Joe.
Take the time to skim through my blog and you will see that what we say is true, we have been there. And I am still here and sunny to even though we could leave. We really are here for you. So are the rest even though they are still working the program, we are all here for you. You can do this.
Some times when this happens it is because your calcium level is to low. Calcium is necessary to carry the messages across the synapses. For two years I took large doses of calcium and now I don't need it. I was so low on calcium that I lost it out of my teeth and the fillings all fell out.
I can not stress enough that I was a real mess and now I am not. Don't give up hope.
I also can not stress enough the benefits of journalling.
I refer to what happened to you as rebound, it probably has a proper name some where. The Xanax relaxed you but when you woke your subconscious that protects you said to the flight or fight system, this is not normal so you panicked but since it did not know what was not right about it it can't shut down. It has to have an all clear to do this. Journaling gives it the all clear and after a while of journaling you will do it with your mind alone.
Journaling puts the real and the imagined in perspective so the fight or flight can shut down and the panic go away. You will notice that during a full blown panic attack it is almost impossible to write anything. This is normal. The racing heart and shaking are preparation for flight as is the restricting blood to the extremities (getting cold) and the need to void. None of this can hurt you, it is just annoying. So back to journaling. When you write what is happening you tell your mind that what you are thinking is negative and wrong. This is the key necessary to shut down the Panic. It tells the fight or flight system there is no need for it.
The Xanax did not wear off, it has a twenty four hour half life, your body just recognized it as foreign, this will pass with time. Taking another would just put you back to sleep. You still have to journal even if it is after the effect.
Any questions just ask, we have been there, we can tell you what works for us.
Have you noticed that if you come to this site and vent how you feel better? Writing works, keep doing it.
We are here for you.
Davit.
