I recently read in a post from Dr. Escapa that Benzo's can disrupt or even prevent extinction from taking place. I have had an anxiety disorder my entire life, and the last 5 years I have had extraordinary stress from a 5 year old divorce which is still in court, a recent business failure, a failed relationship, and a son heading into a combat zone. My doc has me on Xanax ER .05 twice a day, plus up to 3 X a day of the fast acting .05 as needed. I'm on 20mg. of Lexapro too. No wonder my units are all over the place. I have 10 months of TSM behind me, but the Xanax may explain why my results have vacillated from AF weeks to pre TSM drinking.Are there any effective substitutes for Benzo's that won't interfere with TSM? I wish I had known this before I started, as I feel I have wasted nearly a year. This info was not in the book.
Anxious AND depressed,
Retread

Ah retread, I am so sorry!! Now that you say this I am realizing that a couple of months ago I read the same thing, and after I did I stopped taking xanax. In my case, I was only taking 1/2 of a pill about once every one to two weeks when I could not sleep. It seemed like not enough to matter, but since I didn't HAVE to have it, I stopped. Since that my results HAVE been better, so maybe it made a difference.

As to whether there are any alternatives to the benzos, I don't know. Could you ask your doctor?

Sorry you have gone through this: the information should be more prominent.

xoxo Newlife

Retread,

I think Newlife is correct you might want to talk to your doctor. I know there are herbs that you can take; however, they will not be as strong as some drugs. I did find an article on the website below that maybe you can print out and show to your doctor and maybe he can suggest an alternative. My son has anxiety disorder and I had to take him to a psychiatrist for our family doctor could not get his meds right.


I wish you luck,

Jaba

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/762477

Thanks Newlife and Jaba, I have an appointment with my MD at 2:45 tomorrow. I WILL NOT throw in the towel. You're the best!
Retread

Retread,

I am glad you have an appointment. And I do hope he can figure what else to give you.

Keep us informed, for it might help others.

Jaba

Oh Retread - I am so sorry to read that about the Xanax - what a bummer for you ! I am so glad thought tha5t you have an appt tomorrow with your GP - hopefully you can find something else that can help - and no worries - it is NOT a wasted year - it is just all experience ! I know that
you will get there - hang in there !

Hugs, Maggie x

Retread, what a shock it must have been to find out that the Xanax might be interfering with your progress. I do remember reading that and thought I read it in the book, but must have read it elsewhere. I would occasionally take .25 mg alprazolam if I could not sleep, but I stopped that since starting TSM. I have been taking Natural Vitality Natural Calm Anti Stress Drink at night when needed instead and it seems to help. I am so glad that you were able to get in with your doctor so quickly. Please don't think of the last ten months as wasted time. Just acknowledging and focusing on the problem is time well spent.

Reading all that is going on in your life stresses me! I cannot imagine dealing with so much all at once. One of the best days of my life was when my divorce was final, and it was not even a contentious divorce. No closure after five years would make me crazy!

I hope you have time to report how the appointment goes tomorrow. Thinking of you and sending lots of healing energy.

Retread,

I am sure that you are still sitting waiting to talk to your doctor, but the suspense is killing me...what is the verdict?

Please post as soon as you can,

Jaba

Hey Jaba,
The news was not good. For the kind of anxiety I have, there is no good substitute for Xanax. My doc cut out the short acting and has me on Xanax ER 2X a day. Buspar and drugs like it just don't work. So, if it's true what Dr. Escapa posted that Benzo's prevent extinction, I have lost nearly a year and must find another way.
Despondent Retread

Retread,

I am just so sorry...I am crying for you! Please let us know what you have decided to do. Please contact the C-3 or options saves lives so they can reach out to dr. Eskapa and maybe he can figure something out for you. Please do not give up hope yet.

Jaba