Panic attacks and alcohol

[dudcat]

Update from Mexico....

So basically I found myself at a crossroads just before a 12 night all inclusive bloody holiday with the family!!

Can I just say that Valium has been a revelation as I was worried I would be on 12 hour booze binges.

I have drunk less than on any previous holiday and actually were it not for a few social drinks with the missus could easily have drunk little if anything.

The Valium does not 'hit' me in a big way - I feel relaxed and at ease for the first time in a couple of years.

The only way I got it though is through private GPs who don't want me to have more than 28 tabs.

I think this is wrong. I feel healthier than I have done in years.

Thanks for taking time out to update us, as I am sure many were wondering how you were doing.  I know I was.  I am super happy to hear that things are going well.  Enjoy your trip; keep us posted.  Peace to you my friend.  -dc

[Bishop]

This is all really interested. I'd never really considered how closely tied these two are. I knew Valium was used in detox but I thought it was for seizure prevention. So am I to assume that someone who has never taken an anti anxiety med but is a heavy drinker would have a higher tolerance already?

[CoiledSpring]

I don't know - I am sure each individual reacts differently

I am going through a process at the moment.

1. Am I an alcoholic?
2. Can I keep panic and anxiety at bay without drinking?
3. What meds can transition me through whatever combination of 1 and 2 I need to deal with.

All I know is that since taking Valium my urge to drink has diminished, indeed I haven't felt the 'need' to drink more than twice in two weeks.

When I have drunk it's been social AND after a couple of drinks I haven't felt the need to binge - quite the opposite.

I haven't had a panic attack since the meds although my flight back from Mexico was turbulent - I doubled up on the meds and had a bit of booze because I really struggle with long haul flights. I felt awful all day on my return.

My plan isn't to combine meds and booze. Quite the opposite. This holiday came at the wrong time and let's just say I haven't had the "I might be an alcoholic" conversation with my wife.....

---

Sorry an add on - I think what had happened to me was what I had hoped....

I was using alcohol as a bit of a crutch (a big sturdy one) but that if I got my panic and anxiety under control I didn't think I'd still have an addiction to alcohol.

That's how it feels to me.

I have one issue I'd like to dicusss but can't do so until I get to my 50 posts though.....

It's quite difficult to get there!

[Charon]

As of this moment we are allowing posts in music thread and welcome thread to count. You can do it. I have faith in u.

[CoiledSpring]

Cheers Charon - that's helpful. I hadn't even spotted the music thread!

[MUSEical]

Glad to hear you're doing better CoiledSpring!

I've struggled with anxiety/depression/panic attacks for the last 10 years or so. I was prescribed lorazepam to take as needed when feeling super anxious. I was also put on Lexapro at one point to combat anxiety and depression at the same time but it had some wonky side effects. I too reach for alcohol at times when I have random anxiety. I'm into craft beers and drink a few each night but you're not alone in this. Sometimes I'll grab the highest ABV beer I have in the house and down it ASAP when I feel super anxious/a panic attack coming on. Some might look down on that but I don't think it's much different from popping a xanax for the same reason. In fact, it hits faster and allows me to gather my thoughts and relax. I'm certainly no alcoholic - one beer will do the trick most of the time.

I'm not condoning this type of behavior. I don't want anyone to take this as some sort of advice. The reality of it is, we're all different and find different ways of coping with these types of issues. 

I'm actually scheduled to see a new GP this month and I will be looking for other ways to cope with anxiety and stress. Hope all goes well!

[Bishop]

A new doc will probably try another antidepressant. But another one he might try is Buspar, it's an anti anxiety med. It is hit or miss. For one person it might be a dream come true others nothing at all. I have that need an honest go and eventually dropped it cuz I didn't notice any changes but to be fair it was a extremely stressful time in my life. It takes a couple of weeks to build up in your sustenance but then it's supposed to prevent the anxiety in the first place. Since people require higher doses so keep an open mind. But you would definitely need another med in the meantime while it builds up in your system. Ironically my doctor told me to drop it and just stick with the clon cuz it was working and I only took it as needed and she wasn't worried about me getting hooked on it. Go figure. So keep an open mind and above all we're all so different so find what works for you and stick with it. And I won't do ssris because any medication that kills my sex drive is going to make me really depressed. Docs love to push Ad for anxiety but they aren't the same thing. Good luck. Hopefully your doc actually listens

[CoiledSpring]

Glad to hear you're doing better CoiledSpring!

I've struggled with anxiety/depression/panic attacks for the last 10 years or so. I was prescribed lorazepam to take as needed when feeling super anxious. I was also put on Lexapro at one point to combat anxiety and depression at the same time but it had some wonky side effects. I too reach for alcohol at times when I have random anxiety. I'm into craft beers and drink a few each night but you're not alone in this. Sometimes I'll grab the highest ABV beer I have in the house and down it ASAP when I feel super anxious/a panic attack coming on. Some might look down on that but I don't think it's much different from popping a xanax for the same reason. In fact, it hits faster and allows me to gather my thoughts and relax. I'm certainly no alcoholic - one beer will do the trick most of the time.

I'm not condoning this type of behavior. I don't want anyone to take this as some sort of advice. The reality of it is, we're all different and find different ways of coping with these types of issues. 

I'm actually scheduled to see a new GP this month and I will be looking for other ways to cope with anxiety and stress. Hope all goes well!

That's interesting to hear about mate - 

I was at the stage where I felt panic when I woke in the morning. So without any meds I had a couple of gins... yep sounds sad doesn't it?

Nobody can tell me that a 5 Valium tab a day is worse for me than starting with a couple of large gins or vodkas 

I haven't had a morning drink since my first meds - even on all inclusive when bars are open at 9am

---

A new doc will probably try another antidepressant. But another one he might try is Buspar,  it's an anti anxiety med. It is hit or miss. For one person it might be a dream come true others nothing at all. I have that need an honest go and eventually dropped it cuz I didn't notice any changes but to be fair it was a extremely stressful time in my life. It takes a couple of weeks to build up in your sustenance but then it's supposed to prevent the anxiety in the first place. Since people require higher doses so keep an open mind. But you would definitely need another med in the meantime while it builds up in your system. Ironically  my doctor told me to drop it and just stick with the clon cuz it was working and I only took it as needed and she wasn't worried about me getting hooked on it. Go figure. So keep an open mind and above all we're all so different so find what works for you and stick with it. And I won't do ssris because any medication that kills my sex drive is going to make me really depressed. Docs love to push Ad for anxiety but they aren't the same thing. Good luck. Hopefully your doc actually listens

This is what frustrates me

Good or bad Dr advice can make or break us.

I know how I work - I'm 43. I know that a shift from booze to meds to no meds will sort me but my dr says no to meds try meditation.

I mean I get the sentiment but ffs

[MUSEical]

Glad to hear you're doing better CoiledSpring!

I've struggled with anxiety/depression/panic attacks for the last 10 years or so. I was prescribed lorazepam to take as needed when feeling super anxious. I was also put on Lexapro at one point to combat anxiety and depression at the same time but it had some wonky side effects. I too reach for alcohol at times when I have random anxiety. I'm into craft beers and drink a few each night but you're not alone in this. Sometimes I'll grab the highest ABV beer I have in the house and down it ASAP when I feel super anxious/a panic attack coming on. Some might look down on that but I don't think it's much different from popping a xanax for the same reason. In fact, it hits faster and allows me to gather my thoughts and relax. I'm certainly no alcoholic - one beer will do the trick most of the time.

I'm not condoning this type of behavior. I don't want anyone to take this as some sort of advice. The reality of it is, we're all different and find different ways of coping with these types of issues. 

I'm actually scheduled to see a new GP this month and I will be looking for other ways to cope with anxiety and stress. Hope all goes well!

That's interesting to hear about mate - 

I was at the stage where I felt panic when I woke in the morning. So without any meds I had a couple of gins... yep sounds sad doesn't it?

Nobody can tell me that a 5 Valium tab a day is worse for me than starting with a couple of large gins or vodkas 

I haven't had a morning drink since my first meds - even on all inclusive when bars are open at 9am

---

A new doc will probably try another antidepressant. But another one he might try is Buspar,  it's an anti anxiety med. It is hit or miss. For one person it might be a dream come true others nothing at all. I have that need an honest go and eventually dropped it cuz I didn't notice any changes but to be fair it was a extremely stressful time in my life. It takes a couple of weeks to build up in your sustenance but then it's supposed to prevent the anxiety in the first place. Since people require higher doses so keep an open mind. But you would definitely need another med in the meantime while it builds up in your system. Ironically  my doctor told me to drop it and just stick with the clon cuz it was working and I only took it as needed and she wasn't worried about me getting hooked on it. Go figure. So keep an open mind and above all we're all so different so find what works for you and stick with it. And I won't do ssris because any medication that kills my sex drive is going to make me really depressed. Docs love to push Ad for anxiety but they aren't the same thing. Good luck. Hopefully your doc actually listens

This is what frustrates me

Good or bad Dr advice can make or break us.

I know how I work - I'm 43. I know that a shift from booze to meds to no meds will sort me but my dr says no to meds try meditation.

I mean I get the sentiment but ffs



My doc put me on Lexapro for anxiety. My girlfriends doc put her on Trazadone for anxiety/insomnia. Seems to be the way medical professionals are leaning these days. Seems like it's working for her so you might ask your doc about it.

[CoiledSpring]

Glad to hear you're doing better CoiledSpring!

I've struggled with anxiety/depression/panic attacks for the last 10 years or so. I was prescribed lorazepam to take as needed when feeling super anxious. I was also put on Lexapro at one point to combat anxiety and depression at the same time but it had some wonky side effects. I too reach for alcohol at times when I have random anxiety. I'm into craft beers and drink a few each night but you're not alone in this. Sometimes I'll grab the highest ABV beer I have in the house and down it ASAP when I feel super anxious/a panic attack coming on. Some might look down on that but I don't think it's much different from popping a xanax for the same reason. In fact, it hits faster and allows me to gather my thoughts and relax. I'm certainly no alcoholic - one beer will do the trick most of the time.

I'm not condoning this type of behavior. I don't want anyone to take this as some sort of advice. The reality of it is, we're all different and find different ways of coping with these types of issues. 

I'm actually scheduled to see a new GP this month and I will be looking for other ways to cope with anxiety and stress. Hope all goes well!

That's interesting to hear about mate - 

I was at the stage where I felt panic when I woke in the morning. So without any meds I had a couple of gins... yep sounds sad doesn't it?

Nobody can tell me that a 5 Valium tab a day is worse for me than starting with a couple of large gins or vodkas 

I haven't had a morning drink since my first meds - even on all inclusive when bars are open at 9am

---

A new doc will probably try another antidepressant. But another one he might try is Buspar,  it's an anti anxiety med. It is hit or miss. For one person it might be a dream come true others nothing at all. I have that need an honest go and eventually dropped it cuz I didn't notice any changes but to be fair it was a extremely stressful time in my life. It takes a couple of weeks to build up in your sustenance but then it's supposed to prevent the anxiety in the first place. Since people require higher doses so keep an open mind. But you would definitely need another med in the meantime while it builds up in your system. Ironically  my doctor told me to drop it and just stick with the clon cuz it was working and I only took it as needed and she wasn't worried about me getting hooked on it. Go figure. So keep an open mind and above all we're all so different so find what works for you and stick with it. And I won't do ssris because any medication that kills my sex drive is going to make me really depressed. Docs love to push Ad for anxiety but they aren't the same thing. Good luck. Hopefully your doc actually listens

This is what frustrates me

Good or bad Dr advice can make or break us.

I know how I work - I'm 43. I know that a shift from booze to meds to no meds will sort me but my dr says no to meds try meditation.

I mean I get the sentiment but ffs



My doc put me on Lexapro for anxiety. My girlfriends doc put her on Trazadone for anxiety/insomnia. Seems to be the way medical professionals are leaning these days. Seems like it's working for her so you might ask your doc about it.

Thanks MUSEical - I am in the process of changing NHS drs in any event.

I'll do some research on these