Xanax - Anyone Else On It?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2006
Xanax - Anyone Else On It?
6
Wed, 07-26-2006 - 11:31am
Hello to all! Just rx'd by pdoc and I believe it to be very addictive. Anyone with any personal experience with this drug? Thanks! Kelli





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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2005
Wed, 07-26-2006 - 5:06pm


I started taking Xanax a last year. I haven't experienced addiction but I think some people like to abuse them just like any other drug. It makes me a bit sleepy and dopey, but when I start getting anxiety I dont' have a choice but to take it. I usually only take half a pill and then the other half if I'm still not feeling better.

I only get 30 at a time and just call my doc when I need more. She has discussed the addictive possibilities of the drug but it really depends on the person too. I don't have that type of personality to abuse it, but I do somewhat feel dependant on it at times since i know I can't calm myself down without it at this point.

I've had a few problems when I've run out of Xanax and forgotten to get a refill and then get anxiety. It puts my into a full-on freakout mode because I don't know what to do. It usually happens at work and I have to go home early so I don't have a meltdown in front of the co-workers :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-23-2004
Wed, 07-26-2006 - 6:47pm

Kelli,

I struggle with the addictiveness but they help *so much* when I need them. I think being aware they are addictive and watching out makes a big difference. My pdoc gives them to me 3 months at a time and increases the dosage when I have times of high anxiety. As long as I stay at the low dosage she doesn't seem to be too worried about addiction. They are much more worried about the effects of untreated anxiety. I do have to be careful though. I've been popping them like candy lately and if I keep going I'll run out before I can get a refill. I think I've needed them more because of an increase in stress. I don't see pdoc again until 8/11.

Hugs,
Morgaine

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2006
Thu, 07-27-2006 - 7:39am
Thanks to everyone who responded. I know I have an addictive personality so it worries me but I will just trust the pdoc for now and keep an eye on myself!! Hugs, Kelli





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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 07-28-2006 - 8:52am

Hi Kelli...sorry I'm late here...but I just wanted you to know that I have a diagnosed addictive personality...was on drugs for a long time...and I take Ativan...which is almost exactly like Xanax...very addictive. I've been on it for 4.5 years, and I probably am addicted to it at this point, chemically. But my pdoc says that we'll deal with that if I ever come off it. Right now, its my LIFESAVER! I couldn't do without it...I know of others who are on Xanax and its the same way. The help it gives is worth more than the possible addiction.

Good Luck!

Keli

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-23-2006
Sun, 07-30-2006 - 9:48am

Hi,
I have been on Xanax for years. I know they can be addictive, but I dont' care. They work so good for me! I don't feel like I'm addicted though. During my hospitalization...I had to see another pdoc instead of my regular one. He prescribed Xanax XR (time release), and they are wonderful. I only take 1mg. in the morning, and it works all day! Before, I was taking three .5 of regular xanax.

~Renee

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-22-2006
Sun, 07-30-2006 - 10:01am

I started taking xanax last Sept. I took 1/2 to 1 pill every 6 hours. I did that for a few weeks. Once my panic attacs seemed to be more under control, I started weening myself back. Now I just use them as needed. I found I built up a "tolerance" to the 1/2 pill pretty quickly and needed to go to the whole pill to get the same effect, but that was just me. I do think they work great. They really take the edge off.

I have a neighbor who was a drug addict in high school. Now, as an adult, he was taking 4-6 xanax/day, weened down to 1 to try kava-kava and had no problmes with addiction to it. The kava-kava didn't work so he is back on the xanax, but at a lower dose.

Don't know how much that helps, but, just my $0.02.

Peg