Experience with Xanax?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2006
Experience with Xanax?
4
Wed, 07-26-2006 - 1:19pm
Good afternoon! My pdoc just rx'd me Xanax and I understand it's very addictive. Do any of you have experience with this drug that you could share with me? Thank you! Kelli





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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-31-2004
Wed, 07-26-2006 - 3:32pm
Hi Kelli-
I have been taking xanax for about 10 years now...on and off. Id say I take it more "as needed" even though it is perscribed for 3x's a day. A lot of women on this board take xanax. As far as addiction, in my opinion, anything can be abused or used more than needed. Xanax brings a sense of calm and that feeling can become addictive. I know people who are addicted to Tylenol PM and will not sleep without it. Xanax is one of the best medications out there for anxiety and panic, you didnt say what you were taking it for. Dr's usually perscribe an antidepressant and/or therapy to address the underlying reason. SO, again, in my opinion, it can be addictive if you take it more than perscribed, however, it is very effective in helping your symptoms. I hope this helped, some of the other ladies will share their opinion as well.
Good Luck
DOnna
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 07-26-2006 - 3:40pm

Hello, Kelli. Welcome! Xanax is usually prescribed for short term treatment of anxiety/panic. We do have folks on the board that have taken it long term, without increasing the prescribed dosage or times per day. In that respect, they haven't had problems. Not in every case, but in most cases, if you take it as prescribed & only when you need it, addiction isn't likely. I am certain the dr. knows your history & wouldn't give you something dangerous.


I was on the xanax years ago. I took it exactly as prescribed. I wanted to go off it, but my dr. insisted I needed it. I felt she was wrong & went off it cold turkey. I had awful withdrawal symptoms & had to work off it very slowly. Maybe it was my chemistry. For now, I take klonopin. Same family of drugs. Same effect. I have taken it as prescribed & several times felt I didn't need it & went off without any problems.


If you still have concerns, talk with your dr. or pharmacist. It is a good med when used correctly & for most people. But the effects of any med is individual to the person taking it. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan





 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 05-22-2006
Wed, 07-26-2006 - 4:03pm
Thanks to all who responded! I don't know how to post an "at all". I am not quite dx'ed I believe. Right now, just hypomania/anxiety so still feeling the whole thing out. I do have an addictive personality/genes and do not need another thing to "need"! Thanks again for the help! Kelli





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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 07-26-2006 - 9:37pm

Hi Kelli, I take xanax and I think it's one of the best drugs out there for panic & anxiety.

Sheri Ann