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  • BDD Moderators: Keif’ Richards

Xanax XR and Xanax IR?

Stay.Blazed.420

Bluelighter
Joined
Oct 26, 2009
Messages
474
Location
Somewhere up north
I have bad anxiety, especially OCD when i'm gaming out or watching something.. I clench my jaw and grind my teeth, i always have songs stuck in my head (the ones i hate) and whenever i'm around people i get nervous.. I'm generally shaky all the time (like i have the shivers but i'm not cold) and i also get panic attacks.

I tried Klonopin for 2 months and it helped quit a bit, and i was even on Ativan for a little bit but neither of them helped enough.. Then I was put on xanax.. It helps alot more, but it doesn't last and I find i'm needing more everyday... Xanax only lasts like 3-4 hours for me and then i have to take another... Sometimes one 0.5mg pill doesn't even suffice so i have to take 2 at a time... I'm only allowed 3 tablets a day and i'm taking 5-6 a day...

How does xanax XR work? Is it basically the same thing as taking the IR version but instead of redosing, the XR just does it for you? Is it more effective? Is it more beneficial? What's the difference between taking 3 IR 0.5mg tabs a day and a single 1.5mg XR tab? Which would be more effective? Does the XR even have that immediate kick like the IR version has? Should i ask my doctor about switching if i'm taking more a day? Should I just ask for a higher dose?

I'm running out of pills and running out of idea's..
 
my psych wanted to put me on xanax XR. said it's the only way she will scrip it because every time she gives the instant release her patients do exactly what you are.
 
I don't think she was insulting you, just commenting on how psychs tend to go for XR! Maybe it's worth giving it a go? Better than running out of pills all the time, you might find it works well for you..
 
effie is correct (thanks!); i was not insulting you. just saying that lots of patients have the same problem with instant release as you do, and my psych's solution to it was XR. she said the repeated come-up of multiple IR doses throughout the day is just too reinforcing, and she did not mean only for people who want to abuse their meds. i wasn't insulted when she said it...
 
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Do you have to be so rude..................

They seem to irrationally jump to conclusions as well, so tread carefully haha. To the original poster, the "XR" version may be inconsistent among generics and name brands. I'm actually curious as to the exact time mechanism of the name-brand Xanax XR (time between intermittent doses, amount delivered at each time period etc.)
 
how am i being rude? how about you actually read the thread before you post because you can see i clearly described what xanax extended release does. If you read my questions maybe you would have made a contributing post.
 
I'm prescribed to 1 xr xanax when I wake up and 1 when I get out of work at 5pm. I've been on it for three years and the effects slowly tapered off after time giving me no relief from severe anxiety spells but do make you calmer throughout the span of the day. My Dr switched me to 1 mg non time release twice and it is a way, its the same dosage but disolves within the first five minutes or so that it is taken. So that just makes you lethargic for a few hours until your anxiety has subsided from being tired and then you are inclined to be anxiety ridden after unless you eat them like skittle throughout the day whenever anxiety arises. You are better off with XR and maybe ask your doctor if they would allow you to do half and half. From my experience Dr's are willing to work with you if you are open, honest and don't exhibit drug seeking behavior which a lot of people do when looking for benzos or opiates. They are liscenced to immediately sense these charecteristics in a patient and will provide you with the help that you need.
 
Different strokes for different folks, for some, Xanax XR is the benzo that works best for them. (Personally speaking of course) I'd say that the longer acting benzos such as clonazepam (Klonopin) are more effective.

Again, your mileage may (will) vary.
 
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