Member Medication Rewiew: Xanax

By Merely Me Tuesday, November 10, 2009

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Hi all!

Well it is that time again to review one of the medications. This time I am choosing one slightly out of the realm of antidepressants...an anti-anxiety med. Many people who suffer from depression also suffer from anxiety, myself included. I was given a small prescription for Xanax (alprazolam) some months ago to try. I will tell you my experience and then I would love for anyone who has taken this medication to share your thoughts and stories here.

My experience with Xanax:

I was given this by my favorite physician assistant at my neurologist's office. I was a little worried about the things I had heard where some people can become addicted to Xanax so I told her about my worry. I am not addictive by nature, never have been but you never know. So she gave me a very small prescription of ten pills. In these past months I think I have taken a total of three pills total. So for me they are not addictive as I am only using them rarely.

I started with a half a pill to see what it would be like. I really didn't notice too much effect but these are .5 mg. I then tried a whole pill and that was a whole different ballgame. I definitely felt the effects then. Basically it calms you. But it may calm you too much to do much anything but be spaced out.

One of the reasons I asked for these is a plane ride I had to take. I am terrified of plane travel. I was on the plane and I had to sit next to a jerk who was angry about his seat and was flipping around his seat belt and acting so belligerent I thought he would be kicked off the plane. Of course phobic me has to sit next to this beast. The plane had a tiny bit of turbulence and I thought, "that's it!" and took my xanax and hoped for the best. Of course it only really started to kick in when the plane was landing. I had waited too long. But by the time I got off the plane I was feeling mighty fine. What I notice about this drug is that I have long spaces between my thoughts. Not a good med to take if you need to be alert.

It is a strange thing to say but it is as though my body understands Xanax. There is nothing to ponder about it. It makes you very relaxed. But to take this daily? I dunno. I am not sure how one would function very well.

The other thing about xanax for me is that it made me sleep like the dead. It will knock you out at night. I didn't like being in such a deep sleep.

Everyone will react differently to the various meds but this is what Xanax felt like for me.

Now it is your turn!

1. What made you decide to take Xanax?

2. Did you find that you became addicted to this medication in any way?

3. What good did it do for you?

4. What were the side effects if any?

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Comments (34) | Add comment

rose martin

11/10/09 5:24pm

Dear Merely Me, I took Xanaz some years ago, to help me try and get off Valium which I had been on continously since being put on it at 13yrs of age.

I found Xanax v different, Valium,Diazepam, relaxes the muscles and thats it, you feel calm, Xanax has a buzz to it and gives you a kinda lift, a little haze out of reality. this is good if youre very agitated or Highly anxious. I found it very good for Panic Disorder and the huge withdrawals from the Valium. I did find it user friendly, Im full of phobias so the Drug suited me. It didnt knock me out but then I was tranquillised so young I have a very high tolerance to Sedatives in general. The 'Buzz' factor made me a little aware that it could lead to dependence quickly and like Efexor XL, it has a short life so the withdrawals could be bad, for a short lift from Anxiety, a plane ride, its an excellent drug, Its better to take a few hrs before the journey though. I found it good for Anxiety.

Merely Me

11/10/09 6:08pm

Hey Rose!

Yeah I agree...the Xanax definitely has a buzz factor going on. I had some difficulty conversing while taking one pill. I can see where it would help with panic attacks so that you don't reach that state of hyper nervousness and dread. But I would be cautious with this drug. Being out of it is not really a mental state I wish to remain in. But it does serve a purpose for the panic attacks, great anxiety and phobias. I am looking forward to hearing what other people say.

Anne

11/10/09 6:02pm

Just an aside from a recovering addict with almost four years clean and sober. When I was still in prerecovery in a drug program; xanax was one of the most abused prescriptions drugs going. I kept away from it because I was told it was so addictive that if you didn't get it you could have seizures and that scared me to death. I would advise anyone with an addictive personality to stay away. If, however, you are truly suffering and under a Dr.'s care then it is a different story.

Merely Me

11/10/09 6:11pm

Hi Anne

This is really sound advice. I do think that if you have problems with addiction of any kind...this might not be the medication for you. I am glad you are candid in your comment here.

jpw2008

11/10/09 6:11pm

I don't take antidepressants

I just think I do

If I wasn't evil I wouldn't need them

Jon

Merely Me

11/10/09 6:16pm

Wow Jon...you are boggling my brain tonight.

If you weren't evil you wouldn't need antidepressants? So you are saying you are evil and need meds? Or are you saying you are not evil and therefore don't need antidepressants?

Jon...you are not evil regardless of your antidepressant usage or need.

How are you doing this week?

jpw2008

11/10/09 6:21pm

I don't know

Maybe the medicine is evil

You read my paradox of time

I wish it werent true

Really paranoid and oh so angry

I am angry at mom angry at my therapist

Just plain angry its evil

Jon

I am going to have a nightmare in a few hours

I am so not used to thewm

But here they come every night

I'm not having a good night

Jon

Judy

11/10/09 11:13pm

Jon, I'm just curious - is someone telling you you're evil and that's why you need antidepressants? Do you know that's a lie? Even if it was the Pope telling you that, it would be a lie.

Shayluna

11/11/09 1:27am

Hi. I occasionally take a xanax if I feel super stressed out or unusually anxious. I have a very low dose of .25 mg. It is enough to calm me down while keeping me alert. It also seems to slow down my thoughts, but not too much. I haven't felt the buzz others have mentioned. It does sometimes make me a little tired, but doesn't knock me out unless I'm really tired or take two pills. I haven't noticed myself becoming addicted. I don't like to take pills unless needed. I have found xanax to be helpful when I REALLY need it.

Merely Me

11/11/09 7:51am

Hi Stewie!

It sounds like the Xanax is really working for you. That is the thing I felt about this med is that it actually works and that day. There is no waiting around for the "therapeutic effect" to kick in after weeks. You take it and feel the effects within a couple of hours. It definitely decreases anxiety in my short experience with it.

I am wondering if one took it regularly if the effects would diminish over time. This I do not know.

depression/c/913903

11/11/09 2:42am

I am taking .5mg of xanax, sometimes just 1/2 of the pill. I had to quit Serzone as it was causing me to trip, be dizzy, forgetfulness, sleepy. After giving it the good old try of several months, it as not getting better.

So I stopped taking it and was so much better, more social, could concentrate, my words came quicker, and more energy.

I was taking this along with Wellbutrin SR, 3 pills a day, but I cut back to 1 a day as it was making me too hyper and my legs felt like rubber. So when i saw my med DR he suggested Xanax which I was a bit worried about, but he just gave me the small dosage to take the edge off.

I have had 2 bouts with the flu and Xanax has really helped on my second bout and also just relations with DS18 and DH when they are in their bad moods.

I had wanted my late father to take this med and told the DR when he was alive, as I'm sure it would have really helped him in his later years. And he would have helped me too as I was the brunt of his anxiety. Which became part of my depression.

I'm wondering if xanax would have helped me more than taking anti depression meds. But then i was truly clinically depressed and in my deepest hole. So the first meds given have really helped. But now I'm finding that I don't need anti-depressants as much since many stressors have changed and ablilities to cope with life has grown.

Ivory

Merely Me

11/11/09 7:55am

Thanks Ivory for sharing this...

It does sound like the Xanax is helping you to take the edge off things. I am finding that too...I seem to have my depression under some control by taking my SAM-e so now the anxiety seems more prominent. Not sure which is worse...depression or anxiety. When you are going through either one...they both are horrible. I am glad there is help for these things.

I hope you are doing well and it is very good to see you here!

sioux

11/11/09 11:08am

Hi Merely and all, missed you guys, been in Hospital w/ heart problems, soo I'm back. About Xanax, I'm prescribed .025 3xdaily as needed, but I very rarely take it as I'm not usually anxious, always more depressed. I don't notice any side effects at all and if I DO happen to be anxious for some reason and take one I don't feel the "buzz" you have mentioned. It just calms me down and mellows me out for a little while. I take so much medicine it would be hard to tell if Xanax was giving me any side effects. Well that's my take on it, I feel it's a good medicine for anxiety. Again, it's good to be back with you all and am so glad to see Rose Martin back on-line. Merely sounds like you've been extra busy, congrats on your public speakinig gig. Sioux.

Merely Me

11/11/09 6:22pm

Hiyah Sioux!

It is so good to see you again. Are you doing better now? You were definitely missed.

I am glad the Xanax does help you and has no bad side effects. I used to be more depressed than anxious but now it has reversed. Not sure which mental state is worse.

I am glad Rose is back too...we have a nice little Internet family here. The conference went well...I was just terrified! Maybe next time I will be less scared.

Thanks so much for your comment

lonelyone

11/11/09 2:02pm

I use to be on this medication and it is very addictive. It made me sleep no matter when I took it. So I can't take it anymore. I do have an addictive personality. I'm taking Klonopin for anxiety now. It stays along time in your body.

Merely Me

11/11/09 6:24pm

Hi there

This is good information...so it seems for folk who are more susceptible to addictions...xanax may not be the drug for them.

Can you tell us more about Klonopin? How does it make you feel? any side effects? Do you have to worry about your blood pressure on this? My son's neurolgist was suggesting this drug for him...so I want to learn more about it.

Thanks so much for your comment!

lonelyone

11/11/09 6:35pm

Hi MerelyMe, I've had no side effects from this medication. It might make you drowsy in the beginning but that soon wears off. I've been told it's a long acting med so it stays in your system longer than the rest of the drugs in the same catorgory. I have been on it a long time and it helps with my anxiety. It might be a good drug for your son depending what he needs it for.

Judy

11/11/09 11:06pm

Merely Me, I've taken Klonopin for quite a while - it usually makes me nice and drowsy so that I can get to sleep, yet it doesn't really knock you out. I took it once for an MRI and it erased the claustrophobia. I only take 1 mg., but once in a while, if I wake up during the night and feel too wide-awake to sleep, I'll take another one. I've never felt like I've had a "hangover" from it, either.

Crystal

1/23/13 11:00pm

Hi Merely Me, I take 0.5mg of Klonipin prn and 1/2 of one every night at bedtime. No side effects, no drowsy feeling, just calm. And this is whether I am using it prn or at night. I use to take it regularly and when I had to stop, the withdraw was bad. The decrease was over a period of 2 weeks or so and then after that it took a month to be sx free. You just can't quit cold turkey if you have been taking it regularly. I am back on it after a long reprieve and it really works. I can function just fine. I take my half of pill at 11:00pm and it doesn't make me tired but when I do finally go to bed, I sleep a solid 7-8 hours, sometimes more. So it's a magic sleeping pill for me, without it my insomnia is bad. It's also magic in the fact that it calms my nerves when I need it and still function just fine. One trick I would like to share... If you are feeling anxious you can place it under your tongue to dissolve and it works very fast. It dissolves very quick and there is no taste. I have taken Ativan before and it does absolutely nothing for me. I've tried a few times and the same results every time, nothing. I have never tried Valium or Xanax. What works for one may not work for another.

Danny G.

11/11/09 11:02pm

Hi, Merely Me, I tried it too on occasion, it does have a calming effect on you.

I haven't noticed any real side affects from it though. Thanx Peace & Blessings

Danny G.

dewalt.17

2/20/10 7:40am

Hello,

I have been on and off xanax for a few yrs. Currently I am back on it again and my dose has increased. If I take 1 pill I cannot drive as it makes me feel drunk, however I take it 3xs a day but have been taking it as needed or to help me sleep @ night. Along with the antidepressant it affects my ability to function but helps when I am very anxiuos and really helps to stop an attack.

Dewalt

Anonymous

7/27/10 3:28am

I was prescribed xanax for anxiety. I only took half tablet of 5 mg.

I only took it when I felt abit anxious. It helped me to cope going places.

I have never taken it every day.

For the last 6 months have never had to use it, but because of situations that have arisen, I have taken a quarter of 5 mg.

It takes about half an hour and I just feel able to deal with the situation.

It does not give me a false feeling, or a high. I would never take it every day.

I am going on a trip and will be taking it with me incase I feel abit anxious.

as I have not travelled overseas on my own.

Anonymous

7/27/10 3:36am

I have used half of 0.5 mg not 5mg . I made a mistake in the typing.

My comment is the one above.

tonie

9/27/10 1:39am

i took zanax for severe panic attacks and it made me very active and alert. so yes it does work different on people.i took it for years yes its addictive.

robin2010

11/ 1/10 8:58pm

Hi Everyone I just want to add......Xanax is a highly abused pill it is like a roller coaster ride.A person can take a pill and 4 hrs later need another one.Xanax are great......and on the other hand they suck.The little pilL~~~ instead of making me better you keep making me ill.Boy was I hooked on those little suckers... I couldn't get throu my day without them lots of them........AND YES I WENT TO REHAB AND I AM A RECOVERING XANAX USER...8 YEARS NOW I MUST ADD :0) SO EVERYONE BE CAREFUL NEVER SAY NEVER! IT CAN HAPPEN TO YOU JUST AS EASY AS IT HAPPEN TO ME....... GOOD LUCK GOD BLESS!!

Happy

1/22/11 5:38pm

I started taking xanax in my early 20's I am 48 now. I originally started taking them for anxiety and stress from both my job and home life. I average 1 sometimes 2 a day. Later in my 30's it was part of my treatment for severe depression and anxiety. Now in my late 40's it helps me keep my stress level and anxiety in control. I would be a fool if I didn't say I was addicted after taking them for so long. There is only one other drug that has helped me as taking xanax and that is smoking marijunia. Neither have caused any problems with my mobility. I also suffer from Fibromyalsia and arthritis. The marijunia helps with my pain and makes it to where I can move around alot easier.

dewalt.17

2/14/11 10:26pm

Hi Merley me,

I began taking xanax, for anxiety in larger doses then you have as time went on my NP perscribed larger doses, as my anxiety got worse. It does have a calming affect although as your body adjusts to the medication you need to take more and I would always run out before I could get a new script. The with drawl wasn't easy as the anxiety was even worse that was when I realized I was using it as a crutch rather than trying to deal w/ issues.

I finally found that I didn't think I needed it any longer and had won that battle, but months later it was needed again as I became easily aggitated , hostile and my emotions were getting out of control. I do take it again and it does help me w/ sleep as I also have insomnia it helps that and takes the edge off. If I must drive I take a 1/2 pill, when I know I am going to be under stress and pressure.

My counselor and NP closely moniter my meds and as long as I make my self aware of what my trigger is it so far so good.

Dewalt

Anita

7/ 4/11 9:21am

I was just recently prescribed this due to a major panic/anxiety attack that I had due to my work environment. I have a boss that has been riding me and one other co-worker, nit picking on every itsy bitsy mistake. The thing is when she is not there there are no mistakes but when she is there we are worrying so much about getting in trouble we are making the mistakes. She told me after I said I was doing my best that my best is not good enough so I am lost on how I am suppose to be without getting in trouble.

Anyhooo back to xanax. I ended up at the emergency room with chest pains and of course panic/anxiety attack and the chest pains were caused by that. My family physician prescribed xanax to me and took me out of work for two weeks to find another job.

I took the first one (.5) and within 15-20 mins was out like the dead. I slept ALL day waking up at 9:30pm. He told me to take them three times a day and now I am trying to figure out how I can do that especially if I am knocked out all day and honestly I can't see taking them that many times a day.

When I did wake I was a bit spacey but still sleepy so it was easy to go back to sleep later on.

I can't see getting addicted to them though since all it does is knock me out. I like functioning and getting things done. I should take one today since he said to take them every day but I don't want to sleep all day and besides that I feel like it is still in my system since I am still spacey feeling.

I do know there would be no way I could take them once I go back to work or they will be finding me passed out on my desk. lol

Jill

7/ 4/11 1:20pm

I am going through a divorce and felt I was starting to have panic attacks. Plus, I have been throwing up daily for three months from the stress. I am not a person who likes to take any medication, but the anxiety had become too much. My GP gave me 20 - .25mg tablets and said I could take 1/2 to 2 as needed (up to twice a day). They do take the edge off. Usually, if I take 1/2 tablet I can feel the knot in my stomach loosen after exactly 15 minutes, and then after an hour and a half, I feel more relaxed. One night I took 2 to help me sleep, but it did not help AT ALL. It was like my body was asleep but my mind was awake. I was not refreshed in the morning. I haven't tried that again. But they are nice for taking the edge of an anxiety attack. I am trying to take them as little as possible so I won't get addicted. I have never been addicted to anything and don't want to be.

MazMan1

2/ 8/12 2:08pm

I have been taking xanax for panic anxiety disorder, over twenty years now. They help, but by no means are they a cure. I get 90mgs a month. Rarely do 90 get me thru the month. Until I started taking Provigil for Bi-polar episodes. Not only did the provigil take anxiety away, but it cut 20mgs of xanax out of the month. I tell others about provigil, but due to cost they are quickly to decline. Just a thought:)

rose825

1/23/13 2:47pm

I first took Xanax when my doctor prescribed it the day my son was killed. I cannot really describe how it might have helped because that was a time of shock but I had the xanax and some refills and used it periodically over the next years. So I took sparingly. I would have to go testify concerning my son's killing and I would become so stressed I could not talk but if I took 1/2 or 1 pill before going it calmed me enough that I could talk and communicate and get through it. I haven't had any years but am going to ask my doctor for a small prescription to get through nicotine withdraw. I had a dry run going cold turkey and realized it wasn't cravings that were getting me, it was anxiety. In fact when I start talking about quitting I get withdraw symptons and realize now it is not the lack of nicotine but the anxiety at the thought of what might happen in withdraw. Since I have had no problems of addiction and since I only want to use it spareling and short term and have a responsible doctor I think it may be the solution for my 6th attempt to quit smoking.

Dee in Bama

1/30/13 4:39am

I have been dealing with depression for about 30 years. I have good days and bad days but I went through a period of extreme anxiety. A family member gave me a few xanax to get me through a particularly hard situation and I was actually able to leave my bedroom and face life, I think I even laughed a little. I normally can't sleep soundly and it doesn't take much of anything to awaken me or keep me awake so I haven't been able to share a bed with my husband for over 10 years. The few times I had access to xanax I slept very well. I don't have an addictive personality but this may be one thing I could be easily mentally addicted to.

Crystal

1/31/13 12:22am

My sleep was exactly like yours. Sleeping pills don't work for me. What does work is Klonipin. (Klonipin is similiar to Xanax) Diff doses work for diff people but I just take 1/2 of a 0.5mg pill every night. It does not put me to sleep but what it does do is once I'm asleep I'm out like a light until 7-8 hours later. I sleep soundly, good and I don't wake up during the night. Xanax may do this for you as well but it is more addicting than Klonipin.I would try the lesser first before you try something a little stronger. Ask your doctor. I know for me this is the best sleep I have had in years. As far as addiction goes, if you need something to help you than you need it. Down the road when and if you stop it then you just have to take your time and ween off slowly to lessen the withdraws. Right know I have to do what works, I hope to eventually not need it, but if I always do than so be it. That's why a less addicting pill and lower dose is the best place to start if you should decided to try one. Good Luck, Crystal

Who am I?

4/20/13 10:02am

I have been taking Xanax on and off for the last 10yrs, consistently for the last 3, always based on physician recommendation. I have found it helpful in controlling the worst of my anxiety but realized just how disturbingly addicted I am now. Due to the addictive properties in it and my personal addictive traits my Dr wanted to switch to something non-addictive. It was during this attempted transition that I spent 8 days straight awake with a migraine for probably 5 or 6 of those 8 days. All we accomplished was adding a non-addictive, insomnia causing daytime anxiety med. I now only take 2 .5mg Xanax so I can sleep. I know logically most people would say to just not take the one that causes the insomnia and then in turn I wouldn't need to take the Xanax to sleep but it doesn't work that way. I am researching to see if there is anything herbal/natural to replace both. Honestly, I am terrified at the thought of switching meds but I no longer have health insurance and cannot afford these along with my depression med but not taking them at all (based on my own decision to "cut back" recently - DO NOT DO THIS) is absolutely not an option. I had to go back to my Dr's recommended dosages. Withdrawals for me = migraines, anger management issues, severe mood swings, loss of concentration, lack of judgement. Please understand that these withdrawal symptoms are based on a reduction of all my meds, 1 depression and 2 anxiety, again DO NOT DO THIS ON YOUR OWN. I trust my Dr and will be discussing the financial side at my next visit as that is the only reason I am looking to change. I have accepted the fact that I am addicted and need to handle the situation accordingly but yes I have found that it does help me control my anxiety.

Member Medication Rewiew: Xanax

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