“Debilitating anxiety attacks”
Hello. I have had extremely severe anxiety since about the age of 7, when I had a nervous breakdown, lost all my hair, and after a year of trying different medications was put on Xanax at the age of 7. It has always worked, and I have never abused it, unlike pain medication, which I was addicted to for years. I abused every prescription of opiate medication I was ever given, and then went to street painkillers such as r oxycodone and then fentanyl. As I saw my friend start to overdose because of this drug, I decided to get help. It took a lot of failed attempts at sobriety, after years of trying Suboxone came out and literally saved my life. I haven't touched an opiate in almost 5 years. My point in all of this is that I never even considered abusing my Xanax, even at my rock bottom with opiates. It was always more important to know that I had enough to last me. My panic attacks were, and still are, extremely severe. Because I am on Suboxone, I can not get a prescription for Xanax, so I am forced to buy them off the street. I had to resort to this after several trips to the E. R. for my panic attacks. Now people are pressing their own Xanax, and cutting them with fentanyl. In my small town of 27,000 people there have been 3 deaths due to fentanyl laced pills in the month. So I am back to square one. I do not want to die from an overdose when I am literally just trying to take care of my health. My question is, is it possible to get a prescription for Xanax, or any other fast acting anti anxiety benzo without giving up my life saving Suboxone? Please help.
Female | 49 years old
Medications: Suboxone
Conditions: Severe panic attacks
2 Answers
Hello: I see that you are chasing the tail with Xanax, even though you stated that never even considered abusing your Xanax, Have you ever seen a psychiatrist that specializes in anxiety disorders? There are a number of medications other than Xanax to treat anxiety disorders, these are the so-called SSRIs. At the same time you need to continue your detox and participate fully in their program. If you live close to a university that has a medical school, you can go there to get help or to get a referral.
It can be difficult to get both. However, purchasing them off the street can be detrimental to your health, as you know. Schedule a visit with a psychiatrist in your area to discuss your history and your unique situation.
