what is the best way to treat anxiety disorder

Hi, Anon,

One of our EmpowHer writers, Jody Smith, also has CFS and has written a lot about it. You might be interested in reading some of her posts:

https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2010/02/23/my-top-ten-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-warning-signs-impending-crash

https://www.empowher.com/wellness/content/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-physical-symptoms-affect-my-mental-health

https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2010/03/23/beating-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-ten-ways-i-reduced-my-chemical-exposure

https://www.empowher.com/search/google?cx=001740413268797642882%3Axdyajny4mzk&cof=FORID%3A11&query=chronic+fatigue+syndrome&form_build_id=form-9402b68482c680de523adbfac117e90f&form_token=a598e24edca16b4199129606b654c968&form_id=google_cse_searchbox_form#860

Regarding the Xanax, how often do you take it? And how often do you take the Klonopine?

What kind of doctors are you seeing for help with your CFS and for your anxiety disorder?

Hi Anonymous,

Great question. The short answer would be yes! Xanax are known to cause short term memory issues.

Here is a long answer. Xanax and Klonopin are generally prescribed for anxiety. They both are benzodiazepines which not only cause addiction but they also cause many other side effects. The best description I found about memory issues was on the American Family Physician website that described the information listed below.

Memory Impairment
Benzodiazepines induce anterograde amnesia, which accounts for the beneficial effects of benzodiazepines such as midazolam (Versed) for presurgical medication. These specific amnestic effects appear to be separate from sedation.11 Episodic memory (the remembering of recent events and the circumstances in which they occurred and their time sequences) is particularly impaired and more markedly so in heavy alcohol drinkers who also use benzodiazepines. Specific deficits in visuospatial ability and sustained attention have also been described in patients who have taken therapeutic doses of benzodiazepines regularly for longer than one year.13
Think of this.... benzodiazepines are literally created to cause amnesia (to relax and help with the ability to sleep!). Here is the full website that you may find interesting http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000401/2121.html. If you get an advertisement first, click on the skip button located at the bottom which will take you to the full description.

I hope this information provides some clarity. Have you spoken to your physician about this?