Xanax or Valium to calm nerves before first Reclast infusion?

@babs10 Here is a good explanation that I hope will answer your question.

Drug Dependence vs. Drug Addiction:

-- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/writing-integrity/202003/drug-addiction-vs-drug-dependence

Yes, thanks. My doctor ended up prescribing Buspar for me prior to the infusion because it's very mild with no major side effects. I'm not sure I'll even take it but it's nice to know I have something in case I experience some anxiety either before or after the infusion. I've always used deep breathing techniques to help me deal with feelings of anxiety which would be my first choice. By the way, my mother was on Ativan for years.

Thanks so much. So interesting and I learned a lot of new things. 🙂

Helen, this is a great article. Thank you! I was struggling with responding to the question and you made it unnecessary.
I often think of the difference this way- if you are dependent on a substance and run out, you might be uncomfortable and anxious. If you are addicted the substance and run out, you might seek to buy it ‘on the street.’
A very casual and non-official description.

@susanfalcon52. I was also struggling with figuring out how to explanation dependence vs. addiction. That's why I started poking around to see if I could find an article that looked reliable and valid and the one I posted did just that. I like your description. Also, dependence can be physiological or psychological as the article explains. I also explain addiction as dependence accompanied by cravings for more and wanting/needing increased amounts of the substance. The substance becomes the #1 priority in life over and above everything else including one's own children. An example I've heard: "I didn't drink around my children when they were little. But I made sure to put them to bed as early as I could so I could start drinking". This person told me that she knew she was placing more priority on the alcohol than her children. She knew without alcohol she'd be interacting more with her children. Yes, the children were safe but she was so intent on drinking that she was not "present" for her children.

Well, I had my first Reclast infusion yesterday. I ended up not taking any anti-anxiety medication beforehand. I'm happy to report that I had no side effects whatsoever from the infusion. As advised here, I drank 64 oz. of water the day before and several glasses of water and Tylenol prior to the infusion. Last night, I took some more Tylenol before bedtime. I plan to continue drinking lots of water today. My doctor told me that about 30% of people experience flu like symptoms and 23% joint pain. Today I'm feeling fine and very happy to have this behind me.

@mackie42 This is very good news. Thank you for coming back and sharing with us. I have found that if I face my fears and anxiety especially when I feel so avoidant that I want to run in the opposite direction that I feel accomplished and proud of myself. Please give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.

Thank you @mackie42. This is so helpful for the rest of us!

For years I took a Valium before things like MOHS surgery for anxiety. I recently took it prior to thyroid biopsy and the result was devastating. After the procedure going to a restaurant for lunch as I walked in I had a severe dizzy spell and fell on cement. I fainted and broke my shoulder in two places, the humorous and the socket. I have to wait 6 months for surgery for the humorous to heal. Also had a gash on my face. My blood pressure was so low when the ambulance came and the cause of my fainting. I also was taking hydrocodone for back pain and prednisone for PMR. I am 77 years old and the combination of drugs was potentially fatal. Be cautious about these calming drugs. My reaction changed over the years. I will never take another Valium.

Thank you for sharing, Mackie. This is encouraging and helpful. I will expect the same for myself in June!