Anyone here on Xanax? I have some questions.

[disneyworld!]

Just a word of caution. If you're taking Xanax on a consistent basis(not just occasional use for bad panic attack) DO NOT JUST STOP TAKING IT!! I have seen some horrible withdrawal from long term Xanax users.It must be weaned carefully or it can result is psychotic symptoms.

for what these people are taking, after about a week or two is when symtoms would really start. I have been on..off and on and off them for 21 years. I take (suppose to take 8 mg a day) I get the 2mg ones. they are for the short term useage. yes, yuou may feel shakey, I went thru 2 bad withdrawals...took up to 6 months to get off them

 

[AllyandJack]

It will "kick in" in about 20 minutes. You may want to start with 1/2 pill, then take another 1/2 in 30 minutes or so if you feel you need more.
I was afraid that it would really wipe me out, but that isn't the case. Just a mellow, peaceful feeling. And no side effects. Wish I could say the same about Zoloft! It gives me the shakes, but I can't just go off it.

That's my fear about Paxil. I wanted a sleeping pill...I wanted Lunesta, but my insurance doesn't cover it (It's actually one of the top insurers in the state and won't cover it because it's new. However, if I was on Medicaid, I'd be able to get it. I needed a Xanax just to deal with that bit of news.). So, I couldn't get the Lunesta. My doctor gave me Paxil because, he CLAIMED it would help my colitis and help me sleep and not have the same side effects of sleeping pills....it would relieve the anxiety that was keeping me up and I'd sleep "naturally." Yeah, right.....let's first talk about the horrific heartburn that ensued the first time I took it. Ugh. Awful. Now, we can move on to the nausea. It stays with me until at least noon. It's really uncomfortable and my appetite is GONE. As for my colitis. Sure it helped....thanks to the constipating effect. It did help my headaches. It does help me sleep. But, I only take a half at night. I'm supposed to take a whole, but I told him I just couldn't and, frankly, didn't want to. So, he said stick with the half.

I definitely did not have the same problems with the Xanax, which is why I tend to stick with that unless it's been a particularly crappy day - then I take the Paxil and just drift off.

 

[happybratpack]

I take Paxil daily, 40 mg. I just started a couple months ago and I've noticed a difference in my daily attacks. I also have a .5 prescription for Xanax for the nights I can't relax to sleep or if I have a bad attack.

I also use it to fly since I'm a terrified flier. At that point I use 1 mg and it usually makes me sleep, I would not ever take this much if I need to be functioning. Because I was freaking out this morning about my flight today (see my other post) I took .25 to get by till it's time for my bigger dose for the flight. I feel much better, more relaxed but not groggy.

I can see how Xanax can be really addictive - I try to not take it unless I really really need to. I would suggest experimenting with the different doses until you figure out what works best for you.

I recently tried 2 mg of Valium to replace the Xanax for a flight, but it did absolutely nothing for me.

Good luck

 

[barbeml]

I got a prescription for Xanax just for flying anxiety. I fly next Sunday. Doctor advised trying one beforehand to see how I react, and I will do so this week.

Question: if I take one at 8AM, can I have a drink (alcohol) at 'Ohana at 4PM?

 

[happybratpack]

My doctor said the life is 4-6 hours if I take 1 mg if that helps any.

 

[disneyworld!]

I got a prescription for Xanax just for flying anxiety. I fly next Sunday. Doctor advised trying one beforehand to see how I react, and I will do so this week.

Question: if I take one at 8AM, can I have a drink (alcohol) at 'Ohana at 4PM?

you should be fine...xanax usally stays in your system for arond 3 hours...you will be ok!

 

[barbeml]

Thanks guys! I HATE to take anything at all, but if I don't fly, I don't get to WDW. We drove 3 times and the 3rd time was not a charm (awful weather, saw dozens of accidents, car trouble, etc).

Logically, I know flying is safer than driving, but I get terribly anxious & claustrophobic on planes. I hope Xanax is my answer.

 

[nocnurse]

Hi!

I confess, I've never taken Xanax, but I am a nurse and I have administered a lot of it over the years. It works great for many people. If your response is not typical to these described here, don't worry. Everyone is different. You know your body better than anyone, and if you are worried about your response to the med; Call Your Doctor!

Yes, Xanax is addictive. Withdrawal is not pretty, so be careful. Use it when you need it. If you find you still need to take it even though the stress in your life has abated to a manageable level, Call Your Doctor!

Oh, one quick comment about addiction. Dependence and addiction are basically the same thing. A cancer patient receiving morphine every day for pain is addicted. This is not bad. With addictive drugs a body is physically dependent on the drug. The association of drug ABUSE with addiction has given the word a bad rep.

Finally, benzodiazepams (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonipin, Ambien, Restoril, Halcyon) should be used VERY CAREFULLY in older people. They can cause agitation, confusion, and delerium. Believe me, I've seen it happen many times with just one small dose.

Good luck to you. Hope things take a turn for the better soon!

 

[Rozzie]

Yes, Xanax is addictive. Withdrawal is not pretty, so be careful. Use it when you need it. If you find you still need to take it even though the stress in your life has abated to a manageable level, Call Your Doctor!

Oh, one quick comment about addiction. Dependence and addiction are basically the same thing. A cancer patient receiving morphine every day for pain is addicted. This is not bad. With addictive drugs a body is physically dependent on the drug. The association of drug ABUSE with addiction has given the word a bad rep.

Finally, benzodiazepams (Xanax, Valium, Ativan, Klonipin, Ambien, Restoril, Halcyon) should be used VERY CAREFULLY in older people. They can cause agitation, confusion, and delerium. Believe me, I've seen it happen many times with just one small dose.

Good luck to you. Hope things take a turn for the better soon!

took the words right out of my mouth! great post....

 

[Lachesis00]

I wish my mom and sister were depended only. Sadly they are addicted and abuse them b/c they ARE a legal drug. To them, more is better, why take .25 or .5 and have the edge taken off when 1mg puts you into lala land.

Oh, one quick comment about addiction. Dependence and addiction are basically the same thing. A cancer patient receiving morphine every day for pain is addicted. This is not bad. With addictive drugs a body is physically dependent on the drug. The association of drug ABUSE with addiction has given the word a bad rep.

 

[barbeml]

Hey guys. Just got back from WDW this weekend. Took Xanax to calm anxiety on the flight down...had ABSOLUTELY NO EFFECT. I felt no different whatsoever. Still got anxious. Didn't bother to take one on the way back.

I guess it is true that everyone is different!