Posted by Shyone on June 19, 2010, at 18:19:23
In reply to Xanax, Benzodiazepines, and Breathing Problems, posted by Shyone on June 19, 2010, at 17:16:02
Hi Phillipa,
I was diagnosed many years ago with chronic bronchitis after first being started on Valium at age 20. But when I eventually stopped the Valium, the problem seemed to go away. It reappeared a few years later, when I was put on Ativan, then switched to Klonopin. I either have a sensitivity to Benzodiazepines, or some chronic lung inflammation or infection. I seem to do better when I wear a face mask in the house or chew spearmint gum (though the gum has a shorter effect). I might have to give away my cat and plan to remove my moldy carpeting ASAP. That's my last hope.
But if that doesn't work, then I don't know what other medication to take to control the anxiety that has plagued me most of my life. I'm also terrified to fall into a severe depression because of the extreme discomfort I've been in with no hope for relief in sight. I used an Albuterol inhaler a couple of days ago (a sample the allergist gave me) and felt like I was going to faint. My head started spinning and I felt the arteries in my head and neck throbbing. I must have had a sudden rise in my blood pressure. I already have high blood pressure and can't afford to get a stroke.
I've seen three doctors so far and just get dismissed after being told they can't see anything that could be causing it. Yet, in many places on the Internet, there are warnings not to take this drug if you have asthma, bronchitis, etc.
I remember reading in the past that Benzodiazepines can disrupt the HPA (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) which can cause an inflammatory reaction and upper respiratory congestion. The only thing the allergist did for me was put me on antibiotics for 3 weeks, after I told her that I sometimes cough up a tiny amount of phlegm in my throat that tastes like pus (sorry, didn't mean to gross you out). Otherwise, it's just a dry cough. I'm seeing a second pulmonologist on July 9th and pray to God he'll try to help me -- at least by running some tests.
I feel that if I stopped this tiny amount of Xanax I'm taking, my breathing problems would disappear. My prescribing doctor told me to take more, but I'm scared that I'll suffocate. I don't know what to do! I also know that my anxiety will increase and probably my depression will return as the Nardil is leaving my body (going into my 6th week). If it weren't for my difficulties breathing, I would take the 1/2 Mg. three times a day instead of the 1/4 mg. twice a day I'm staying on with a constant dread of the anxiety breaking through.
Thanks for your response and show of concern.
Suzanne
poster:Shyone
thread:951510
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100615/msgs/951521.html