I did not experience anxiety/panic after the surgery, but have had such episodes in my life.  I have also needed help with sleep, and in the past also been on Xanax for anxiety.

My first question would be to ask, who prescribed the Lunesta and Xanax?  Your primary doc, or a psychiatrist?  I would encourage you to discuss your symptoms with a psychiatrist.  Second, are you in therapy?  I would suggest you explore these episodes with a therapist.

What I have learned from my own experience is deep breathing exercises to cope with panic/anxiety.  I practice deep breathing several times a day, as well as when I am panicky.  Panic attacks only last about 6 minutes in general.  Deep breathing at the start helps get the oxygen to all parts of the body, which helps the body to physically respond to the rush of adrenaline.  That adrenaline is our fight or flight mechanism, and all the muscles tense up during that time.  The blood flow with oxygen helps relax them.  Plus, focusing on the deep breathing occupies the mind so the panic thoughts can't take over as much.

I hope this makes sense.  It has helped me tremendously.

Trish

Ditto on staying in close contact with the psychiatrist prescribing your meds.  It is vital that you work closely with the doc, and discuss all of your symptoms. 

Be safe.  Do you have any self-soothing skills you can use on a regular basis to help you ride out some of the extreme symptoms? 

Hugs,
Trish

I was already in therapy for 17 years when I had my surgery.  My eating disorder, Binge Eating disorder to be exact, was the reason I began therapy in the first place.  I later learned I had other diagnoses as well.  I have also done outpatient treatment for the eating disorder twice. 

I would not have been able to make some of the progress I have made if it were not for therapy.  Therapy is not a curse.  Therapists, the ones I work with as I am one myself, and the ones that have treated me, for the most part do not want to bleed you financially.  We ascribe to a code of ethics, and most live by that code.

Some helpful books to read while you journey include:

"The Beck Diet Solution" by Judy Beck.  It is based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
"Anatomy of a Food Addiction" by Anne Katherine.  It discusses the addictiveness of food and eating behaviors and the brain's chemistry.

Marie is right on both accounts.  OH changed this forum's name to Mental Health a while back, as it used to be the addictions forum.  AND, addictions are diagnoses in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, IV-TR, that psychiatrists and other mental health professionals use in treating mental illness.  Not to mention, for treatment, insurance companies tap into the mental health benefits for payments.

Hope this makes sense.

Trish

I'm having a really hard time getting to sleep - and staying asleep.  Many nights, when I've finally fallen to sleep, I wake up 1 to 2 hours later, with a sudden Anxiety/Panic attack.  I sometimes take Lunesta to help with sleep, but it does not always work.  I've also got Xanax to take for the anxiety, but have been told not to take it if I've already taken the Lunesta.  I have not taken Xanax in the past, and am a little worried about developing a tolerance or dependence on it.  Has anyone had similar issues, and how did you cope?  Thanks!!