FYI for Xanax users

[Dan Murphy]

I saw this article in the online Chicago Tribune this AM. Thought I would pass it on, for what it is worth. I have no personal opinions on it, just an FYI. I copied it to an HTML file, as you need to be a subscriber to the online Trib to see it there. Hopefully I won't run into a bandwidth blankout. If you get a red x at some point, and are interested in the article, either come back later, or pm me. Remember, just an FYI, not my opinions.



Addiction fears rise about Xanax--Experts concerned over extended use of anti-panic drug (click here)

 

[TheLionKing]

I did not read the article, but Xanax is in a class of drugs called benzodiazapines. Valium is also in this same class. These drugs can lead to an addiction if taken improperly. They cross react with alcohol. In fact, long acting agents in this class such as Librium are used to treat the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal and delerium tremens also known as the DTs.

One can get into a vicious cycle...because if one is hooked on it to treat panic attacks, when the drug is stopped it the withdrawal includes feeling anxiety and panic.

edited to add after reading the article...

That this problem with Xanax has been known for many years. I was aware of the addictive properties in the early 90s.

 

[pollyanna]

I printed this out for a co-worker who is on this and another anti =depressent. Sadly,because it's not written by a doctor , she just shrugged.But thanks.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by pollyanna
...Sadly,because it's not written by a doctor , she just shrugged.But thanks.

Well, TLK is a doctor, a cardio specialist, and I do place value on his thoughts. Pass on to your co-worker that he is one, maybe it will be of value to her. Just a thought.

 

[Deb in IA]

Originally posted by pollyanna
Sadly,because it's not written by a doctor , she just shrugged.

Xanax (alprazolam) IS a prescription medication.

 

[LisaTx]

That was my first reaction too, Deb, but I think she was referring to the article, not the prescription.

 

[Deb in IA]

D'OH!!

Thanks, Lisa

 

[Disney Doll]

I see this kind of thing quite often in my work as a medical nurse, since patients with addiction generally come to my unit forst to go through the physical part of the detox process(which can be so difficult )and then move on to a drug rehab program to continue the process of dealing with the psychological addiction and how to cope with their new drug-free life.

These drugs do have their place in society, but I truly do not think that the health care field in general monitors prescription drug use very well. Of course, our ability to monitor it depends quite a bit on the patient's willingness to be honest about the medications they are taking, and that doesn't always happen.

Our society is one of the "quick fix". Take a pill, it'll be better. Unfortunately, in the case of psycotropic drugs(those used for the treatment of any mental illness related conditions such as anxiety etc)in addition to taking the medication, the counselling work has to be done too, and that's where the ball gets dropped, quite often by the patient. They will say "Well, I only use it a few times a week, when one of my panic attacks starts, and it makes it better." What the patient often doesn't understand is that the drug isn't making the reason for the panic attack go away, it's making the symptoms of the panic attack better. The drug, in combination with the proper psychotherapy, is necessary in detrmining the root cause of the panic attack. Once that is figured out, then the person can figure out different coping mechanisms to deal with the panic attack other than drugs. Most people don't want to dig deep and find out what's causing the panic, they just want to get rid of the bad, panicky feelings. Then starts the vicious cycle. You have a panic attack, you take a Xanax, you feel better,you have another panic attack, you take a Xanax, you feel better and so on. The only problem is, the panic attacks will start to come more and more frequently, making it necessary for you to take the Xanax more and more frequently until you have become addicted because you never took the time to figure out WHY you started having the panic attacks in the first place.

Again, this isn't a diatribe against people who have panic attacks and need to take medication in order to be able to regain control. But, if you are one of those people, I hope you are doing the counselling work you need to do so that your need for the Xanax will be short-term, and you will determine the roots of your problem and develop coping skills that don't require the continued use of medication.

Now I am LEAPING off my soapbox quickly, to avoid the flames that I am sure will be coming soon!

 

[Buckalew]

Thanks for the article, Dan. I am amazed that a doctor would not know this about a drug he was taking. I'm no doctor and I knew it. I have taken xanax for certain situations that have caused me panic attacks and anxiety. I would never take this drug every day or even every week. If it was that bad, I'd try something else. To mix it with alcohol sounds very stupid to me too.Xanax is certainly gives a feeling that would be nice to have all the time (except it can make me sleepy) so I can understand why people would become addicted to it. When it said something about people taking it for like 8 weeks, I was like --I'd think you'd definitely be addicted by then.

Anxiety and panic are very real serious problems for some people. It is hard to imagine that if you haven't experienced it. I hope that all who suffer find the help and relief they need w/o drug addiction.

Thanks again, Dan.

 

[EROS]

Similiar to the previous thread about gun control, there are many patients who use benzodiazepines quite responsibly.........and there are a few who abuse them. The "problem" isn't with the drug..........it's with the prescribers. These ARE addicting agents, and patients DO develop tolerances to them which can develop into abuse. The same can be said for narcotic agents like morphine,oxycodone, and the like.

All of the above are excellent drugs.;prescribers simply have to closely monitor their use. .......

 

[Buckalew]

Disney Doll,
I have no flames. Yours was a great post. I agree with you. Learning to control panic attacks is a must, I think. I haven't had a full blown attack since I got pregnant with DD. (she is 8) When those feeling come, I know what to do (I haven't died yet! )
I did, however, take xanax when I had to have my 4 front teeth recrowned from an accident with a baseball bat. I promise you, the dentist and I both were thankful for the xanax!

 

[Disney Doll]

Buckalew, you are absolutely right. When used responsibly and with good control and monitoring,any drug can be of great benefit.

 

[grinningghost]

I've carried a bottle of Xanax in my purse since 2000, and only used about 5 of them total. (Cut in half to boot). I experienced horrible panic attacks, and suffered for quite some time before I got help. Xanax is a godsend for someone who suffers panic attacks or anxiety disorder. IF used properly. My doctor has actually told me it's okay to use them more frequently if necessary - but being concerned about addiction, I don't. He has said that many of his patients continue to carry around their "Xanax dust" just as a security blanket. That's pretty much how I am.

But to add something to this, I have also discovered that chamomile tea works much like Xanax. If the chamomile tea bag is left in a cup of hot water, and sipped moderately, it really calms the nerves. I always try this before taking a Xanax. (If I'm home and can make a cup of tea). I'd recommend it to anyone.

 

[pollyanna]

OK now I'm really worried. My co-worker had been taking one Xanex a day for the last 2 years,because of a terrible boss we had-but this boss been gone this past year! Now she is taking 1/2 pill a day along with another drug(need to find out what that is).....she calls them her "happy" pills.

 

[JohnTBap]

Originally posted by EROS
The "problem" isn't with the drug..........it's with the prescribers.

I agree with EROS. I went to my doctor to get something to help me fly. I was given FOUR pills. I can't imagine how anyone could get enough to get addicted to.

 

[KozmicLee]

We fill a lot of Xanax prescriptions everyday at my pharmacy. I've seen people burst into tears if their insurance doesn't go through or if it's too early to fill and it makes me feel so bad.

 

[Beauty]

I have had one prescription of Xanax for about 3 years now in my purse. I probably have a little less than half of them left. I have suffered from panic attacks since right after J.C. was born in 1991. These are the most awful things that anyone could ever have and I honestly do not believe you know what they are unless you have one yourself.

I have also been on 20mg of Paxil for about 8 years and let me tell you I hate it!!! I have tried to stop taking it and to ween myself off but the withdrawel is the worst thing I have ever tried to go through. The zaps and confusion and feeling of unreality are horrible. I do feel trapped. I feel like there is no way I can stop them because of these awful withdrawels which push me right into panic and I feel like I will never be able to live my life panic free. Doctors around here don't care. They write a RX and do nothing for the underlying problem whatever that may be. Its sad believe me I live it everyday.

 

[Buckalew]

Beauty,
I just heard the other day that (I guess) the FDA is making the Paxil makers stop saying that the drug is non-habit forming as their commercial has always said. They said they believed it was habit forming. I believe it must be too--esp. after reading your posts about trying to come off of it.

JTB, my doctor gave me a bottle and 2 refills. And he said he doesn't like giving drugs for panic attacks...

Pollyanna,
Your co-worker is probably addicted to them. I wonder how much she takes mg wise? Mine are 1 mg but I have never taken a whole one before. My goodness, I probably wouldn't be able to even walk if I did--no joke! You may want to check up on her.

 

[Beauty]

Yep the Paxil is definatly habit forming there is no doubt about it. I would love to come off of them. My Xanax are 1mg too and they make me so sleepy that if I do take one (Which is if I am having a major Panic attack) I usually fall asleep and am much better when I wake up. These are one thing I wouldn't wish on my worst enemies....it is the most awful thing!!

 

[Buckalew]

Oh Beauty. I really feel bad for you. Trying taking 1/2 or even 1/4 of the xanax instead of a whole. 1/4 works so well for me.