Xanax XR or regular Xanax?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2007
Xanax XR or regular Xanax?
14
Tue, 04-24-2007 - 5:03pm
Has anyone here taken Xanax XR or plain Xanax? I was wondering if they worked, how safe they are, etc. My dr wants me to switch from Ativan to Xanax XR & take plain xanax if I need to. I took plain xanax years ago & when the internet was "invented", I looked it up, found some people bashing it , saying they'd never take it again, etc. so I got off of it immediately. Luckily, my anxiety went into remission back then. Anyway, I'm having A LOT of trouble doing this. It scares me to death. I know you can have seizures from not being weaned off benzos also but my dr said it's not the same as switching from one to another. I know I sound like a complete nutcase, but I have had horrendous anxiety ALL DAY today that only burned itself out about an hour ago. I know it's from thinking about switching meds & my husband is thinking about getting back into truck driving, in which case I'd be alone all week except for my son & I'm scared to be alone already. I really think I need to check myself into a hospital. I don't drive anymore, so I can't take the meds in my dr office like Jan mentioned. I have very few friends, & they work, so that doesn't help. I've even considered hiding in the trunk of my husband's car while he's working. Now I really sound nuts--even to myself. I don't really have any other options. Suggestions or information on the xanax would be greatly appreciated. (please don't tell me of any horrible reactions--I obsess enough the way it is).

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-24-2007
Thu, 04-26-2007 - 11:45am
So far the EMDR is working fine and thankfully my insurance pays for it. Yes it is used for PTSD. I was afraid it would bring up a lot of bad memories but so far it hasn't. I take .5mg of Xanax XR and am afraid of addiction. I thought about and researched EMDR and daily Xanax a long time before I decided it was the best thing for me to try and stop my nocturnal panics. I know I drove my psychiatrist and psychologist crazy with my questions and worrying but for me it has been the right choice. I haven't had a nocturnal panic since I started both treatments.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-11-2007
Fri, 04-27-2007 - 2:32pm

My comment is . . do NOT start on Xanax. It is the most dependent of all the benzos. I know, I've been there and am now going thru withdrawals to get off it and it is HELL. I was on 4 mg/da for a year. I'm now down to 2 mg.da and I sleep most afternoons as I feel so sick. Fortunately, I have no trouble sleeping at night and never have. I also do not have depression, so I have a few good things going for me. I'm taking Neurontin so I don't have a seizure, which can be caused by withdrawals. I will never take this medication again !!

As to the EMDR, I don't think I'll pursue that. I had my first panic attack in 1984 and did well on a small dose of Xanax as needed. What set me off was my daughter developed severe depression with thoughts of suicide, very out of character for her. I had a lot of childhood and later traumas including an unexpected divorce after 20 years. But those people are all gone and I don't want to rehash my life. I have a very supportive husband now and live on 5 beautiful acres. I just want to relax and enjoy it. I WILL get there !!!

Please, don't get "hooked" on Xanax !

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 04-27-2007 - 7:51pm
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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 04-27-2007 - 8:31pm

I had a major problem with the Xanax XR, but the regular Xanax, I can't say enough good things

Sheri Ann

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