Need advice with Xanax, PLEASE HELP!

[DaftPunkFan]

I'm currently prescribed Xanax for panic attacks, dose is .5mg-1.5mg daily. Though I'm prescribed Xanax daily, I try to take it as little as possible to avoid becoming dependent on it.
I try to not take it everyday, but lately I've been taking around 1.5mg a day, usually in the evening when I feel really anxious. I know this isn't a large dose at all, but I've noticed that I feel like shit if I don't take it. I've tried to stop taking it all together for about 2 days, but I feel super on edge and I can't fall asleep without it.

I guess what I'm seeking advice on is should I continue to just take it daily, or maybe even get prescribed more? It certainly does help me, but after reading all the shit on addiction, I really don't want to go through that.

Or on the other hand, should I completely stop taking it? Then maybe find some other way to calm myself down. Any suggestions are much appreciated :D

 

[skoat]

Stop taking it for now so you don't become addicted. 1.5mg isn't a huge dose though.

You really need to see your primary care physhician (too drunk tp spell right), he will give you something for sleep so you don't use your anxiety meds as sleeping pills.

Trust your doctor.

 

[psychomimetic]

If I were you I'd completly quit. Benzos can cause bad addiction and troublesome brain damage to the GABA system.

There are a lot of less harmful ways to try and lower stress. Look up adaptogens and you'll find lots of info on them. L-Theanine (in doses of 300 mg and up) works well for me. I also use Rhodiola Rosea, which is a great adaptogen that can help deal with stress (I take doses of 500 mg or 1000 mg every time I take it). Many people swear by Holy Basil and 5-HTP too, although you should take supplements for cardiovascular health in conjunction with 5-HTP and not take it daily.

Valerian could help you too, it's GABAergic (works on the same area of the brain as xanax) but it's a lot safer in terms of addiction and other negatives. Passion Flower extract works well too, but don't make your own unless you know you have the right species because the wrong species metabolize into cyanide and equal death. I'd recomend buying pills from a health food store. Kava Kava is similar to Valerian in that it's GABAergic without many negative effects. If you take Kava regularly you should also take some supplements for liver health, just to be totally safe (it's not really neccesary though).

I have some pills that are a blend of 400 mg valerian root extract, 400 mg passion flower extract and 200 mg hops extract. They work pretty damn well for chilling out and sleeping.

I'd say you should stop while you're ahead, just to be safe. All health food stores have pretty extensive stuff for stress and relaxation, you should experiment and find what works for you. The above stuff are all the things I've ever used. My favorites are Rhodiola and Theanine.

If you need to sleep just take 3-6 mg of melatonin.

 

[lostsoul.On.E]

if you really need it for panick attacks maybe keep it less than 1mg a day. but you definitely should try to get back to your once in a while dosage.

 

[Violenza666]

How long have you been on it for?

 

[DaftPunkFan]

If I were you I'd completly quit. Benzos can cause bad addiction and troublesome brain damage to the GABA system.

There are a lot of less harmful ways to try and lower stress. Look up adaptogens and you'll find lots of info on them. L-Theanine (in doses of 300 mg and up) works well for me. I also use Rhodiola Rosea, which is a great adaptogen that can help deal with stress (I take doses of 500 mg or 1000 mg every time I take it). Many people swear by Holy Basil and 5-HTP too, although you should take supplements for cardiovascular health in conjunction with 5-HTP and not take it daily.

Valerian could help you too, it's GABAergic (works on the same area of the brain as xanax) but it's a lot safer in terms of addiction and other negatives. Passion Flower extract works well too, but don't make your own unless you know you have the right species because the wrong species metabolize into cyanide and equal death. I'd recomend buying pills from a health food store. Kava Kava is similar to Valerian in that it's GABAergic without many negative effects. If you take Kava regularly you should also take some supplements for liver health, just to be totally safe (it's not really neccesary though).

I have some pills that are a blend of 400 mg valerian root extract, 400 mg passion flower extract and 200 mg hops extract. They work pretty damn well for chilling out and sleeping.

I'd say you should stop while you're ahead, just to be safe. All health food stores have pretty extensive stuff for stress and relaxation, you should experiment and find what works for you. The above stuff are all the things I've ever used. My favorites are Rhodiola and Theanine.

If you need to sleep just take 3-6 mg of melatonin.

Sorry, let me clarify. I don't take it to help me sleep, it's just that since I've been taking it everyday, I noticed that I can't fall asleep on the days when I don't take it at all.

I use it for anxiety issues, so I may have to try some of the products that you recommended. I've tried Kava Kava, and it barely does anything. Is there something I can take that will be constantly working throughout the whole day? Maybe an herb that works like an anti-depressant that will make me less anxious all the time, or are the ones that you listed like Xanax and they are meant to be taken as needed?

 

[DaftPunkFan]

How long have you been on it for?

Probably like 6 months, but I haven't been taking it everyday during this time.

It helps me out a lot when I take it, but it definitely doesn't last long enough cause I feel anxious almost all the time now. I don't know what to do at this point

 

[jspun]

You might consider exploring having your primary change to a benzo with a longer half life- like klonopin. I have similar issues and I have struggled to bring my dose down- but I know what its like to have cripling panic attacks. There is another method that I jave read on BL that substitutes valium and tapers over a long time. Remember, tapering slowly is the way to go. Wish I could remember the name but I think it starts with an s- stratford, stanford...damn benzos. The protocal was devised by a British clinician I believe.

 

[Violenza666]

Probably like 6 months, but I haven't been taking it everyday during this time.

It helps me out a lot when I take it, but it definitely doesn't last long enough cause I feel anxious almost all the time now. I don't know what to do at this point

When this happened with me my dr added klonopin. It's a long acting benzo that works for anxiety and especially the ups and downs in between xanax doses. Xanax is great for panic attacks but not the anxiety in between. It just doesn't last long enough. Maybe you could talk to your dr about a long acting anxiety medication like klonopin that way you should be able to go back to not taking xanax daily like you want. Good luck!

 

[phatass]

you could try hydroxyzine (atarax) for anxiety its not addictive.. then maybe some quetiapine (seroquel) to sleep...
just an idea

 

[debaser]

^ Yeah, hydroxyzine is a good non addictive anxiolytic, although milder than benzos, and the doctors are happy to script some to their patients instead of benzos.
Try some relaxing tea before sleep, too (chamomille comes to mind, but there're aplenty).

 

[DaftPunkFan]

When this happened with me my dr added klonopin. It's a long acting benzo that works for anxiety and especially the ups and downs in between xanax doses. Xanax is great for panic attacks but not the anxiety in between. It just doesn't last long enough. Maybe you could talk to your dr about a long acting anxiety medication like klonopin that way you should be able to go back to not taking xanax daily like you want. Good luck!

Thank you very much, I'm going to give my Dr. a call and see what he thinks. Can you please give me an idea of how Klonopin is taken? I mean is it something that I would wake up and take, then maybe take another dose at some point in the day?

Then, I can use Xanax when I need it, even if I just took a dose of Klonopin?

 

[DaftPunkFan]

You might consider exploring having your primary change to a benzo with a longer half life- like klonopin. I have similar issues and I have struggled to bring my dose down- but I know what its like to have cripling panic attacks. There is another method that I jave read on BL that substitutes valium and tapers over a long time. Remember, tapering slowly is the way to go. Wish I could remember the name but I think it starts with an s- stratford, stanford...damn benzos. The protocal was devised by a British clinician I believe.

Thanks for the suggestion. So you would recommend getting off Xanax completely and switching to Klonopin instead? Is this what you did when you were prescribed Klonopin?

 

[rpm]

Thanks for the suggestion. So you would recommend getting off Xanax completely and switching to Klonopin instead? Is this what you did when you were prescribed Klonopin?

I think the standard idea is to gradually transfer from one to the other. Have a look at http://www.benzo.org.uk/. As to how to take klonopin, usually before bedtime is best I think, plus perhaps a small amount if you feel a panic attack coming on.

BTW I can totaly relate to what you are going through (well not totally). I have only used benzos "recreationaly", with a binge every few months, followed by a sharp taper. The thing is, I just seem to be a better version of myself when I am on benzos: I'm more sociable, I do my work on time (it seems less stressfull and like I want to put it off). Only thing is that I don't want to be an adict. Perhaps I have discovered a slight underlying anxiety problem myself. Must look at better ways of dealling with it

Hope everything goes well for you.

 

[unsettled]

I'm in the same boat as you except I'm a little further on down the road (stream?). I already am physically dependent on benzos. It started with Xanax daily, and I have legitimate anxiety problems and nothing else seems to really work (except the Klonopin which is a recent addition). I stopped taking the Xanax cold turkey after being on them for years (not by choice, circumstance) and had a seizure. After this happened I was switched to Klonopin because of the longer half life and for a while it was working wonderfully and still is to a point, I'm much more even now, Xanax is like a roller coaster when you're dependent on it, too short acting.

The problem is I still have days where my anxiety "flares up" pretty bad and I get bad panic attacks when this happens, the Klonopin does nothing for this and I go back to taking Xanax for the panic attacks. Problem is every time I stop the Xanax again I feel EXTREMELY on edge, like what you were talking about, maddening isn't it? I don't want to go back to taking Xanax daily and I'm still hooked on the Klonopin, don't want to add daily Xanax on top of my pill regimen. Panic attacks are tricky, at least for me, every time I think I have them under control they come back.

I guess what I'm saying is I don't have an answer, personally I started using opiates (not the wisest idea, I know all too well how they can turn on you) daily because it's the only way I can function without having panic attacks and getting depressed. I've been on a number of anti-depressants but none of them really did anything for me, and if they did they would stop working after a few months. I guess if Xanax wasn't a controlled substance and they didn't watch it so closely I could just take what I needed when I needed it and I wouldn't have to worry about running out early and going without, but they keep a close eye on all that stuff and my tolerance is always increasing. I'm not using these pills for fun, I'm genuinely searching for a practical way to get rid of my panic attacks. Anyway, enough rambling, best of luck to you. If you find any answers let me know.

As soon as I can afford it I'm going to see another psych doc who may be able to treat me better but all this shit is expensive and I don't have insurance. Damn this turned out to be much longer than I had intended, sorry about that.

Cheers.

P.S. If you can get off the Xanax completely do it. Or if you can manage to only use it as needed without getting addicted that's good too. Xanax withdrawal is Hell, if there is any way you can avoid dependance go for it. But if you need it you need it.. just keep your doses as small as possible, that's what I'm trying to do.

 

[Violenza666]

Thank you very much, I'm going to give my Dr. a call and see what he thinks. Can you please give me an idea of how Klonopin is taken? I mean is it something that I would wake up and take, then maybe take another dose at some point in the day?

Then, I can use Xanax when I need it, even if I just took a dose of Klonopin?

I used to take my klonopin at bedtime but because of my chronic pain issues and my medication I now take it in the morning. I don't like mixing opiates and benzos before sleep for obvious reasons. I have no problems taking it in the morning now because the tired effect wore off now it just kills my anxiety. The reason it is best at bedtime is because it does help you sleep and also takes away the pre sleep anxiety. Also you won't be groggy during the day.

Yea, you can take the Xanax as needed. It's nice to have for that extra anxiety or the "panic attack buildup". I have 2mg a day to take as needed. I usually take one and a half in the morning and save a half for the afternoon. Things with my anxiety are going so well I often skip my afternoon dose alltogether. The problem you are having is there are too many ups and downs with the Xanax because it is short acting. If your dr gives you Klonopin and wants to take you off the Xanax, talk to him/her about a taper plan you are comfortable with so you won't have the Xanax WD. I know exactly where you are and how you feel, good luck and let us know how it goes for you .

 

[BadMonkey]

I'm prescribed Xannies for the same thing, same dose.

I don't take it most days, at all. I def try to only use it when I feel an anxiety attack coming on. The problem with Xanax is it has a nasty rebound effect; meaning, after you've been taking it a while then stop, you'll have rebound-effect anxiety where normally you'd be fine.

The more you use Xanax, the more you'll need your Xanax. The addictive qualities of it set in rather quickly, as well.

However- it does a wonderful job of mediating an anxiety attack, so I wouldn't get rid of it all together, you know? Not if you've got a serious anxiety disorder. Or even an occasional one, like mine. If I'm taking it at night because I'm edgy and can't sleep, I take half a pill and am fine. In fact, my bottle is full of half-pills, lol. You're talking to someone who routinely runs out of their opes early, but I've got 3 refills on my Xanax and I've had the current script 2.5 months already. I'm super careful with the stuff, mainly because when I have an anxiety attack, I want to know I have something that is going to work, you know? Nothing worse on earth than an anxiety attack YIKES.

If I were you, I would start halving my dose right away. Take half of what you'd normally take at the same time you have been taking it. Do this until your down to none, then save it for when you need it.

Dr's prescribe it for daily use that way as a method of avoiding anxiety attacks all together but the shite is so addictive, really, it's not worth being pro-active about it. Unlike methadone or other drugs that need time to permeate and get into your system, Xannies kick in rather quickly, so you're ok to take AS NEEDED.

Good luck, stay safe~

 

[DaftPunkFan]

I'm in the same boat as you except I'm a little further on down the road (stream?). I already am physically dependent on benzos. It started with Xanax daily, and I have legitimate anxiety problems and nothing else seems to really work (except the Klonopin which is a recent addition). I stopped taking the Xanax cold turkey after being on them for years (not by choice, circumstance) and had a seizure. After this happened I was switched to Klonopin because of the longer half life and for a while it was working wonderfully and still is to a point, I'm much more even now, Xanax is like a roller coaster when you're dependent on it, too short acting.

The problem is I still have days where my anxiety "flares up" pretty bad and I get bad panic attacks when this happens, the Klonopin does nothing for this and I go back to taking Xanax for the panic attacks. Problem is every time I stop the Xanax again I feel EXTREMELY on edge, like what you were talking about, maddening isn't it? I don't want to go back to taking Xanax daily and I'm still hooked on the Klonopin, don't want to add daily Xanax on top of my pill regimen. Panic attacks are tricky, at least for me, every time I think I have them under control they come back.

I guess what I'm saying is I don't have an answer, personally I started using opiates (not the wisest idea, I know all too well how they can turn on you) daily because it's the only way I can function without having panic attacks and getting depressed. I've been on a number of anti-depressants but none of them really did anything for me, and if they did they would stop working after a few months. I guess if Xanax wasn't a controlled substance and they didn't watch it so closely I could just take what I needed when I needed it and I wouldn't have to worry about running out early and going without, but they keep a close eye on all that stuff and my tolerance is always increasing. I'm not using these pills for fun, I'm genuinely searching for a practical way to get rid of my panic attacks. Anyway, enough rambling, best of luck to you. If you find any answers let me know.

As soon as I can afford it I'm going to see another psych doc who may be able to treat me better but all this shit is expensive and I don't have insurance. Damn this turned out to be much longer than I had intended, sorry about that.

Cheers.

P.S. If you can get off the Xanax completely do it. Or if you can manage to only use it as needed without getting addicted that's good too. Xanax withdrawal is Hell, if there is any way you can avoid dependance go for it. But if you need it you need it.. just keep your doses as small as possible, that's what I'm trying to do.

Thanks for your input!
Ideally, I'd like to keep some Xanax handy, like you've said, for when I really need it. But I definitely am going to try out the Klonopin and see how that works.

It seems like from what I've read anyways, Klonopin can be "built up" in the body so that its like constantly working? Or is this something that is like Xanax, but just lasts way longer or is just stronger in general? Having it work around the clock sounds pretty nice, but I'm also pretty hesitant to go that route because it seems like that's just completely giving up and becoming addicted to it voluntarily.

 

[Tommyboy]

Thanks for your input!
Ideally, I'd like to keep some Xanax handy, like you've said, for when I really need it. But I definitely am going to try out the Klonopin and see how that works.

It seems like from what I've read anyways, Klonopin can be "built up" in the body so that its like constantly working? Or is this something that is like Xanax, but just lasts way longer or is just stronger in general? Having it work around the clock sounds pretty nice, but I'm also pretty hesitant to go that route because it seems like that's just completely giving up and becoming addicted to it voluntarily.

Since Klonopin has a longer half life, it doesn't "come on" as strong as xanax, but it is a little more mild, and lasts longer. Since dosages of xanax and klonopin are equiavalent, taking klonopin will allow you to have less of the drug in your body over a longer period of time. So your body will not require another dose as often, which often results in being able to lower the klonopin dosage. That is a good step in reducing/tapering off down if that is what you are looking to do.

 

[unsettled]

Yeah, the Klonopin does build up to a steady level in your blood and DEFINITELY helps, but for me I still go through phases where I get panic attacks and I need to use Xanax, now granted some of this is my own fault, like when I get bored and decide to take too much Adderall, or Ritalin or something, but even when I'm just taking my prescribed meds as prescribed I still get occasional panic attacks and nothing helps like Xanax.

But I should reiterate that the Klonopin has been a huge improvement from when I just took 1 to 2mgs of Xanax daily, I feel much more stable. I also know that meds are only part of the equation and that I need to eat right, exercise, and try and sort out my own issues in non chemical ways. I do think that some people just need the medication and shouldn't feel guilty about taking it, just don't run out early or stop cold turkey.

Cheers.