How to not OD on Tranquilizers Like Wynona Ryder

By now the news is out that Wynona Ryder had an OD on tranquilizers on a recent flight. Who can blame her for not wanting to fly without a little help? Still, an emergency landing would be pretty stressful! Here's how not to overdose on your ****.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a watch

1. Before your flight (or other anxiety provoking situation), try to get your anxiety under control. You might try cutting out sugar, taking a B12 shot, exercising or getting cognitive therapy. If these measures are not working, proceed to step two.

2. Check with your pharmacist to make sure that you are not taking any other medications that could interfere with your taking a tranquilizer like ****, Klonopin or Ativan. Oh, and don't drink grapefruit juice--it hinders your bodies ability to metabolize the drug.

3. Take ONLY the amount of tranquilizer (****, Klonopin, Ativan) prescribed by your doctor. Do not drink alcohol or take sleeping pills. Taking more tranquilizers than your doctor has prescribed or mixing them with alcohol and other substances can cause the type of overdose that Wynona Ryder had.

4. If you continue to feel anxious, do not take more tranquilizers. Resist the temptation to drink or take any other substances. Instead, try yoga breathing. Take a slow deep breath through your nose, counting to five. Hold for a count of five. Then release the breath slowly through your lips, as though you are slowly blowing out a birthday candle. Then take two normal breaths and repeat until you feel okay. Wynona, this technique can really be effective!

5. Take along a support person if possible. This person can help you stick to your resolution not to take more tranquilizers and may be a comfort.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor if betablockers would be right for you. They can ease some symptoms of panic, such as a racing heart, without having a tranquilizing effect. Inderol is an example of a betablocker.
• If you have an anxiety attack like Wynona Ryder did, resist the urge to avoid the situation in the future. Wynona is to be commended for getting right back on a plane that very same day!

[momoftwingirls]

on 12/5/2008 Wow, I had no idea. What is she doing these days, besides ODing? Yeah, I would rather not fly these days myself. Poor Wynona... 5*