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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Xanax and clusters
        
(Message started by: Kenzie60 on Apr 11^th, 2003, 7:36am)

Title: Xanax and clusters
Post by Kenzie60 on Apr 11^th, 2003, 7:36am

I was just wondering if anyone out there uses Xanax for the panic that comes with the clusters. I find that when I feel a cluster coming on, I start to get very severe panic attacks. These have just started this cycle. I have been having constant shadows for days now and I know that the big one is just waiting for the right time to appear. (Doen't it always.) The imitrex injections have stopped working for me and none of the pills work either. Any advice??????

Roseanne

Title: Re: Xanax and clusters
Post by amber on Apr 11^th, 2003, 12:41pm

Hey Roseanne

I don't know if that would help, but I am on Effexor XR, which is an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant. It could be why I still freak out, but not as much as I could.
Keep in mind, the pain is still very much active, but it may make it easier to handle.

The fact is that anxiety and depression are very common with chronic pain (i should know...not only do I have it but I just looked through about 30 medical journals about women and chronic pain). Sometimes it's worth taking something, sometimes it isn't. It's really up to you if you feel you need the support.

Hope you find some relief :) I know I'm lookin for some....
Amber

Title: Re: Xanax and clusters
Post by dbeave1900 on Apr 11^th, 2003, 1:19pm

Anyone tried the herb 'feverfew'? it grows like a weed around here (Texas) and I have much less severe episodes when i eat a couple leaves a day.

Title: Re: Xanax and clusters
Post by michaelc on Apr 11^th, 2003, 2:39pm

I took a standardized extract of feverfew during this springs cycle, it SEEMED to reduce the intensity about 10%, but not much. It helps reduce platelet aggregation and the release of 'pain mediators', but you have to have it in your system for a while.
Overall it didnt help the pain 2 much for me, but i think it might have other health benefits to take it during a cycle.

xanaxes dont help at all w/ the pain, but a little with the dread of an approaching CH.
BUT they are also VERY addictive and you may eventually find yourself taking them before you even experience the pre-CH-anxiety to "pre-emptively" attack it, lol. So be careful! ::)

Title: Re: Xanax and clusters
Post by Wendy1 on Apr 11^th, 2003, 5:13pm

I have found my last few cycles that if I start to get 'worked up' it can very easily trigger a h/a. If I feel like this is starting I take an Xanax to calm down some.

Title: Re: Xanax and clusters
Post by Kenzie60 on Apr 12^th, 2003, 2:12pm

I feel the same way about relieving the anxiety of an attack with a Xanax. It seems to keep me calm during an attack. Thanks for listening.
Roseanne

Title: Re: Xanax and clusters
Post by kingsiren on May 5^th, 2003, 1:28am

I take Xanax from time to time for anxiety and I wonder if it has any effects on my CH's. When I am getting alot of shadows I have a hard time sleeping and I get pretty upset. If I take a Xanax or even sometimes smoke a little Mary Jane, it calms my nerves and helps me sleep. It does nothing for the pain at all but it helps me get through the episodes. Hey, whatever gets you through the night. Good luck!