I have taken xanax for many many years with no problems. I don't abuse it, it has been a great help to me. I was taking 1 to 3 a day, as needed. I am suffering terribly from anxiety. I have tried other anti anxiety meds and they don't seem to work for me. I was taking Cymbalta, with xanax. The Dr. stopped the xanax cold turkey, didn't even wean me off it.
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Q: Dr. has switched me to Prozac, still no anti anxiety drug. Will the Prozac help better than Cymbalta? I don't know what to do except to change doctors at this point.
Answers (3)
10/14/10 12:24am
Hi, Donna -
I'm not a doctor, but I can understand if yours is concerned about the xanax. You may not have a problem with it, but a lot of people do get addicted. It's a strong, fast acting drug that was originally prescribed just for panic attacks, though I know many who've taken it for years, as you have, to deal with anxiety. One reason for the addiction effect is that the drug is not only fast acting but also leaves your system in a short time. So it's necessary to take it often when anxiety and panic get going again.
Some antidepressants have been effective with anxiety. I know several people with anxiety disorders who've done well with Lexapro. Your doctor may want you on a medication that has a longer lasting effect on anxiety so that you only need take it once a day.
In any case, you should always start with your doctor to talk over any concerns.
John
10/13/10 9:26am
FYI: this is a second Donna at this site (depression). I'll have to come up with something to keep us from getting mixed up!
10/14/10 12:10pm
I can truly understand the need for anti-anxiety meds. After taking Zyprexa for years, it started making me anxious and restless. Even though I begged my psychiatrist for years, he refused to give me anything for the anxiety. But about a year ago I started taking Klonopin and it helps a lot. I would hate not to have it when I need it.
I looked at www.Cymbalta.com and it can be used for generalized anxiety disorder. So maybe your doctor believes that with Cymbalta, the xanax won't be necessary. It's hard, though, when they just cut something off without giving a reason. That in itself could cause anxiety!
10/16/10 3:53pm
Hey -- I apologize for my confusing answer! I misread your post and thought you were switching from Prozac to Cymbalta instead of the other way around.
10/16/10 9:02pm
's ok , all these darn drugs get confusing, wish I didn't have to take any
3/ 5/11 9:06am
I have been on 120 mg of prozac 7 years now and I have no anxiety. Life was Hell before that. I am an RN an would suggest talking to your Dr. and slowly raising the Prozac dose to 40 mg and greater if needed to control your anxiety. You will feel a difference!!
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By Donna— Last Modified: 04/02/12, First Published: 10/12/10
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Thanks for your input. I am off the Cymbalta now, just on prozac and he increased the dosage to 20 mg. I see him in 3 weeks, if I don't feel betteer by then I will ask him about klonopin. you never know.............