bernie131
Member
Reged: 09/17/03
Posts: 112
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I need some suggestions on anxiety meds to help me from going crazy. I am constantly screaming at the kids and everyone else because of a build up of pressures from being a single mom, in extreme PAIN, with no insurance, taking care of my elderly father, low income, etc.. etc... I NEED some info on the BEST and CHEAPEST anxiety med to order so I don't go loco. Valium makes me sleepy and I want something to take during the day because I have kids to take care of and an entire household, ALL aspects (chores) tyically shared between (husband, wife, older kids) mine are under five. I have been going balistic lately and SO very much need some help with what anxiety medication that might work for me.
Thanks,
Any and ALL suggestions are warmly welcomed.
(Needless to say but I don't have allot of time to research it myself)
BK
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survivor
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yawkaw3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/22/03
Posts: 1193
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Ativan (lorazepam) works pretty well- good anxiety relief with minimal sedation compared to other benzos (though you can certainly take enough to fall asleep on it, and the first few days you may be tired). But overall, it is less sedating than Xanax and Valium, at least for me. Xanax is very effective, but it hits you hard- that may leave you too drowsy. Klonopin may not be what you're looking for- it lasts the whole day, Ativan can be taken for specifically stressful situations and kicks in quickly.
-yawkaw
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daddyj
Board Addict
Reged: 02/06/03
Posts: 368
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Hi Bernie,
New antidepressants that are effective for a biological based anxiety problems like Paxil and Effexor are generally pretty expensive. I probably wouldn't recommend self-treatment with these anyway. However, you might try going to an anxiety specialist at KU Medical Center or a local not-for-profit mental health center that would give you a cheap evaluation and you could find an online pharmacy that would be a lot cheaper than anywhere else. The upside is that they're not controlled substances.
Another possibility would be to try a muscle relaxer like Soma that has relaxant properties, but probably won't make you as drowsy as benzodiazepines like valium and xanax. The upside on this is that they don't cause physical dependence like benzo's and aren't controlled substances (at least not in Kansas).
Still yet, and if it works for you would be to try some herbal remedies. Valerian and Chamomile are well known for their calmative properties, again they cause a little drowsiness, but not nearly as much as prescription calmatives. They're readily available, non-prescription and can be quite reasonable. Sleepy time herbal tea contains Chamomile and putting 2 or 3 bags into a cup of tea can give quite a bit of relaxation. Some health food stores sell expensive concentrates, but usually also sell them in their natural form and it would be cheap for you to experimentally come up with a formulation that is suitable for you.
Feel free to PM me if you want to chat further off-board. I suffer from some of the same problems you do, so I would be able to discuss the things that help me.
BTW, I live in Wichita, so we're practically neighbors. 
take care,
J.
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Misty morning, clouds in the sky
Without warning, the wizard walks by
Casting his shadow, weaving his spell
Funny clothes, tinkling bell
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yawkaw3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/22/03
Posts: 1193
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Also, another thing I thought of, if you feel the need to be on a daily med, you might want to get on Generic Prozac, shouldn't be too expensive, and then take Generic Ativan as needed on difficult days.
-yawkaw
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Sabine
Newbie
Reged: 02/08/04
Posts: 35
Loc: U.S.
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Bernie:
If Valium makes you too sleepy, you might want to try Klonopin (clonazepam). A dose of .5 or .25 mg helps me with anxiety when I need it but doesn't make me too sleepy. Obviously, there are more conservative treatments you might want to try before benzodiazepines, though. Either way, I hope you get the help you need!
Sabine
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formerly "NewSimian" Registered 11/03
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wren
Enthusiast
Reged: 06/01/02
Posts: 284
Loc: up north & homesick for the di...
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HI Bernie! I really would consider calling your local mental center,I am sure your community has one.I am not sure about your particular state but most have laws that if you call them and feel you are in need of some mental health care they must see you within 48 hrs. I believe.Not only that but they are usually set up to pay on a sliding scale.You mentioned low-income so my guess with low income a few kids and taking care of an elderly dependent you would probably qualify for free care including your meds.Using OPs an IOPs can get expensive and is not always reliable.You sound as though you need help right now before you have a major melt down!!! Bless your heart I bet they will put you on an antidepressant and a valium/xanax type of med also.I would not wait ,make yourself call MONDAY MORNING!!!!! I know it can be hard to do,especially if you do not have someone there to make you but please give this a try.I am sure you will get your meds quicker and save yourself alot of money I am sure you could use elsewhere.You may also get some free counseling which I am sure would also be good for you,you have your hands full!!!If you need someone to talk to one on one you are welcome to PM me ,I will even PM you on Monday to see if you called them.I bet you will feel instant relief just knowing you have someone close by who can help you.I hope this helps some I really do...one other thing if you have not taken these meds before its a good idea to be under a DRs.care anyway so what works best for you.God Bless you and Take Care of yourself!!!! Wren
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sanclemente
Banned: also posting as Bruja
Reged: 01/18/04
Posts: 120
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With all respect, Soma is highly addictive. It actually contains the same ingredient that the old "mother's little helper's" in the 1950s, earyl 60's before good ole valium came out.
If a benzo is required, I strongly suggest Klonopin as it doesn't have that "buzz" so it is less likely to be abused. It also has a very long half life, unlike Xanax and Soma.
I have personal experience with this and it's nothing to play around with, especially when taken with other meds like hydro. It takes more & more to get the same effect.
I'd look up the details & post them - perhaps later. A Google should do the trick.
Take care all,
L
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plotinus
Enthusiast
Reged: 09/16/03
Posts: 277
Loc: California
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>> With all respect, Soma is highly addictive. It actually contains the same ingredient that the old "mother's little helper's" in the 1950s, earyl 60's before good ole valium came out.
What ingredient is that Laguna?
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yawkaw3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/22/03
Posts: 1193
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Soma (carisoprodol) is converted into meprobamate, which is the generic name for Miltown. The withdrawal from meprobamate is incredibly nasty...but it takes a LOT to develop any kind of dependence at all. It will happen in time though, given a high enough dosage (very high).
-yawkaw
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bernie131
Member
Reged: 09/17/03
Posts: 112
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How much? My doc has had me on Soma for a few years but just increase my dose from one a day to two a day. I didn't think that was a whole lot to worry about but the pharmacist gave me a warning and I said, Dr. J has been my doc for 18 years, he knows my whole LONG...hx of 17 surgeries, flesh eating bacteria, five auto accidents mennigitis, GI bleed, cervical Cancer, three back injuries SO...I think he knows what he is during and thru all this I have never been on any narcotics for a prolonged amount of time but I am at a point in my life that 2 Somas a day is the LEAST of my problems, thank you for your concern(pharmacist). With all do respect. See, I think I am ready for alittle aniexty med.
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survivor
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PrivateRealm
Threadhead
Reged: 03/18/03
Posts: 879
Loc: usa
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I am not really sure where to point you, though I have been on meds for mood stabalization and anxiety. I do think that probably a mood stabalizer would help you the most given the circumstances, though a DR would have to treat you and direct you as to which one. You local health dept. should be able to point you in the right direction.
I have been where you are. I am in your shoes on a daily basis. I have school during the day, work at night, and still can't pay bille or afford food some weeks. I catch myself yelling and screaming because I can't deal in any other way. I do feel like I am going crazy attimes. But, for me, it is a means to an ends. I hope to make a better life for me and my kids some day, and that carries me through.
I know that this is not much help, but feel free to PM me if you ever need and ear to listen.
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KeriAnne~~~
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take - but by the moments that take our breath away."
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tone
Veteran
Reged: 06/29/03
Posts: 554
Loc: Chicago
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well opioids certainly seem to help something like this, but nooooo they arent indicated for that, that would be baaaad, so you left with dulling, depressing benzos or life sucking antipsychotics
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lil_red
Stranger
Reged: 08/25/03
Posts: 16
Loc: California
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Well Bernie!
Since all meds effect people differently it's hard to really say and be sure it'll work ya just gotta try a few.
for me Xanax is the end all and be all, I can take it during the day and it doesn't make me tired and has helped tremendously with the pressure cooker syndrome where you feel like you're gonna throw stuff! It also helps me at night in a little higher dose to go to sleep and leave me without the usual hungover groggy feelings of many of the other meds.
It's fairly cheap now too! In the generic form which I find is just as good as brand!
So lots of good suggestions, good luck!
Be good to yourself!
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"Because I accept Life as Life, in my world nothing ever goes wrong"
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_medial_1
Newbie
Reged: 11/02/03
Posts: 40
Loc: North coast
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Just keep in mind withdrawl from this med can be devastating
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THINK..before you speak
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Trampy
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 04/02/02
Posts: 1241
Loc: Southwest U.S.
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After taking a history, a brief physical, and getting blood work (especially thyroid function) results, most doctors who would give benzos would start with Ativan, taken as needed, in conjunction with an SSRI like Paxil or Zoloft. They always prescribe an SSRI but some people fill the scrips and don't take them because of their side effects.
The main problem with using Ativan for chronic anxiety is that people often develop anticipatory anxiety because Ativan wears off quickly. People can have panic attacks just because they forgot to bring their pill bottle with them. OTOH, Klonopin is something taken every day as a preventive and it usually becomes invisible. Both of them usually cause some sedation that goes away in a few days for most people. I can have high mental function on either one of them with no sedation. Doctors have me on Klonopin now for several years at the same dose i started with, and there's no need to increase it. My guess is that if people need to increase their Klonopin dose, the doctor is giving them a dose that's too small.
Before taking anything, though, you DEFINITELY should have a thyroid blood test and the basic blood chem panel because hyperthyroidism can cause the symptoms you describe. You need to see a doctor to rule out organic causes. There are resources available for low-income patients. Call a crisis line to get some local referrals. Some places have quite adequate care for people with low incomes. Where i live, they can get treated better than at some HMOs and receive prescription medicines and office visits for free. For emergency care, go to the county clinic ASAP and worry about getting the financial aid later. They will send you a bill but you can usually work out the payment later.
If someone is on the verge of a breakdown (which sounds possible), it's like the saying "a stitch in time ..." Getting hospitalized for a breakdown would be devastating to you and the people who depend on you. Get help before it gets anywhere near that point. Don't worry about the cost. Your health is worth more than money.
Trampy
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Your mileage may vary ...
Edited by Trampy (02/22/04 09:21 PM)
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bhamdave
Threadhead
Reged: 01/11/02
Posts: 958
Loc: U.S.A.
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Like Trampy said, do see your local doc, as it could be something else.
It is cheaper than buying something that might and might not help. Best to be safe.
Good Luck
bhamdave
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AIDS
It's not YOUR problem (I hope that)
It's not MY problem (I know that)
But it is still OUR problem and WE know that!
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Auntiecyn2
Member
Reged: 01/08/02
Posts: 112
Loc: New England
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Bernie, you sound like me when I was hyperthyroid. Have you been tested? Even if that is the problem it will be a long time in getting it under control. All the suggestions have value but I would also like to suggest Beta Blockers. They are the treatment of choice when you are hyperthyroid and being tested and waiting for treatment. They run the gamut in price but I think Tenormin is the best. No side effects for most people either. They work by blocking that rush of adrenalin that makes you suddenly lose it. Any questions PM me.
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lemongrass
Board Addict
Reged: 09/23/03
Posts: 361
Loc: IL
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Ewww! Prozac had me bouncing off the walls! I was on these treatments for my Hep C in 2002 and one of the side effects was extreme anxiety. My doc put me on Prozac and I could not calm down for nothing! But then again, I understand that Prozac has differing effects for different people. I think there are better anti-depressents that also work in conjunction with anxiety. Just my .02 cents worth though.
lemongrass
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yawkaw3
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 03/22/03
Posts: 1193
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Yeah, there are much better antidepressants, I agree Prozac shouldn't be the first one given nowadays. But she doesn't have insurance and wanted something cheap- unfortunately it's the only modern SSRI that is available as generic.
-yawkaw
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nnmmddd
Stranger
Reged: 02/15/04
Posts: 9
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hi there
heres a site for you to check out for cheap drugs
medicinesinter.com on that site there so cheap you can try them all and your bound to find one you like.....but i would still say go for valium i love the stuff.......... from your happy and carm friend
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singlesu
Member
Reged: 06/07/03
Posts: 143
Loc: kentucky
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Bernie, you said all suggestions welcomed, so I'm going to take this topic in a completely different direction.
I have been on xanax and klonopin for sleep only because if I take them in the daytime, I really feel like a zombie, and in my humble opinion, they are really hard to get off of.
So here is my suggestion, and it is really working for my depression and anxiety, and that is exercise. Not too many years ago, I had really put on a lot of weight and decided to start walking everyday. Those walks not only helped me take the weight off, but I felt wonderful afterwards.
I've pretty much given up on all of the meds except for one, and now force myself to go out everyday, no matter what the weather is like, and take a brisk walk. It has done wonders for me in the past 6 months. It clears my head and I feel totally refreshed afterwards and can tackle just about anything.
And the best part about this exercise thing is that it is totally Free 
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"I know I'm crazy cause I've got papers to prove it"
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Karma2678
Enthusiast
Reged: 07/23/03
Posts: 200
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Hi Bernie, I completely understand how you feel. I am not a single mother, but my husband works very very long shifts and is out of town a great deal. I am a mother a student and own a personal care home in my home for the elderly. So many of the elderly people I take care of have family that never even come to visit and if I need them to do something for there family they act as if I have completely ruined there day! So I commend you for taking care of your father in his time of need. It is a very stressful task to say the least! Every day I feel like I am going to lose it!! If you ever need to talk I am here and would love to vent to you and let you do the same! As far as an anxiety medication it would be easy to just order up something online to help you, but who knows if it would actually work for you. What works for one may not work for you then you would have wasted money in the process of trying out differnt meds. The cost of using an OP is about double in price of the meds than at your local pharmacy. I know you don't feel like you have time to take time for yourself with everyone else needing you. But, if you lose it completely you will not be there for anyone for alot longer time. Please put your health at number one priority make yourself an appointment at a mental health clinic. There are usually mental health clinics that charge you based on your income go in and talk with the dr about your symptoms and get the help you need. It is not a good idea for us to suggest a medication considering we don't know your medical history and are not dr.'s. I also make the mistake of not putting my needs first ever, but you will be a better caregiver to your father and children if you are one to yourself as well.
GODD LUCK!
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~~~ Karma ~~~
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zoe11
Journeyman
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 87
Loc: Other side of the moon
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Bernie -- wow, you have a lot on your plate. What are you doing you you? It's really hard taking care of the entire world isn't it?
I agree with most of the posters. Go call your local mental health agency. Being low-income is a good thing as far as this goes because you could qualify for some psychotherapy and other community resources that could help you as well as medications. I would be very careful with tranquilizers for situational STRESS like this. I DO NOT mean that you aren't completely stressed out, as you are. If you were my client (I am a psychotherapist), I would ask you to see a primary care doc for some anti-depressents, which you could be prescribed at our mental health center in my state. Perhaps a few tranqs to get over the hump, but I would rather see you get some therapy and rest and time to care for you. Is there a crisis nursery in your area where you could take you kids for a break? It's a healthy sign to call and say, "I need a break." Everyone does. Especially you wonderful personal care givers. But, Bernie, you need to care for you. If your cup isn't full, how can you care for the world?
Take care kiddo. What a brave thing you did to look for help with us. Take that step tomorrow and look for more support. Maybe even a women's support group.
z
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tone
Veteran
Reged: 06/29/03
Posts: 554
Loc: Chicago
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my doctor gives me two meds: tramadol and xanax. i barely use xanax becuase i dont like it. i end filling it only once every 3 or 4 months and using it sometimes for sleep only. i dont not like to take something that increases tiredness and depression + has no effect on my kind of anxiety. but i am very different xanax helps most people with anxiety.
perhapes you could try a combo of the minimum dose of risperdal (one 8th of a milligram bedtime) which is an antipsychotic, and a low dose of a benzo with a long half life. but like valium, these too can make you tired and if the minimum dose of these dont cut it i wouldnt bother with trying to go up and getting more tired.
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bernie131
Member
Reged: 09/17/03
Posts: 112
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Thanks everyone, I am considering calling my PCP to see what he thinks. I have an appointment with a neurosurgeon on March 22 for my deteriorating L-5,S1, hoping for some help. I have been thru PT, pain clinics, epidurals, TENS unit, hot tub, every back device made, chiropractors, accupuncture, etc.. etc.. I have a court date in the morning for a lawsuit against Research Hospital for getting the flesh eating bacteria but my lawyer withdrew so I am going by myself to beg for a continuous. Lawyers think I don't have much of a chance to prove I contacted during surgery because I worked as a Paramedic at the time. My siblings only call here for favors and to borrow money from my dad but they won't ever help me take care of him. I foster 13 bunnie rabbits and I am down to two dogs because everyone knows I am a sucker for animals and kids so I always hear, "Well if you can't take them them we have to put them to sleep," and I will come over and help you". HA!
I finally got the House Rabbit Society to help me, they are great people. I am afraid Doctors are afraid to deal with me because of the lawsuit. My doc has me on Soma and Amitripyline and finally gave me one script for Hydro 5/500 but they are gone and he wants me to use Ultracet so I was relectant to ask for an aniexty med but I SO need it, I hate how I have turned into a screamer and feel so overwelmed. I just got another request from my neighbor to watch her boys after school because she got a 3-11pm job. That was ALL I needed and my phone rings off the hook for favors to run errands,pick up people, give rides, babysit, medical opinions(I know emergency medicine) not chronic long term problems in detail. Unless you have an arterial bleed people think you are not in extreme pain. So I know I have a catch 22 situation but expressing it on paper like this is just as good and getting ready, traveling mucho distance and setting in an pysch office(which I have done many times)to get it out. (Plus saves money) which I don't have. I want to have surgery if the neurosurgeon says so, I have to have $295.00 just to show up for the appointment. I have no insurance. SO....anyway life goes on and so will I. Thanks everyone for all your thoughts and suggestions. P.S. They are still welcomed.
Thanks,
Bernadette
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survivor
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bernie131
Member
Reged: 09/17/03
Posts: 112
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What are the symptoms of hyperthroidism?
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survivor
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Karma2678
Enthusiast
Reged: 07/23/03
Posts: 200
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I did a search on Hyperthroidism - Graves Disease and this is what I came up with:
Hyperthroidism is an excess of thyroid hormone resulting from an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms can inculde increased heart rate, weight loss, depression, cognitive slowing, pain in the bones, joints, and back bone pain and tenderness. Treatment is by medication, the use of radio active iodine, thyroid surgery, or reducing the dose of thyroid hormone.
Hope this helps.
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~~~ Karma ~~~
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D2003
Member
Reged: 12/12/03
Posts: 193
Loc: Texas
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I don't mean to sound nasty with this, but I am sure someone will take offense.
I've been in your position. Too many health concerns, and being overwehelmed by the demands of other for my help. No one was willing to assist me, and I was, like you, turning into a screaming meanie.
I found the use of the word, NO, to be extremely beneficial to my health, and preventing me from being that screaming meanie. Used wisely, and with the right degree of force (when it was needed) was very useful in getting my stress levels back to something approaching sane. I did not listen to the emotional blackmail of "If you don't do X, then I will have to do Y." From the sounds of it, that is some of what you are getting. Emotional blackmail from people who should know better.
Learn the wise and caring use of the word, NO, and I think you will find you have the energy to do the things you want to do, and not turn into the screaming meanie you are becoming.
Just a thought.
D2003
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debby
Journeyman
Reged: 11/17/03
Posts: 76
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You sound like you have alot on your plate. I went thru something very similar about 10 years ago, found out my problem was early menopause, your probably too young for that but the symptoms sound the same. My ob/gyn put me on prozac and when needed ativan. This combination has helped alot with the mood swings. You said your in pain, but not what kind, soma might do the trick for your anxiety and pain. It is tuff with no insurance, soma can be found fairly inexpensive. I was wondering if your dad has some kind of insurance, if so maybe it would cover someone to come into your home and take care of him for a few hours a day. Before my mother in law died (I belileve she had medicare) paid for someone to take care of her a few hours a day. Feel free to PM me.
good luck
debby
Good luck 
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hilarylp
Member
Reged: 07/06/02
Posts: 106
Loc: Corporate Droneville
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D2003, I was thinking the exact same thing. Bernie, look at it this way, by trying to be all things to all people, you are neglecting the most important person-YOU! If you burn yourself completely to a crisp, you will be good to NO ONE, least of all yourself. (I hope that didn't come off the wrong way...) Saying no isn't something to feel guilty about. If people don't understand, they will get over it. They are obviously pretty self-centered to see what an overwhelming situation you are in and have no qualms about heaping more s%&t onto your plate. Once you get used to telling people no, you will wonder how you went so long not doing it! From my own experience, the word NO liberated me!! Take care of you, you deserve it!!
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hilarylp
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