Too Much Xanax -

Avatar for atober
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2004
Too Much Xanax -
17
Thu, 10-13-2005 - 3:59pm

When I met with my new pdoc a couple of weeks ago we didn't hit it off very well and she changed all my meds except my anxiety meds (which is my main problem). I think I have posted that before. She told me to cut down on my xanax which I was taking 4mg a day. I am now not able to get through the day without at least 4 sometimes 6. I don't know what to do. I had the same problem with valium ended up taking 8 a day and still having anxiety. She said these are the two stronger anti-anxiety meds and that she didn't want to give me anything else. How can I convince her that this treatment is not working. I have an appt next week and would welcome any thoughts. I am starting to feel like an addict but can't get through the anxiety without my meds.

So scared...

Alison

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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
In reply to: atober
Fri, 10-14-2005 - 12:39pm

Is is helping but he doesn't like the addiction issue.. he said that its supposed to be for short term use.


I am going to try to get him to keep me on it as long as the dose stays the same and I don't up it. he will probably agree with it. He said that the addiction issue is an issue when it is takes not as directed and I have a great feeling that he can see the signs... hopefully I will be able to stay on it.


Good for you for going in there with a clear mind and wanting to work with her...

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2005
In reply to: atober
Sat, 10-15-2005 - 6:36pm

I think by now you know what you need to do, Alison.

I felt addicted to Xanax at one time. Still, I do think it was a wonderful drug that served me well. That in effect is also the problem--it works too well so that we just want more, and more, and more. I hope your doctor can develop a tapering-off plan that will ease you off of the Xanax with the least amount of discomfort.

You can do this. You don't have to rely on it. Look inside yourself. You've got an army of folks here who'll support ya.

Hugs,

Kendra

Avatar for atober
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2004
In reply to: atober
Mon, 10-17-2005 - 9:25am

Thanks. I really do get a lot of support from this board and it is good to know I am not alone. I see my pdoc tomorrow and am hoping we can fix this together.

Thanks again for the support.

Alison

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-02-2004
In reply to: atober
Mon, 10-17-2005 - 10:07am

Hi there. I have a script for Xanax and got it filled last year when my anxiety was at its worst. I had started Zoloft but had not been on it long so I kept making myself wait and not take the Xanax until I saw if the Zoloft worked. It worked, thankfully. I still have the Xanax on hand in case of emergencies.

I work with a lady who is a good friend of mine and she has been on Xanax for many years. I think she said 15 years. She saw a new psych doc who tried to take her off of it right away because of addiction. She switched to a doc that I once seen who I felt was more open minded and this doc kept her on the Xanax. Her belief was that if it was working, why change it. Now, my friend has had rough times where she has taken an extra one here and there but seems to be able to go back to the normal dose when the bad times are more calm. She also takes another med though that is in a different class of antidepressants than SSRI's like Zoloft and Paxil. She takes Elavil (also called Amitriptyline). I researched this some and I believe it is a mood stabilizer. It is in a family of antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants. She did not have luck with the SSRI drugs, so she was put on this and it helped her a lot. Maybe that is something you can talk to your doc about. Do some research online ahead of time and maybe take some info with you to discuss with your doc.

Kim

Avatar for atober
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2004
In reply to: atober
Mon, 10-17-2005 - 12:03pm

My doctor took me off the Elavil and zoloft and I definitely notice the difference (worse). She switched me to Celexa and Lunesta to sleep when I need it. It seems she went in the totally opposite direction on the meds. I am so frustrated right now and hope to get it straightened out with her tomorrow. It is hard to live like this. Either with the anxiety or with the guilt of over-medicating.

Thanks for the info.

Alison

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-02-2003
In reply to: atober
Mon, 10-17-2005 - 5:00pm
Alison, I am sorry that you are feeling so bad and I too hope you get this all straightened out. BUT.....I have been on the xanax and there is no reason to over medicate yourself. Yes we would all like a quick fix but it takes some work on your part. I know it feels icky, yucky really bad but nothing to compare to coming off of medication. If you have an addictive personality I would think that the Dr. would pick up on that. Alison I worry about your attitude toward the meds, I truly hope that you and your Dr. together can get you straightened out and feeling better. Debbie

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
In reply to: atober
Mon, 10-17-2005 - 8:01pm
Alison GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!!! I hope your doc
listens and does something good for you! Without
my medications I don't think I would function as well
as I do--- I take Paxil and xanax and have for over 15
years- it works for me! GBU Judy

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