Xanax

[Flyingfup]

Terrible anxiety (almost agrophobia on bad days) for a few days post ovulation and at the end of the month. About seven days in total. I have an underlying health condition that a strong flight response can mimic - not fun and wipes out most of the strategies. Trying to get HRT, but have been prescribed Xanax with no advice from the Dr. I do not have an addictive personality.

Please can I ask what the best way to take it is? In emergency or on the days anxiety is an issue, to try to do normal activities and break the fear of anxiety cycle? Low dose (.25mg). Is it okay to drive on a low dose - seen conflicting advice, with higher doses and non prescription use definitely not okay. Difficult as I don't want to take it in the morning and then not be able to drive to collect DC from school, if I need to.

I would honestly get a second opinion and not take the Xanax. It doesn’t matter that you don’t have an addictive personality. You’re being fobbed off.

Thanks @BlueKaftan I am seeking a private appointment for HRT. Need to stop the panic attacks though while I wait.

This is my personal experience of Xanax dosages with extremely infrequent use (2-4x a year). 0.25mg takes the edge off and I don't notice any difference in tiredness. I just feel slightly more mellow and would be fine driving. 0.25 doesn't do much against acute panic though. It's more effective against unbearable intrusive thoughts or getting you through a difficult phase of anticipatory anxiety, eg waiting for serious medical results. 0.5mg is more of a therapeutic dose and works against panic attacks or direct triggers of anxiety. E.g if sitting on a plane in turbulence, I would definitely still get a racing heart with 0.25, but 0.5 stops all sensations of panic. However I'm noticeably slower and would not trust myself driving on that dose. 0.75mg knocks me out completely and I sleep like a rock for 8+ hours. A godsend for long-haul flights but I would never take 0.75 in any environment where I have to walk or react to things.

Thank you so much for the detail @User767463 So far I only took a tiny dose of half a 0.25 tablet. I had got home so was back in my safe space and felt better. I did not really feel it kick in so presume that it would not have done much against panic.

It is horrible to have to feel like this. Have had terrible anxiety around MRIs.