Newbie

[T33]

Hi Everyone,

New member, released from the CF in 2009, injured in combat in Afghanistan in 2007 as a tank driver. Hit 2 IED's on seperate occasions. First one wasn't so bad, second one did allot of physical damage. Later diagnosed with severe PTSD / Anxiety / Depression. But the worst symptoms was the Anxiety and frequent panic attacks. Which kept getting worse over the years. Tried medications in the army, tried to go without for a year or so. FINALLY found a good combination, 20 Mg of Cipralex every day at dinner, and .25 mg of xanax immediately if I feel an attack coming on. Significant improvements of this combination, about % 80 less attacks and % 40 less anxiety. Felt compelled to share with those who may want to try a new medication, and happy I found this forum!

T 33

 

[Jimmy1]

Hey mate,

Firstly, welcome to the forum. We are all a crazy mixed up bunch from all different conflicts and from all over the world. Either take a seat and just read, or feel free to comment. The only real rule is common sense and courtesy.

Now down to your medication. Cipralex. We call it Lexapro over here and my MD and Psych think its an awesome anti-depressant. I am trialing a new one though and you can find that info under medications. As for the Xanax.
I have been doing a lot of investigation and study with anxiety of late. Unfortunately, even with all the therapy and coping strategies you could possibly learn, day to day good stress and bad stress can lead to anxiety problems. I myself have managed to deal with the majority of my other symptoms, but anxiety is one that just seems to hang on.

Benzodiazepines, for which Xanax falls under, are awesome for handling anxiety. Xanax is a fast acting and very powerful drug though, and can be easily addictive and also your body can develop a resistance to. If your not taking it regularly though, it can achieve a good result. I still have them in the cupboard for days when my relaxation techniques don't work.

If you read through some of the other posts, you will find one by the site founder, Anthony. It is about using a very small quantity of Valium, also a part of the same family; however, once again your body will build up receptors and you really need to stay off it from time to time to allow your body to reset.

The best avenue realistically though is grounding techniques. It just depends on where you get your attacks and when they happen. Will chat more if your interested.

Jimmy

 

[deborah l. boylan]

Hi T33! Welcome to the site. There are a lot of people who will listen and offer some great advise if you want it!

 

[T33]

Thanks for the warm welcome Deborah and Jimmy,
Yes Jimmy as for the xanax I have discussed it in depth with my Dr. as well, He is not a fan of the medication and nor am I as far as the complications it can lead to over long term use. I dont take it regularly however, just as you do I keep it in the cupboard for it is the only drug I have found if taken in time will actually stop or severely lessen a panic attack.

T33

 

[Wagon]

Welcome T33, You found a good place.

 

[Jimmy1]

Thanks for the warm welcome Deborah and Jimmy,
Yes Jimmy as for the xanax I have discussed it in depth with my Dr. as well, He is not a fan of the medication and nor am I as far as the complications it can lead to over long term use. I dont take it regularly however, just as you do I keep it in the cupboard for it is the only drug I have found if taken in time will actually stop or severely lessen a panic attack.

T33

Well mate, I smoked some good quality hydroponically grown green stuff for a couple of years and was convinced it was gods natural herb sent to cure everything. What it did was build up my pain receptors. So I have to take .75 - 1 mg to have any effect. The only other side effect is flatulence that would kill a mangy dog.

I can take Paracetamol Forte (with 60 mg codeine), and 10 mg of Valium with no effect too.

The doctor says it will take several years for those receptors to go back to normal. I have not smoked weed in 18 months now. Crossing my fingers.

But mate, its the best fast acting medication around I reckon. The only problem is that within half an hour you can't drive or really function that well. It kicks the shit out of the anxiety though.

 

[Ned]

Howdo T33. Yep sounds like you got the right stuff for the anxiety levels. That's what knackered me, the hyper-vigilance vicious circle. I was on the UK equivalent, same dose and it was a bloody revelation. Worked well and I reccommend it. Good to hear.

 

[T33]

Thanks again guys, just wanted to update you about the meds. It seems it was too good to be true, may be from my pain med (tramacet) or the cipralex, or the xanax or the combination. Starting to have very tired eyes, and double vision... not good, and im not even tired. 2 days like this, i'll give it one more, can't focus on anything...

 

[Fargo1]

Greetings T33, good to meet ya.

Fargo

 

[K-9 Al]

Welcome man! As other have said. This is a great place to get info or just to vent if you are having a bad day. There is no stigma here or judging. Your in a good place!

 

[abnvet]

Welcome to the board T33! Outstanding people here and many articles and resources to read and discuss

 

[Misera1013]

Welcome! Glad that you found us.