Xanax and the Rabbit Hole

[BeHereNow]

67. Can I introduce some science into anxiety disorder?

The scientists who study such things have found that many people
with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) have significant brain chemistry imbalances
due to child hood trauma.
I am one such individual.

I am fairly certain at this point that my father was bipolar, as was his brother.
The brain chemistry changes that can occur under living with a bipolar parent are
now well documented.

A very well intentioned doctor prescribed Zanax four years ago-
It was a disaster drug for me.

Two years ago- a very esteemed psych doctor in my area put me on 3mg of Ativan daily, taken as needed.
It completely changed my life- it gave me a life.
I have been on this medication regime for nearly two years- have never abused my prescription, as I understand many do.
and have regained my ability to HAVE a life. The incredible break through I had recently with my PD was that
I had lived with GAD since childhood! Which makes perfect sense given the studies they have done on the brain
and the PSTD that results from living with an abusive / manic -depressive parent-
but hallelujah! At lesst now I KNOW what has been wrong all these years- it has a cause and a CURE!


I have a daughter who is bipolar- something I would not wish on anyone.
But it happened, and I am no good for her healing with out healing myself.
And Ativan along with 150 mg of Wellbutrin has enabled me to function to my best
capacity as far as taking care of my daughter.

After her initial diagnosis five years ago- I was frozen.
Barely able to function due to my panic attacks- so how much help was I to her?

Drive on the freeway to a therapist/doctor appointment?
NO WAY- I was panic stricken, sleep deprived and just a notch above her mental state.

Zanax was an very destructive drug for me-

Ativan, on the other hand has proved extremely beneficial for my day to day functioning.

What I have learned about medications is there is no "magic bullet" for any one.
It is all trial and error because we are all "snowflakes."

No medication is going to work the same for any two people.

For those who have struggled with Zanax though- I can tell you, for me,
Ativan has provided the benefits of stopping panic attacks with out the side effects
of some of the older medications, like ZANAX. Evil drug in my book.

BHN