Aloha,
What is the difference between Xanax XR and Xanax ER? I have been on Xanax for about 16yrs for anxiety. My dosage is 2mg every 6hrs. What amount is considered a high dosage? After taking Xanax 2mg about 15-20min later I feel relief. Would one who takes Xanax ER or XR feel relief for 24hrs? How soon could onset of withdrawal occur? If I go 8hrs without I get irritable and thought of impending doom. 12-24hrs angry, frustrated, scared, panicky, not want to go in public. 24-48hrs start breaking things, cursing, thoughts of "destroying the ones keeping me from my medication", over 48hrs thoughts of "not who, but how many I would take out!" (only towards the ones keeping me from taking my Xanax). As these actions are taking place I can still ask myself "Why am I acting like this? It is unwarranted behavior!" yet I still do these actions. Could this be onset of withdrawal this fast? One last question. I find the name brand is more effective in providing relief vs generic. Is this common? Mahalo, J
Q: What is the difference between Xanax XR and Xanax ER?
J
Aloha to you as well and welcome to AnxietyConnection.com.
I am not a medical professional and would not be able to give you medical advice. When you have questions and concerns about your medication, you should discuss these with your doctor as he or she would be better able to answer them.
However, based on reading information about Xanax and Xanax XR, I have come up with some answers for you.
To the best of my knowledge ER would be used for the generic version, for example, Alprazolam ER. XR is used in both the brand name and generic. You can see images of the different doses and both the generic and brand name on HealthSquare.com
As far as normal doses, the prescribing information for Xanax XR indicates doses are usually between 3 mg and 6 mg per day, although some people may require more than 6 mg per day.(Up to 10 mg per day). It is recommended that Xanax XR be taken once per day.
The prescribing information also discussed a "rebound" effect, which would be a period of increased anxiety when you miss a dose or early morning, before the next dose is taken.
There is also the possibility of withdrawal if this medication is not slowly decreased. You should never stop this medication suddenly or without first consulting your doctor. Although the information did not specifically state how soon withdrawal symptoms can begin, I would imagine they would begin within 48 hours and last several days, at least.The symptoms you describe are similar to the irritability described in withdrawal information on both HealthSquare and the prescribing information.
Finally, as to generic vs. brand name, people react differently to medications, so you may find the brand name works better for you and another person may feel the generic works better. This depends on the individual and how you metabolize the medication.
I hope I answered all your questions. You can also click on the links in the text
above to find more information.
Please check back and let me know how you are doing.
Eileen
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