1. < Osteoporosis & Bone Health

Xanax or Valium to calm nerves before first Reclast infusion?

Posted by mackie42 @mackie42, Mar 1 1:32pm

I was wondering if anyone has used a Xanax or Valium to calm their nerves before going for their first Reclast infusion? I am switching from Prolia (which I never had any side effects from) to Reclast and I'm very anxious about doing this. My doctor said that most people tolerate it very well with very little side effects, mainly flu-like symptoms, headaches, chills & fever for the first day or two, but after reading some comments here, I'm feeling a little nervous and thought perhaps something to calm me down might be a good idea. Any thoughts?

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Sue Ellen Murrey | @semurrey | Mar 17 9:32am
In reply to @mackie42 "Well, I had my first Reclast infusion yesterday. I ended up not taking any anti-anxiety medication..." + (show)
@mackie42

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.

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This is so good to hear! My breast cancer med, Letrozole put me into osteoporosis and while Reclast was an option at 58 yrs old I was so scared of feeling lousy for many days (is a slight risk symptoms linger) I opted for weekly pill, Fosamax but won’t know for a year if getting absorbed etc. stay in touch on any side effects ! Xo

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bigcaat | @bigcaat | 1 day ago
In reply to @babs10 "You could but be very mindful b/c they are SO quickly addictive (b/c benzodiazepines provide such..." + (show)
@babs10

You could but be very mindful b/c they are SO quickly addictive (b/c benzodiazepines provide such quick and nice relief) and that creates a whole other set of problems and concerns.

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That's ridiculous. And not helpful. No one is going to get addicted to benzos by taking them one time for anxiety. Please don't spread disinformation.

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bigcaat | @bigcaat | 1 day ago
In reply to @windyshores "I don't see a problem with that as long as you aren't driving! Hydrate, take tylenol,..." + (show)
@windyshores

I don't see a problem with that as long as you aren't driving!

Hydrate, take tylenol, ask for a slow infusion. Let us know how you do. Many do absolutely fine!

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So a slow infusion leads to less side effects? I get my first on Friday and I'm really nervous. I would take a valium but I don't have anyone to drive me or come with me. Which makes me even more nervous.

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1 reply
bigcaat | @bigcaat | 1 day ago
In reply to @babs10 "I'm curious about the difference btw addicted and dependent. Thanks." + (show)
@babs10

I'm curious about the difference btw addicted and dependent. Thanks.

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In the simplest terms, if you are addicted, you are taking them to the point where you are not taking them for the condition as much as to get rid of emotional pain, and it's use negatively affects. your life.

Dependence, OTOH, is taken as needed for pain, or anxiety or whatever (depending on benzos. opioids, etc.) and the use of them IMPROVES your quality of life by controlling the problems they are made for and you are taking them for.

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windyshores | @windyshores | 1 day ago
In reply to @bigcaat "So a slow infusion leads to less side effects? I get my first on Friday and..." + (show)
@bigcaat

So a slow infusion leads to less side effects? I get my first on Friday and I'm really nervous. I would take a valium but I don't have anyone to drive me or come with me. Which makes me even more nervous.

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@bigcaat hydration and slow infusion help my kidneys tolerate Reclast and others on this forum have said it helps with side effects.

Personally I have found the infusion relaxing. Mine lasted an hour, I brought phone and book, nurse brought me water.

Sometimes anticipatory anxiety is worse than the actual experience. I am like that with flying. If you are nervous now, take 1/2 Xanax or whatever you have, or take it tomorrow. But don't drive on Friday with it in your system!

You will be fine! You might feel fluish for a few days, just as some of us do with vaccines, but no big deal and tylenol helps. Let us know how it goes!

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lkel | @lkel | 12 hours ago

I infuse (via pump) human antibodies once a week. It's about a 3 hour process. It is common to take Benadryl before infusing. I took it the first dozen or so times but have not used it since.

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1 reply
windyshores | @windyshores | 10 hours ago
In reply to @lkel "I infuse (via pump) human antibodies once a week. It's about a 3 hour process. It..." + (show)
@lkel

I infuse (via pump) human antibodies once a week. It's about a 3 hour process. It is common to take Benadryl before infusing. I took it the first dozen or so times but have not used it since.

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Benadryl impairs driving unfortunately.

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lkel | @lkel | 10 hours ago

I'm fortunate that I can do my infusions at home (though I haven't taken Benadryl for some time).

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