Too Much Xanax -
Find a Conversation
| 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

Pages
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...
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
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
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
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
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
Pages