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Global Patient Feedback for Alprazolam ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I take 1mg two-three times daily of Xanax and I'm pregnant I stopped taking them the first trimester like my doctor said but I still hear things about it being a huge risk from my pharmisist I was put on Lexapro and when I took it I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin and my panic went through the roof I have been battling this for 6 years now and have been put on so many things at once and taken off of them one by one to see what my reactions were Xanax is the only thing that can actually make me fall asleep and not get a "high" from I don't feel doped up or anything when I am put on it but If I plan to have more children then what do I take? Im 8mos and healthy I work out everyday day and feel better than ever! But this scares me I brought it up to my doctor and he said he wouldnt want to risk my health after my son is born and that is why he put me back on it after my first trimester do the benfits really outweigh the risk in this case?
22 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-29 19:48:24
Answer/Reply:
While i was pregnant with my triplets they refused to give me anything for my panic/anxiety disorder so i had to suffer them out and they were horrible. they told me they couldnt give me anything at all for it because i was pregnant. and this a catagory c drug which isnt good for the baby.
35 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-30 11:04:44
Answer/Reply:
Have they evaluated you for bipolar disorder? If you have bipolar disorder, taking an antidepressant alone may make the manic part worse. Anxiety, crawling out of your skin, jittery,angry, etc.
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-02 11:29:24
Answer/Reply:
I know what your saying. I had to go off all the medications I was taking so I could have children. The doctor and I had talked about the risk. I wanted children for so long and felt I had a small window to do it. I had to do fertility injections to get pregnant (15mos). After having my twins and nursing for 7 weeks I started back on my medications. I thought I would not have to worry about getting pregnant again because of all the trouble I had. I was WRONG. My twins were 8 weeks old, the doctor had released me in good helth and the hubby couldn't wait any longer. I was pregnant again. I called my OB doc right away. At this time I was 6 weeks. I knew I could not just stop my meds like before. When I got in to the doctor 8 weeks pregnant things seemed to be okay. He wanted to see me again in 2 weeks because I was now considered high risk. 10 weeks I was still pregnant but the baby had no heart beat. I was heart broken. The doc told me I could wait for my body to reject the baby which could be the next day to full term or he could schedule me for surgery. I chose surgery. I told the doc that I could not do this again and chose to have my tubes tied. This had been my third miscarage. I knew I was done. If later I decide I want more children I will adopt or take in foster children. I hope this helps you decide what is more important. Good Luck and God Bless.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-06 10:30:51
Question/Comment:
My doctor has me taking Pristiq daily and xanax as needed. I found that taking a regular SNRI or similar med helps but xanax helps when I have anxiety attacks. I tend to also take this when I can't stay asleep some nights due to anxiety, which happens infrequently.
33 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-27 05:11:56
Question/Comment:
I've been taking Xanax for 2 years now. I knew ahead of time that it can be very attictive, so when the doctor told me to take it three times a day..I took it twice a day, unless I needed it for the unexpected anxiety attack. Now, I only take them if I truly need it. I don't see any reason to take it three times a day, if it's not neccisary that often.
35 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-21 15:17:56
Question/Comment:
Been taking 1-2 mg of Xanax for 23 years. I have always found that it work well but still had anxiety problems. My doctor would not increase my dose, but gave me Librium 10 mg to take in between my morning Xanax and my evening Xanax if needed. It helps a lot! Prior to that I was taking 8 mg of Klonopin a day and that did not work at all, not even at that dosage.
44 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-17 16:52:00
Answer/Reply:
also please get your thyroid levels checked. anxiety and depression could mean hormone levels are imbalanced. also thyroid patients who are not treated could lead to major heart failure and energy levels down.
43 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-28 23:17:13
Question/Comment:
i've been off and on xanax 2mg now for 2 years for severe anxiety/panic disorder, and am now on carbotral as well for bipolar. these are the only ones that work for me. I've tried valium, zoloft, lexapro, none worked. then again not everyone has a set of 2 year old triplets either!
35 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-12 23:52:36
Answer/Reply:
Wow for your, triplets that is a handfull! You have a lot of options I take Lamictal which is also an anticonvulsant and has the best best patient ratings. The key is researching other drugs like cymbalta, seroquel, and many other products out there that may reduce the need for the xanax since you say you have only needed for two years it could just be the stress, I know I would need about 10 mgs LOL It is important to know how long you have had these problems and if it depression, bi-polar, seizures-petite mal, anxiety etc..... my advise as a patient of many years is become your own advocate, of course when you have time (no, you have to make it) and really figure yourself out before medications. Once you and your doctor decide though you have to take exactly as described or they will not work. Good luck!
39 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-21 18:34:41
Answer/Reply:
Taking care of 3 babies is hard on the nervous system unless you have little angels.
If you need a Xanax take it, as long as it doesn't interfere with the babysitting.
You have really been blessed. I will baby sit for you if you live in NC. I just love babies.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-11 02:48:44
Answer/Reply:
Be careful taking xanax on and off. I did that for years. I have really bad anxiety as well as fibromyalgia. Then out of no were I started having grand mal seizures. They determined it was from fatigue and withdrawals from xanax. I had gone through a period were I had taken my xanax regularly. Twice a day as prescribed by my doctor. Then I couple of times I didn't feel too anxious so I didn't take it. That was the common factor in all of my seizures. I found out that is a common factor in a lot of seizures. People who suffer from from physical withdrawals of xanax can have seizures. And I am not just taking about pill popping xanax abusers. That warning label "Do not stop taking without discussing with you Doctor" is not be taken lightly. I have small children of my own. I had over 30 seizures in 8 months. I still take one xanax a day and that is part of my seizure treatment. You should study up on it. Once you start having them it is hard to get them under control. No one is safe from a seizure. Anyone can have on at anytime. Taking xanax and then stopping without weaning lowers your threshold to fight a seizure off.
Female 30
30 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-13 16:14:48
Question/Comment:
I TRIED AMBIEN AND IT DID'NT WORK I TRIED VALIUMS BUT HAD TO TAKE 4 1OMGS TO FEEL ANYTHING THEN I TRIED XANAX 2MG STICK AND IT WORKED FOR A FEW TIMES BUT IT SEEMS THAT ONLLY SOMAS HELP ME BUT I HAVE TO TAKE 3 PER DAY PLUS 1 AT BEDTIME IAM ALSO ON PERKS 10MGS 4 PER DAY ALSO OXYS 2 10MGS 3 PER DAY AND ALSO ON 30MGS OF MS COTIN (MORPHINE) I GET RID OF THE PAIN BUT IT COMES BACK EVERY 5 TO 6 HOURS WITH ALL THIS MEDS MY BACK HAS A LARGE FACTURE AND A SLIP DISCS SPINAL CORD IS EXSPOSED 6MM AND I HAVE BROSITIS IN MY HIPS TRIED THE SHOTS PT CHIRO I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING THE MEDS DON'T GET ME HIGH SO I KNOW THAT MAYBE ITS NOT STRONG ENOUGH AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO SURGERY NOT MY ANSWER I FEEL LIKE A LEGAL DRUG ADDICTED AND I'M 47YRS OLD ANYONE WITH ANY ANSWERS I HAVE BEEN TO 15 DRS MRIS XRAYS HELP
48 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-12 23:02:25
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
be careful of your tylenol/acetametefin count....maximum dose per day is 2000 mg. and long term use could damage liver.
Posted: 2008-12-19 08:09:53
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
IF YOU ARE TAKING ALL THOSE MEDICATIONS AND ARE STILL IN PAIN, I HONESTLY THINK THERE ARE NO OTHER DRUGS AVAILABLE. MAYBE YOUR SYSTEM BUIDS UP AN IMMUNITY TO THEM FAST. I HAD BURSITIS IN MY HIP SO BAD THAT SOMETIMES I WOULD FALL WHEN I FIRST GOT OFF THE COUCH, COULD NOT SLEEP ON EITHER SIDE (MY HIP HURT AND WOKE ME UP) I ALSO TRIED PHYSICAL THEARPY, DIDN'T WORK. FINALLY I HEARD ON T.V. THAT YOU HAVE TO MOVE. THAT WAS 3 YEARS AGO. I STARTED WALKING WITH A LIMP AND PIERCING PAIN AND HOLDING PRESSURE ON MY HIP. BUT AFTER 3 MONTHS OF WALKING 3 DAYS PER WEEK, SOMETIMES MORE. I WALKED 3 MILES WITH MY DOG. NY PAIN HAS GOTTEN BETTER. IF I SKIP EXERCISE MY BURSITIS SEEMS TO ACT UP AGAIN. IT NEVER GOES AWAY TOTALLY. BUT IT DISAPPEARS PRETTY GOOD WHEN I'M GOING FOR WALKS.
KATHY
Posted: 2008-12-19 20:39:52
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I so agree w/what your comments show. I have been on meds for pain and anxiety for 7 yrs now and have been to several different doctors. I finally found a pain management Dr. who actually did seem to care and tried to medicate properly, but for all people who actually try to manage a persons situation he came under too much scrutiny. I do want to say that the person who is writing about all those different types of meds to do the trick. YOU ARE ONLY MAKING IT WORSE. I truly know how you feel I have some of the same issues, but I can swear on the bible that if you keep taking SOMAS, KLONOPIN, VALIUM, OXY's,. PERKS you will kill yourself. The somas are great but they make your back pain even worse when you're not totally out of it. The valiums are such a mood swinger even if you don't know it much like an alcholic, klonopins make you blackout EASILY mixing w/other meds, OXY's wear off to soon and cost too much, PERKS are not worth the cost. Try methadone w'a xanax try 40 mg 10 4times day and I swear you can live a 1/2 normal existance. I promise you from a person who has tried everything you ALL have listed and this combo is best. Assuming you can find a Dr. who won't freak out when you say Methadone. Good Luck.
Posted: 2008-12-20 21:10:15
Answer/Reply:
What about Fentanyl patches my father has lung cancer with his lung removed in May he just finished an extensive chemo and radiation treatment since it had moved to his lymph nodes he said the 100 mgs was way too much for him. In addition to this he was taking valium 10's for spasms, compazine for naseau but he is back on Norco's and many other things. I hope everything works out my mother is chronically ill and has been for many years and uses 50 mgs patches (they have been split for 33 years) take care
39 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-21 18:08:34
Answer/Reply:
Has your MD talked to you about a Spinal Cord Stimulator? They are wonderful. They send tingles up and down your legs and spine and break up pain signals sent to the brain.
I had a ruptured disk with 6 botched up surgeries and lived in horrible pain until the SCS.
I have had one for over a year and am almost off all my meds. I was taking 40 mgs Oxycontin 3 X daily, and 2 more drugs which I have forgotten the names of, for about 4 years and now I don't take any.
This is heaven sent. You need to ask your MD about it. It really works..I totally recommend it to anybody that has back or neck pain.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-11 02:42:54
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
It sounds like you have some serious medical problems. I have 2 herniated discs. They cause low back pain. I use both Vicodin & Soma for that, although I don't take them every day. It doesn't sound like you know exactly what Soma is. It's a muscle relaxant, not a pain reliever (although it can certainly get rid of muscle pain). I use Xanax, too, although not for pain. I suffer from anxiety. Sometimes it does help with pain because it helps you relax.
I don't think that 'not getting high' is an indicator that a drug is not strong enough. I never get high from drugs. It's a good thing. If you only take pain meds when you need them for pain you're not going to get addicted. It's when you take them because they make you 'high' that's when you're in danger.
From what you said about your back, it sounds like surgery may be the only answer. And I'm not one to go into that kind of thing lightly. What are your objections to surgery?
If you would like to contact me directly (& if you trust me) my email is apacheking@ptd.net.
Kathy Cook, Newton NJ
Posted: 2009-02-18 18:43:18
Question/Comment:
I have been taking xanax for 12yrs I got a new Doctor and he took me xanax 1mg put me own clonazepam 2mgI thought was going to die he put me on Diazepam10mg it still did not help me then I was put back on xanax1mg now I'm back to myself Ihave been told they are all about the same well for me thats all B/S has anyone else had this to happen to them thanks for reading posted dec 05 2008
43 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-05 16:17:21
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Does anyone know what you call the site
above my heart where they would put
medicine in ,i supose while my aorta valve
surgery was going on.
I have pain ther now and then and would it be
from there or something to do with my heart?
I do take xanax and for anziety.It helps most of the time.
I'am worried it's from my heart or healing since they took
the line out where they put my meds in?
Thanks,Joyce
Posted: 2008-12-12 17:16:38
Answer/Reply:
I'm so scared that will happen to me. I've been taking Xanax for at least 10 yrs. The Doc I go to is an old-fashioned GP in his 70's. I'm so afraid he'll die and that a new Doc won't give me the Xanax. Yes, they are dependent and the only way to get off them is to very slowly wean. I had a friend who (like me) was taking them as prescribed and she could not wean no matter what she tried. Finally she had no choice but to go in to a treatment facility and she said it was the hardest thing she ever had to do. She is now on Ativan which I thought was about the same as Xanax. I originally took these to help me sleep at night and am presently on the same dose for the last 10 yrs which is 1mg 3X a day. I remember when I just had to take one a night to sleep and did not need them during the day.
45 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-13 20:01:31
Answer/Reply:
my doctor had me taking 2mg xanax 3 times a day or more as needed. I was up to 12mg a day at one point due to severe anxiety/ panic disorder. and I got sick of taking all the meds i was on and like an idiot i went off them cold turkey. I dont recommend it. I was jittery and hypersensitive to everything, couldnt sit still and even had to deal with restless legs syndrome. wean off slowly!!!
35 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-30 11:11:49
Answer/Reply:
They always try to lead you to other meds when you know what works for you, I won't budge. All of them are addictive and if they don't work for me what is the point of taking a potentially dangerous drug for no reason. Obviously it does not take common sense to become a Dr. Thank god for the good ones. So long story short yes they tried this crap and I said no I have severe anxiety disorder that can lead me into an manic or psychotic episode which I will not tolerate. Good luck and if you don't use recreationally, which it sounds like you don't, stand your ground.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-21 18:15:57
Question/Comment:
DOES AMBIEN TAKEN WITH XANAX POSE A DANGEROUS RISK
84 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-29 20:38:59
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
YES!!! They both cause a sedated state. Taking any 2 meds with the same effect can be DEADLY! Please ask your doctors who prescribed these to you. Some people take xanax for sleep problems. Think of it this way- is an overdose of a sleep aid dangerous? Hope this helps!
Posted: 2008-12-04 18:50:07
Answer/Reply:
i take 2mg xanax every night with carbatrol, methacarbrotol, and 100 mg trazadone, as well as lunesta as well as 200 mg trazadone every night and i function just find. You just have to watch for heavy sedation but if you been on it for as long as i have you tend to build a tolerance to it that works for you... thats been my experience
35 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-30 11:18:06
Question/Comment:
I have been taking xanax for over 19 years. I started getting panic attacks when I saw my dad dye from a heart attack and can't seem to overcome panic attacks. I have even talked to a phychiatrist etc. I know it is an addictive drug but without it I don't know how to overcome my panic attacks. I would not be able to work if I didn't take this drug. I have tried several anti-depressants and they don't seem to work on me. If anyone has a suggestion please advise me.
57 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-28 18:01:03
Answer/Reply:
luvox helped my suicidal times.n clonazepam,but lately i hv trouble getting to sleep.Difficult to explain.I got shaken off my sleep.Or i jerks when i dose off,making me miserable.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-01 12:34:11
Answer/Reply:
I would try Lexapro. I have tried many drugs but this one seems to be helping me the most. I have used it for over a year now and love it. I have OCD, PTS, anxiety, depression, and panic disorder and I feel NORMAL again now.
27 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-02 09:21:54
Answer/Reply:
I have been taking Xanax for about 15 years, about 3 years ago switched to Xanax XR and it is so much better since I take it once in the morning. I too would not be able to work, go to classes and drive without this medication. It is considered addictive, but not in the way one thinks - the body becomes dependent on it, not the mind. It is not like a street drug, but under supervision of a physician, it is fine. I too have been asked to switch, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it is how I look at it. I too have seen a psychologist who worked with me when I first took this medication for panic/anxiety. Don't know if you knew this or not, but those disorders are hereditary. So sorry about you dad, easy to see how you would get panic anxiety after that. Mine was there, not diagnosed until I was 43, I am now 58.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-14 09:42:21
Question/Comment:
i have been taking xanax for about 5 years.I use it to help me sleep at night and occationally for anxiety.I use it every night to sleep the same dose(0.25 mg)sometimes i wake in the middle of the night and take another one.It seems to help my mind settle down.I start thinking about things and it helps to ease my mind to make me sleep .WIthout it i would be a Zombie.I use to take over the counter sleeping pills like Nytol but they all made me very tired the next day.Sleeping problems seems to run in my family,if thats at all possible.Its good to see others commects.Thanks
55 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-25 09:33:04
Answer/Reply:
wow! I relate to you, totally. I am convinced that insomnia can be inherited; my mother, my aunt, my son and my grandson (plus me) all have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. I use Xanax once or twice a week, alternating with Ambien or Lunesta and then nothing at all ..... I'm so afraid of becoming addicted to something and then nothing will work at all. I'm tired much of the time.
72 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-26 20:12:54
Question/Comment:
I'am taking xanax for an irregular heart beats
after open heart surgery.Oct.24th.i had a St.Jude valve aorta replacement.
My heart also feels like it's jumping around at times.
Dr. thinks it's from anziety.But the pulse also skips beats.
Does anyone know if it's a natural thing at first.
The xanax seems to be helping me.The situation makes me nervous.
Thanks,Joyce
75 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-23 01:06:53
Question/Comment:
I HAVE BEEN TAKING XANAX FOR A LONG WHILE NOW, AND IT REALY HELPS WITH MY ANXIATY AND PANIC ATTACTS. YES IT IS ADDITIVE, BUT I THINK I'D RATHER NOT HAVE THE PANIC ATTACS AND ANXIATY, PLUS INSOMMNIA. I ALSO TAKE ZOLOFT AND IT DOES NOT HAVE A (SEDATIVE) EFFECT ON ME. THE XANAX CALMS BY BRAIN, WITHOUT IT MY BRAIN WOULD'NT ''SHUT-UP'' AND I WOULD'NT BE ABLE TO DRIVE OR GO TO THE GROCERY STORE. EVERY-BODY BODIES ARE DIFFERNT.
FROM A 43 YEAR OLD MOM AND GRANDMA.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-21 01:58:09
Question/Comment:
I TAKE XANAX AS AN AS NEEDED MEDICATION TO HELP ME SLEEP. MY DR DID A GREAT JOB OF EXPLAINING THE RISKS BEFORE I STARTED SO I USE IT ONLY IF MY INSOMNIA IS REALLY BAD. I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH ADDICTION HAVING RECENTLY GONE 2 MONTHS WITHOUT TAKING ANY. I ALSO TAKE LEXAPRO FOR ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION WHICH CAN INCREASE THE SEDATIVE EFFECT SO FOUND 1/2 A PILL OF XANAX DID THE TRICK. THESE COMBINED WITH THE WELBUTRIN I HAVE BEEN ON FOR 10 YEARS HAVE LITERALLY SAVED MY LIFE. I HAD BEEN GOING THROUGH A DIVORCE WHICH WAS OCCURRING PARTIALLY DUE TO MY UNTREATED MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES. OVER TIME MY DR AND I HAVE FOUND WHAT WORKS SO THAT I CAN NOT ONLY GET UP IN THE MORNING BUT MOST DAYS ACTUALLY LOOK FORWARD TO IT. FORTUNATELY THIS COMBO WORKS FOR ME; BUT AS THE OTHER GENTLEMAN POINTED OUT WE ARE EACH DIFFERENT AND NEED TO WORK CLOSELY WITH OUR DR AND PHARMACIST TO STAY SAFE. THAT IS WHY I HAVE STUCK WITH MY PHYSICIAN FOR OVER 25 YEARS AND USED THE SAME PHARMACY FOR OVER 15. A LITTLE FEAR IS GOOD AS LONG AS IT LEADS YOU TO BE BETTER INFORMED RATHER THAN KEEP YOU FROM TAKING A MEDICATION THAT COULD GREATLY IMPROVE YOUR LIFE. AS WITH ALL MEDS YOU NEED TO WEIGH THE RISKS AND BENEFITS FOR YOU AND MAKE YOUR DECISION. TO THE WOMAN WHO EWNT COLD TURKEY OFF HER MEDS OF COURSE YOU FELT STRANGE. IT IS VERY DANGEROUSE TO GO OFF ALL MEDS AT ONCE. MOST YOU NEED TO BACK OFF FROM GRADUALLY TO BE SAFE. HOPE YOU ARE DOING OK.
49 YEAR OLD GRANDMA
50 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-20 19:11:33
Question/Comment:
To the 46 yr old female who posted on 11/13/08, I would say to "chill out" and read some other posts (such as the one before yours). Terms like "never" and "hooked" are not terms used in the medical field, esp. "never." Different drugs affect and work for different peoople differently, just as different foods do (allergies, etc). This is the kind of posting that is conducive to panic and irrational worries (stress only aggravates ANY medical condition) others may have. I had neurosurgery in 2002, and have been taking Aprasalom (generic for Xanax) since..with only one increase in dosage. I have gone without it recently for as many as 5 days, with no side effects. I livea lone and my wife is soon to be my ex and I don't know how I would have kept my cool in the face of her lying and cheating (while I was the primary caregiver (@ages 46-7); while I was home with the baby she conducted an affair at a work place at which I helped her get the job, and about which she lied to my face repeatedly (to very "pointed" questions. I have a BA and MA in English Literature and writing, with some short term mem. loss from sergury (which included a stroke). Through all this, with the tumor being in the area of the brain which affects the "affective" (emotional) functions, as well as the sleep/wake function, I have used Xanax as needed. It was make and approved by the FDA for very good reasons. Some people can get addicted to anything (my wife is to lying), fortunately for some, they not as vulnerable to addiction. For expample, alcohol:why is it some are so prone to abuse it, while others can drink regularly without addiction or side effects? Because we are all DIFFERENT.
48yr old male
49 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-20 12:39:39
Question/Comment:
my dr put me on xanax 0.25mg to help me sleep and chill out. I was also on other meds at the same time i stoped cold taking all my meds. what are the withdrawls side efcs. cause my body is feeling funny
33 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-19 13:59:33
Answer/Reply:
i hope you have let your dr know you quit your medications. i have worked in mental health for many years and currently take medications for anxiety and depression. i have learned from both experiences that it is critical not to go off your meds all at once as this will shock your system. you could have pretty severe side effects from quitting. i know we do not know each other but please talk to you dr about your concerns and see what healthy options you have. why did you go off all of them at once? fear? if it was concern over the side effect or addiction risks think about what symptoms you were taking the med for and ask yourself if it is worth the risk. for me it was because i was not enjoying life anymore and had not been for many years before I started my treatment. Now I wonder why I let myself suffer so long and realize it was due to a fear of admitting I had a mental illness that needed treatment.
Good Luck, 49 yr old grandma
50 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-20 19:23:39
Question/Comment:
I have been taking xanax 1mg for 7 yrs, primary Dr. put me on them after I had my hysterectomy and he had to bring me off the hrts. a year later due to extreme angina
attacks! Instead of really checking my heart out he decided it was an anxiety attacks
which yes I did have! Anyway, he had me on 3 a day and I couldnt handle that, I was
like a zombie so, I reduced it to 1 at night well, I had some major family & physical
problems happen to me 2 yrs ago & I had to up it to 1 & 1/2 a day and then had heart
attack & stents put in now I am taking 1/2 in the morning 1 & 1/2 at night and feel
like they arent working as they used to but, I have been diagnosed with PTSD also,
y primary Dr. who put me on them seems to think I need off now but, I told him I
would be in a nut house without them! I am addicted but, dont want to go through
withdraws from them! I have no insurance and enough medical bills now, one more
would put us in bankrupsty!
female 50
51 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-18 16:39:32
Question/Comment:
It works very well for me.I have rare problems with anxiety. I only take it when my anxiety seems severe, and I can break the anxiety pattern using only one or two doses. When I have mild anxiety, I don't bother with the alprazolam (xanax). I seem to only need it 3 or 4 times a year. It is not at all effective for my 32 year old daughter''s anxiety, however.
54 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-14 03:53:14
Answer/Reply:
I take it nightly so that I can sleep. Otherwise my brain just doesn't slow down and I can feel my heart pounding.
52 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-17 23:01:35
Question/Comment:
i had took xanax, but i am no longer taking it, it helped when i was taking it.
67 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-12 03:40:04
Question/Comment:
I am currently in recovery for a severe Xanax (alprazolam is the generic form, I normally took alprazolam) addiction, at day 72. I was prescribed 12 mg per day (increased from .5 mg at night for a sleep disorder, and increased over a period of 8 years as I built up a tolerance) by a single psychiatrist, who I no longer see. I was in a hospital for ten days for medical detox (they substituted Atavan for Xanax and put me on an anti-siezure drug) and then in a 3 day a week/5 hour a day intensive outreach program for eight weeks. I continue to attend Alcoholics Anonymous (Xanax is "alcohol in pill form", and a drink can trigger my brain to need the Xanax again) and Narcotics Anonymous meetings at least 4 days per week. I was in recovery with heroin addicts, crack addicts, meth addicts, alcoholics--its all the same. I nearly died in withdrawl (how I did not die while using I have no idea). From what I have learned and experienced, it is not a matter of if you will become addicted to Xanax but when. I was in recovery with many people who were coming off of as little as 1.5 mg of Xanax and having a very difficult time. Withdrawl is a very painful and emotionally draining process. I lost a considerable amount of memory; have continuing problems speaking, focusing and controlling my emotions and continue to struggle with a variety of physical symptoms. It is not fun. I urge anyone who reads this and uses alprazolam to talk to their doctor as soon as possible and taper off the drug and onto an anti-anxiety medication that is not habit forming (my new psychiatrist has prescribed propanolol as needed for anxiety and trazadone for sleep; of course nothing works as well as my extreme dose of alprazolam but its a trade off I'm willing to make.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-11 13:44:24
Answer/Reply:
Anti-anxiety agents, such as Xanax and Klonopin: These are typically the agents of choice for starting anxiety management.
Many "primary care" physicians (GPs) have not been trained in the anxiety disorders and see these medications as being "addictive".
However, these medications are NOT addictive for people with clinical anxiety disorders.
Over three dozen research studies report that people with clinical anxiety disorders do not become drug addicts as a result of temporary anti-anxiety use. These medications can be very helpful for people with panic/agoraphobia. Find a psychiatrist who understands this. These medications are tolerated well and almost always help. There are few side effects (e.g., tiredness at first) and they work quickly. There seems to be more research support for the use of Xanax and Klonopin, in the treatment of anxiety than for the other anti-anxiety medications.
If a professional tells a person with a definable, DSM-IV anxiety disorder that the anti-anxiety agents may prove addictive to them, the professional (a) is not aware of research in the area of anxiety, and (b) should probably not be treating you. The anti-anxiety agents work, they are safe, and people with anxiety disorders usually stay on a low dosage while going through CBT. These medications are nothing to worry about. When stopping anti-anxiety use, it is necessary to taper off the medication slowly, by reducing the dose over a period of 3 to 4 weeks.
Psychiatrists Around the world say that xanax is the best out there to be treating anxity and panic disorders, it is not addictive and people should not worry about addiction if used "only when needed" if under proper supervision from a PSYCHIATRIST this medication is EXTREAMLY HELPFULL, diffrent people react diffrent to all types of medication, most people who have taken xanax for a long period of time do not have bad withdrawl nor do they have to be addmited into detox.
24 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-11 19:42:55
Answer/Reply:
i totally empathize with what you wentand still going through!!!!
i was on xanax for 5yrs,(to long) 1 day is to long!
i trusted my dr,he just kept giving it to me.i tried to come straight off it at home,and nearly died ended in hospital.
i was hooked before i knew it,felt ashamed cause i thought this didnt happen to others.
in the end i went to drug/alc drs begged them to help me.!
10 hellish days in hospital it was substituted with high doses of valium and then process of coming off those,but without that help i'm sure i would'nt be here today!!!! i can never risk taking even 1 xanax ever! i felt like i was coming of heroin or something i cant image anything worse!!
what made/makes me angry still,is that i ended up blamed labeled etc
how about the dr that handed them out like lollies!!! with no warning!
thankful to be here gratefull for any feedback
47 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-13 02:13:15
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
95% of people who take xanax would not end up in rehab and detox you might be one of the very few that had to go through all this. If you look up case studies and the history of the drug there have not been reports of people like you going into detox or rehab due to severe xanax withdrawl
Posted: 2008-11-13 15:55:37
Question/Comment:
Has anyone been taking Xanax 0.25mg 3 times daily for 6 weeks, then 2 times daily for another 6 weeks then 1 time daily for another 6 weeks then 1 every second day for anotehr 6 weeks then finished. i am taking this with lexapro, and i will also take a strong dose of xanax 2mg as needed, my pschytrist said dont worry about addiction as you use it only when needed. but taking it liek i have described above in stges of 6 weeks that should not be addictive? does anyone have any coments? plus its such a low dose. I try to keep the 2mg to a low only when in emergency. has anyone been on a plan like this and when stopped wasn't addicted?
24 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-08 14:51:27
Question/Comment:
I have recently been put on Xanax by a psychiatrst when i was overseas, I am Australian
and i have been seeying my GP here on oz for a while now and he seems to hadle my condition himself, i have GAD and Panic disorder, he originaly put me on paxil which needed to be incressed to 40mg for my severe panic attacks, after 1 and half years on it i decided to stop it without tapering of it slowly and i had a major relapse. i went overseas to go visit my finacee and i was scared and strugling over there which led me to the hospital. After seeying a psychiasrst she said i cant believe your doc prescribed you valium as it was so old and highly more addictive then xanax and xanax was the best benzo now days with people liek us suffering panic and anxiety disordes. I find it works well, she has also started my on lexapro and told me paxil is way to to old and lexpro has been better researched and was good for my condition. this is the 3 day i have been on lex and im feeling bit sick and my anxiety is getting worse but i know that after a week or to i shoudl be ok. I was put straight on 20mg, i take the xanax in this hard time of side affects form the lex and also still withdrawling for stopping the paxil.
Does anyone have and coments or suggestions on my post i would love to hear.
24 year old Male
Posted: 2008-10-22 01:45:34
Answer/Reply:
My daughter and I both suffer from severe panic attacks. We were put on Paxil by different doctors. It worked better than anything I've ever taken for panic attacks. For the first time in my life I felt absolutely normal. Then I missed 1 pill. I had severe anxiety. So I started "testing" it to see if it was the Paxil. In the meantime, my daughter's doctor (out of state not her usual dr.) took her off paxil cold turkey. She would call me thinking she was dying. She was physically ill during the withdrawals. She really didn't know it was the paxil, she thought she had cancer or something. I started putting 2 and 2 together and I decided to get off the Paxil, but did it gradually under my doctors care. Now I am here to tell you, I have never done drugs, but I felt like a drug user coming off something really bad. I bet your problems are from the Paxil. I'm telling you from my daughter, and the people I have talked to , it is bad stuff/. Even thought it worked better than anything, I would never take Paxil again.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-02 00:01:15
Answer/Reply:
My daughter and I both suffer from severe panic attacks. We were put on Paxil by different doctors. It worked better than anything I've ever taken for panic attacks. For the first time in my life I felt absolutely normal. Then I missed 1 pill. I had severe anxiety. So I started "testing" it to see if it was the Paxil. In the meantime, my daughter's doctor (out of state not her usual dr.) took her off paxil cold turkey. She would call me thinking she was dying. She was physically ill during the withdrawals. She really didn't know it was the paxil, she thought she had cancer or something. I started putting 2 and 2 together and I decided to get off the Paxil, but did it gradually under my doctors care. Now I am here to tell you, I have never done drugs, but I felt like a drug user coming off something really bad. I bet your problems are from the Paxil. I'm telling you from my daughter, and the people I have talked to , it is bad stuff/. Even thought it worked better than anything, I would never take Paxil
51 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-02 00:09:13
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
My daughter and I both suffer from severe panic attacks. We were put on Paxil by different doctors. It worked better than anything I've ever taken for panic attacks. For the first time in my life I felt absolutely normal. Then I missed 1 pill. I had severe anxiety. So I started "testing" it to see if it was the Paxil. In the meantime, my daughter's doctor (out of state not her usual dr.) took her off paxil cold turkey. She would call me thinking she was dying. She was physically ill during the withdrawals. She really didn't know it was the paxil, she thought she had cancer or something. I started putting 2 and 2 together and I decided to get off the Paxil, but did it gradually under my doctors care. Now I am here to tell you, I have never done drugs, but I felt like a drug user coming off something really bad. I bet your problems are from the Paxil. I'm telling you from my daughter, and the people I have talked to , it is bad stuff/. Even thought it worked better than anything, I would never take Paxil again.
Posted: 2008-11-02 00:59:57
Question/Comment:
Has anyone had a problem with high blood sugars with Xanax?
52 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-14 11:51:02
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
i am borderline diabetic and i have had no problems with my sugar levels and i have been on xanex for a couple of months
Posted: 2008-11-03 02:17:16
Answer/Reply:
High blood sugars with xanax? I doubt there is ANY correlation at all. List your other meds. here with IGuard and see what comes up.
66 year old Male
Posted: 2008-11-09 06:50:14
Question/Comment:
Recently got my husband on this, hopeing it would 'fix' his personality disorder.. It dosent seem to help someone who constantly flip flops between vicously hateful and just lazy..The venom he spews has not gotten any better.. And after 17 yrs of his nonsence and anger I'm at the end of my patience..This man is so internally messed up that he can say horrible things and he absolutly loves to make his family suffer..And then it'll pass and he thinks we should just 'accept' his hatefulness and move on.. I have in my heart,it's been very painful to even be around him,so my heart has moved on, and now I'm hopeing to move on, with my son, to just be rid of this demon..Some thing's , med's cant help..
51 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-13 10:49:49
Answer/Reply:
What exactly IS it, that can make someone so inhumane that he can say everything he can think of just to hurt?? And expect to be loved by the very people he regularly destroy's with his evil word's and actions // He act's more like a 'bipolar,menopausal woman..Exactly like a raging hormonal female and it come's out of nowhere..What the hell can his problem be?? Vicious, lying, coward ( he cant 'stand up' to anyone) but he can beat on me..and spit in my face and blame me for all his sick behavior.. I'm at the end of my rope with this and I need to know what I have been fighting the past 17 yrs....We have a son , who I do NOT want to grow up so internally ate up.. I need some help...
51 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-13 11:03:22
Answer/Reply:
Unfortunately, sometimes it's simply a matter of CHOICE. It can often feel more "comfortable" in the anger mode and safer there because he doesn't have to face the challenge of actually changing. Usually unless there is some type of major crisis, anyone can change for only a small amount of time, so it's up to you to set boundaries and force changes in him and there is a risk to that, yet a freedom that can come as well.
49 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-20 17:13:18
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Xanax since the late 1970's, for panic attacks. I seldon have one anymore by using it but I have only taken 1/2 a tablet since the attacks got under control and that, only when I am unable to sleep. Since I am not on a heavy dosage, the Drs. say they are safe for me to take. I might go a week or so between pills. I know it, also, helps keep my blood pressure down.
I am a 73 yr. old female
75 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-03 15:15:48
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Me too about the blood pressure! It keeps mine perfect. I have had such success with Xanax. I have to admit that a couple of doctors have treated me like a dopehead when i mentioned that i take the drug but i have found a good doctor that really sees that it helps me, although he has had me undergo a sleep apnea test and hounds me about it when that is not why i take nor why he prescribed the medication to me, i take it for panic attacks. When i don't take it, i can drive to Wal-Mart and pull in a parking spot, get nervous and back out and go home but when i take it, i am so calm and ready to go into the public with no hesitation. It has really turned my nervous tendancies around.
Posted: 2008-12-10 16:12:54
Question/Comment:
I have been on Xanax for ten years now for panic attacks. Come to find out later I had heart failure. So really don't know if the heart failure was causeing the panic attacks. Anyway, have slowly been cutting my dose. Down to .25 twice aday and .05 at night. Was put on Remeron sol tab 15mg at night. Also on Troprol xl 25mg. take 1/2 morning and 1/2 night. And Cozaar 50mg in morning. I have notice that when I try and cut down my blood pressure goes up. I see that this meds interate with each other. Could you tell me how far apart to take these meds.
57 year old Female
Posted: 2008-10-02 11:55:43
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