medication (Nardil) that I used to take with Ativan, where I had to get off of it right away, I can't take a chance. I don't even know if my depression will return in time, since I was on the Nardil for a very long time and am not on any type of antidepressant right now. I pray with all my heart that it doesn't. Though my current symptoms are not from depression, since I know my body real well and because of my previous history of difficulty breathing while on different Benzodiazepines.
The GABA effect from this group of drugs, esp. Xanax, seems to work wonders on severe anxiety and panic attacks. But one of the side effects for people who have asthma or other breathing problems is that it can aggravate them. I cough all day long. I used to get a break in the summer when I could finally open windows and get fresh and humid air from outside, but I don't even get that anymore. This problem is not psychological because I had it even when I was stable on the Nardil/Ativan combination. It just wasn't quite as bad as it's been on the Xanax.
I don't know what to do and am really scared and getting depressed because I can barely breathe.
And I can hardly go out anymore because of my shortness of breath and coughing. I plan to remove everything in my house that could be irritating to my airway, even though the allergist I just saw said all my allergy tests were negative. Has anyone else experienced such side effects with Xanax or the other drugs in its class, and if so, do you have any suggestions as to what could work with it without the side effects I mentioned? Or what else can work on anxiety in a different family of drugs? Any input would be appreciated.
poster:Shyone
thread:951510
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100615/msgs/951510.html