Xanax for Stimming

[Hedgehog Instigator]

http://www.counselheal.com/articles/9059/20140319/anxiety-drugs-stabilize-autistic-brains.htm

I did a little research to see if this is valid in the psych community, because I've been using xanax to stop myself from stimming. The question I ask is, 'is this debilitating?', generally I can take 4-6 hours of stimming straight until I've exhausted myself from pacing. So, if I allow myself to stim for 15-20 minutes I let it be and do what I need to, but if my need increases taking 1/2 a .25 tablet seems to stop the urge. Has anyone else experienced this, or know of any research in this direction?

 

[Butterfly88]

Do you stim because you are nervous? If so I think any anti-anxiety drug could be helpful, Xanax included.

 

[Hedgehog Instigator]

Do you stim because you are nervous? If so I think any anti-anxiety drug could be helpful, Xanax included.

I get overwhelmed, and it's like I'm numbing my senses.

 

[Butterfly88]

I see. Try to figure out why you are overwhelmed, if you can. Maybe there is something you can do about it.

 

[Hedgehog Instigator]

I see. Try to figure out why you are overwhelmed, if you can. Maybe there is something you can do about it.

I am doing something about it... I'm taking xanax. I get overwhelmed because sensory input plus all the thoughts I have is too much. Just post of my disability.

 

[Butterfly88]

I am doing something about it... I'm taking xanax. I get overwhelmed because sensory input plus all the thoughts I have is too much. Just post of my disability.

I hope the Xanax helps you. I understand it's a part of Autism. Some autistic people (such as myself) also have other mental health issues so I wasn't sure if you did.

 

[Hedgehog Instigator]

I hope the Xanax helps you. I understand it's a part of Autism. Some autistic people (such as myself) also have other mental health issues so I wasn't sure if you did.

Getting tested soon so we will find out all my co morbidity.

 

[Butterfly88]

Hope the testing goes well.

 

[Jacoby]

Maybe some other benzo would do you better, xanax is fast and short acting whereas klonopin for example is slow and is supposed to last all day. I pace a lot too when I'm anxious, I'm not a person that likes to sit still too often, I'd rather move around than wait. I hate waiting. Hopefully you find something that works for you.

 

[wyverary]

My non-professional opinion is that benzos are really a short term solution, and with most (with a few exceptions, like clonazepam, which I take to alleviate the side effects of quetiapine) one builds up a tolerance for them. You might be fine since your dose is so small.